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Programs and Events

Program Registration

  • To guarantee your spot in a program, advance registration is required for all programs with a SMARTlink course number.
  • If you already have a SMARTlink account, please register for programs via SMARTlink.
  • Don't have a SMARTlink account yet? Check out the Classes & Programs page for information on how to go about setting up a SMARTlink account for yourself and your family.
  • Drop-in admissions (no registration) are accepted only as space permits and are never guaranteed as programs sometimes fill up quickly or may be canceled 24-48 hours prior to the start of the program due to insufficient registrations in SMARTlink. Individuals must show a valid ID with proof of residency otherwise you will be charged the non-resident fee.
  • For programs that do not have a SMARTlink course number, please call Clearwater Nature Center at 301-297-4575 to sign up.

Program Fees

  • Fees for programs are based on your residency.
  • Residents (R): individuals who live within Prince George's or Montgomery Counties
  • Non-Residents (NR): individuals who live in all other jurisdictions.

Program Requirements

  • Most of our programs are intended to be family oriented. Unless the program description states otherwise, all children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult during the program. In other words, adults must register for, pay for, and participate in the program too!
  • Please remember to check all age requirements for each program before registering. Children must meet the age requirement to attend a program.



22nd Annual Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show


Clearwater Nature Center and the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club will be hosting its 22nd Annual Show and Sale. Vendors and exhibitors will be selling minerals, fossils, gems, tools, supplies, findings, and original jewelry designs. Watch demonstrations of faceting, bead stringing, wire wrapping and gold panning. Reservations are not required.
Location: Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Fee: $3 (ages 7 & up); Free (ages 6 & under)
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday, February 18



Winter Programs - December 2011 - February 2012

Registration begins November 14 (Residents); November 21 (Non-Residents)

Live Animal Shows
Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, and other live animals.
Ages: 2 & up
Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR)
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Special Winter Break Creature Features!
Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals.
Ages: 2 & up
Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR)
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
  • Raptors - Wednesday, December 28, SMARTlink # 656814
  • Reptiles - Thursday, December 29, SMARTlink # 6568815

Family Campfires

Come enjoy an afternoon nature program while roasting marshmallows. Roasting sticks and marshmallows will be provided. You may bring your own hot dogs and drinks if you like. Please dress for the weather. This program is held outdoors and is weather dependent. Program may be canceled due to steady rain or high winds.
Ages: 2 & up
Fee: $3 (R); $4 (NR)
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Jewelry: Gem Cutting - Cabochons

Learn the basics of gem cutting as you create your own cabochon using diamond saws, grinders, and polishing equipment. Students are required to bring a pair of safety goggles to class. It is recommended that you bring an apron to protect clothing or wear clothes that can get wet and oily. Members of the Clearwater Nature Center Associates (CNCA) and/or the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club (SMRMC) receive a discount on the cost of the class.
Ages: 18 & up
Fee: $30 (R); $36 (NR); $20 (R Member); $24 (NR Member)
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Fiber Arts Drop-In

Want to learn more about knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, or other fiber arts? Join us for one of our monthly gatherings to work on projects and share knowledge with each other. If you have a current project you are working on, feel free to bring it with you. Reservations are not required and no experience is needed. Supply kits are available for purchase ($5-10) if you need them. Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. Parents are encouraged to participate.
Ages: 6 & up
Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR)
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  • Monday, December 12
  • Monday, January 9
  • Monday, February 13

Raptor Census

Join us as we seek out as many of our wintering birds of prey as possible. Learn how to spot and identify hawks, eagles, and possibly falcons. Bring a bag lunch/drink and dress for the weather. Binoculars and field guides are recommended, but not required.
Ages: 13 & up
Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR); Free (CNCA Members)
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Fabric Arts: Natural Dyeing

Join members of the Clearwater Nature Center natural Dye Group to explore the colors that can be obtained from plants and other natural materials and experiment with a variety of traditional dye techniques. For students of all skill levels. While this is a free demo program, some projects may have a nominal materials fee (usually under $5 per person).
Ages: 13 & up
Fee: Free
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Timberdoodle Hike

