Here’s What’s Happening in Rock Creek Park for May 2009
International Migratory Bird Day
May 9th
Nature Center
Children’s Programs
Creature Feature Get acquainted with the nature center’s live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages. Fridays 4:00 PM
Woodland Trail Hike Join a park ranger for a walk to look for signs of spring. Boots are recommended. Ages 5 and older. Thursday, May 7th 4:00 PM.
Hikes
Senior Stretch For seniors who want to get out and enjoy a gentle, ranger-guided walk in the woods. Duration of program will depend on ability level of group. Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Rolling Meadow Bridge Hike Enjoy a 2 ½ mile hike to Rolling Meadow Bridge to see the sites of Rock Creek Park in spring. Ages 8 and older Sunday, May3rd 2:00 PM
Migratory Bird Walk May is a great month for birding. This bird walk will not only focus on finding birds through sight and sound, it will also introduce participants to the reasons many birds choose to live in Rock Creek Park in the summer. Ages 8 and older. Saturday, May 9th 9:00 AM
Miscellaneous Programs
Fort Stevens Cleanup Help clean up the hallowed grounds of Fort Stevens Battleground this Memorial Day Weekend and learn the stories of bravery and sacrifice of the Civil War soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Ages 10 and up. Gloves and bags will be provided. Meet at the Nature Center at 9:45AM and caravan to the fort. Saturday, May 23rd 10:00 AM
Battleground Cemetery Talk Learn the stories of bravery and sacrifice of the Civil War soldiers who died during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Ages 10 and up. At Battleground Cemetery Sunday, May 24th 2:00 PM
Backyard Science Become a Citizen Scientist! See how fun and easy collecting real and useful information can be. Join us for an interactive lesson and hike in and around the Nature Center. Saturday, May 23rd 2:00 PM at the Nature Center
Planetarium Programs
Young Planetarium (Beginner Level) Wednesdays 4:00 PM For the youngest of astronomers. 20 minutes. Discovering the Moon Learn about the Earth’s closest celestial neighbor, the Moon.
Spring Night Sky (Beginner/Intermediate Level) This 30-minute program highlights constellations and other night sky phenomena. Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM
Exploring the Universe (Advanced Level) This 45-minute program details deep sky phenomena such as stars, galaxies, nebulae, and planets. Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM
Oasis in Space Journey through the solar system on a quest for water in this half-hour planetarium presentation. Ages 5 and older. Various times.
Exploring Mars Learn about the wondrous features of the planet Mars while helping a ranger navigate a “rover” on a simulated Martian landscape. All ages. Saturday, May 2nd 2:00 PM
Exploring the Sky Join a park ranger and members of the National Capital Astronomers in Rock Creek Park to view the stars, planets, and other night sky phenomena with telescopes. All ages. Rain cancels this event. Saturday, May 16th 9:00 PM
A Closer Look at the Sun Look at the sun through a special telescope to see if there are any sunspots. All ages Thursday, May 21st 4:00 PM
Peirce Mill
Hunting Methods of the Native Peoples Learn the simple and effective tools that the native peoples of the Rock Creek Valley utilized for hunting and capturing prey. Ages 6 and up. Sunday, May 10th 2:00 PM
Theodore Roosevelt Hike This 2-mile hike follows in the footsteps of our 26th President. Ages 8 and older. Saturday, May 30th 11:00 AM
Old Stone House
By Dawn’s Early Light Discover how the burning of Washington led to the writing of our nation’s anthem. Meet at garden entrance. Ages 8 and older. Sunday, May 3rd 10:30 AM
The following 15-minute, impromptu programs will be offered Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Stone House.
Women of the Colonial Period explore the Old Stone House through the eyes of a pre-revolutionary woman. All ages.
Did Washington Sleep Here? Uncover the reason behind the myth that helped to preserve the Old Stone House for over a century. All ages.
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