11000 Thrift Road
Clinton, MD 20735-9764
301-297-4575; TTY 301-699-2544

Community involvement is important at Clearwater Nature Center and to further this involvement we support a number of clubs and community groups.

The Clearwater Nature Center Associates is a group of volunteers working together to support the center's goals of providing youths and adults the opportunity to gain knowledge, enjoyment, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship of our natural, historical, and human environment; and to help protect and manage natural areas of Prince George's County. CNCA members receive reduced fees on selected programs and field trips while helping to support Clearwater Nature Center goals and activities. Membership dues: $10 (individual), $20 (family), $50 (patron), and $100 (contributor). Contributions over $4 are tax deductible.

The Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD. Speakers and field trips are planned for jewelry makers, fossil hunters, mineral enthusiasts, and laymen just interested in beautiful stones. Guests are welcome! Club dues: $12 ($14 non-resident). Please call the nature center for information about joining the SoMD Rock and Mineral Club.

The Forest Akers is a group of adult volunteers that meet monthly for field trips and outings. Previous trips have included: the Spy Museum, the National Arboretum, and an overnight trip to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. If you can donate just 15 hours per year and want the fellowship and knowledge gained from local field trips, please call the nature center to find out about joining this enthusiastic group.

The Kiyomizu Bonsai Club meets on the 4th Sunday of each month on a semi-regular basis at Clearwater Nature Center. If you would like to join the Bonsai Club to learn this unique art, please contact Godfrey Trammell at 301-645-3519 or Essie Wilson at 301-839-2471.

The Southern Maryland Audubon Society meets occasionally at Clearwater Nature Center. For more information on the schedule of activities, please call Millie Kriemelmeyer at 301-372-8766; or e-mail milliek@radix.net or visit www.geocities.com/smdaudubon.

The Basketeers, an adult group of experienced basket weavers meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 9 am-2 pm. Members take turns teaching others how to make a variety of interesting baskets. Beginning basket-weaving enthusiasts with a desire to learn are always welcome. If you are interested in finding out how to join this group, please contact CNC volunteer Beverly Linde at 301-283-3248 or Patty Schartner at 301-812-1028.

Teen & Adult Volunteers: Adults and youths (ages 14 & up) are needed year-round to assist nature center staff as program guides as well as to support animal care, secretarial needs, exhibit construction, photography, research, gardening, and many other services. For additional information about various volunteer programs provided by Clearwater Nature Center and volunteer applications, check out the Volunteer Opportunities list.