Join a naturalist for a hike to see the spectacular courtship display of the "Timberdoodle" or American Woodcock. This mysterious bird reliably performs a spiraling flight display shortly after sunset. Please dress for the weather. This program is held outdoors and is weather dependent. Program may be canceled due to rain. 
Ages: 6 & up
Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR)
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Teen Volunteer Program - 2012 Spring Session
This orientation is for new teen volunteers who wish to begin volunteer service. Space is limited! You must sign up in advance in SMARTlink to reserve your spot. Drop-ins are not permitted. After registering, you must stop by and pick up an application at Clearwater Nature Center during normal business hours. Applications must be filled out and turned in by January 21, 2012.
Ages: 13 - 17
Fee: Free
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Home-School Science Programs
Students will experience a series of four (4) in-depth nature classes that may use live animals, preserved specimens, artifacts, multimedia presentations, discussions, hikes, and other hands-on activities to explore the world of natural science. Class meets once a month.

Nature Friends
Ages: 4-6
Fee: $14 (R); $17 (NR)
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
  • Meets on Friday (2/3, 3/2, 4/6, & 5/4),  SMARTlink # 656874
  • A parent must accompany and assist their child in Nature Friends activities. 
Nature Rangers
Ages: 7-9
Fee: $20 (R); $25 (NR)
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
  • Meets on Friday (2/3, 3/2, 4/6, & 5/4),  SMARTlink # 656875
  • Parents may drop their children off and return to pick them up after class.
Nature Explorers
Ages: 10-14
Fee: $20 (R); $25 (NR)
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
  • Meets on Monday (2/6, 3/5, 4/2, & 5/7),  SMARTlink # 656873
  • Parents may drop their children off and return to pick them up after class.



2012 Summer Day Camps

Registration begins February 25 (Residents); March 3 (Non-Residents)

Parents, it's that time again time to start planning for your child's summer of fun.

Registration: A SMARTlink client account is required to register your child for summer camps. If you do not already have a family account set up, visit any M-NCPPC staffed facility during normal business hours and bring proof of identity, ages, and residency for yourself and each family member that will be on your account. For more information on setting up an account, go to: Become a SMARTlink Client.

  • Age Requirements: campers must be ages 4-10 by August 31, 2012 and ages 11-15 by December 31, 2012.
  • All required camp and medical forms are to be completely filled out and turned in to the nature center by June 1, 2012. If registering after June 1, all forms are due at the time of registration.
  • At the time of registration, please make sure that your home mailing address on your SMARTlink account is current/correct; otherwise we will be unable to mail you the necessary forms to fill out. Campers will not be allowed to attend camp if the necessary paperwork has not been filled out and turned in.
Before and After Extended Care: AM/PM care is available for all nature summer camps except Nature Seekers
  • AM Care: 7:00 - 9:00 am; Fee: $13 (R); $15 (NR)
  • PM Care: 4:30 - 6:00 pm; Fee: $12 (R); $15 (NR)
Payment: Camps may be paid in full at the time of camp registration or a $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit may be applied to each registration to hold your spot. Full payment must be made by June 1 (for camps starting on or before July 9) or by July 1 (for camps starting after July 9). Failure to pay in full by the due date may cause you to lose your spot in that camp. Personal checks will not be accepted after June 1.

Ages 4-5 : Nature Seekers
  • Dates: July 16-20
  • Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Fee: $65 (R); $75 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783073
  • Before Care: N/A
  • After Care: N/A
Ages 6-7 : Nature Detectives
  • Dates: August 6-10
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $105 (R); $130 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783070
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 783071
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 783072
Ages 8-10 : Wetland Wanderers
  • Dates: June 18-22
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $120 (R); $145 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783018
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 783019
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 783020
Ages 8-10 : Nature Adventurers
  • Dates: July 30 - August 3
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $120 (R); $145 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783064
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 783065
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 783066
Ages 8-10 : Nature predators
  • Dates: August 13-17
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $120 (R); $145 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783067
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 783068
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 783069
Ages 11-13 : Extreme Adventurers
  • Dates: July 9-13
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $185 (R); $225 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 783014
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 783016
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 783017
Ages 11-13 : Environmental Science
  • Dates: July 23-27
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $185 (R); $225 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 782966
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 782968
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 782969
Ages 13-15 : Junior Naturalists
  • Dates: June 25-29
  • Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fee: $185 (R); $225 (NR)
  • Camp: SMARTlink # 782914
  • Before Care: SMARTlink # 782964
  • After Care: SMARTlink # 782965