Clearwater Nature center offers curriculum-related programs for school groups as well as “Community Outreach” programs held at your location. For program reservations, please call the nature center.

All programs held at Clearwater Nature Center include an outdoor component that can be modified for inclement weather. Please dress accordingly. Our auditorium can accommodate 60 people; larger groups can be divided.

There is no fee for walk-in visitors and self guided tours except during special events. Walk-in groups are encouraged to call first as we may have scheduled other large groups.

Fees

Programs presented at Clearwater Nature Center (minimum 10 people)

• $1 per person for Prince George's and Montgomery County schools
• $2 per person for out-of-county schools
• An optional craft can be requested for an additional $1 per person

• $2 per person for Prince George's and Montgomery County schools
• $3 per person for out-of-county schools.
• Craft option is not available
• Live Animal Shows: special rates for large groups may apply. Please inquire for details

Bus Permits

Bus permits are required for Cosca Regional Park and must be displayed inside the bus windshield. Permits are free when attending reserved programs at Clearwater Nature Center. Prince George's & Montgomery County groups call the Park Permits Office 301-918-8111 to have your permit mailed to you. Out-of-county groups, the nature center will secure the permits for you and give them to you the day of your program.

Reminder: When visiting the nature center, all buses are required to park in either of the two side parking lots even when dropping off or picking up passengers. Busses are not permitted in the upper lot, which is reserved for cars only.

Individuals with Disabilities

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the facility two weeks in advance of the program start date to request an accommodation (i.e. sign language interpreter, support staff, etc.).

School Program Offered

Most of our programs can be modified for all grade levels.

Live Animal Show (Pre-K & up)
Using a variety of live animals, students will enjoy a hands-on learning experience as they discover where the animals live, what they eat, how they move, how they adapt to survive, and much more.

Dinosaurs and Fossils (K & up)
Travel back in time to discover the secrets of prehistoric life. Investigate prehistoric plans and animals using visual aids, fossils, games and hands-on activities.

Metamorphosis and Insects (Grades 2-8)
Explore the world of insects and how they benefit the environment with a special focus on life cycles and metamorphosis of butterflies, moths, and amphibians. Make scientific observations using multimedia, visual aids, and specimens. Includes a hike to search for insects.

Rocks & More Rocks (Grades 2-8)
Classify rocks by their properties: size, weight, color, texture, and shape. A hands-on presentation examines nature's building blocks and explores how these natural resources are used.

Vivacious Vertebrates (Grades 2-8)
Using multimedia, visual aids, and live animals, explore the characteristics and habitats of vertebrates: mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians. Focus will be on the adaptations for survival: locomotion, diet, body coverings, communications, reproduction, migration, hibernation, and dormancy.

Wetlands and the Bay (Grades 2-8)
Focus on various wetlands, their functions and their importance to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Hike along the creek or lake and discuss the water cycle, watersheds, pollution, erosion, and other factors affecting wetlands. Use charts, nets, and trays to study live aquatic animals and plants. Students should wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Plants, Photosynthesis and Cycles (Grades 2-8)
This is a grade appropriate exploration program with an emphasis on plant structure, functions, characteristics, and reproduction. Learn the importance of green plants and energy flow, the process of photosynthesis, and the respiration cycle. Students will hike to an area to study biotic and abiotic features of forest ecosystems using visual aids, multimedia, and measuring tools. Team up and play a competitive game.

Indians of Southern Maryland (Grades 4-8)
Examine artifacts and tools to learn about historical Eastern Woodland Indian cultures and how they used natural resources. Multimedia and outdoor activities included.