Sunday, September 2

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Summer Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe Join us in the planetarium for a program exploring the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 to adult.

Wednesday, September 5

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Young Planetarium This introduction to the night sky is for the youngest of astronomers. Explore the sun, moon, stars and planets in the night sky this month. Ages 4 to 10 and families.

Friday, September 7

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Creature Feature Get acquainted with the Nature Center's live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.

Saturday, September 8

· 10:00 AM Nature Center Civil War Round Table -Spotlight on Elizabeth Thomas Interested in learning more about the Civil War in Rock Creek Park? Join the Fort Stevens Working Group for a short video viewing and discussion of Elizabeth "Aunt Betty" Thomas, "the owner of Fort Stevens." Ages 8 to adult.

· 11:30 AM Fort Nature Center General Robert E. Lee's Dilemma and the Battle of Fort Stevens Only one of Washington DC's Civil War fortresses was directly attacked during the Civil War: Fort Stevens. Discover the story of this battle and learn about CSA General Robert E. Lee's challenges in 1864. Ages 8 to adult.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Summer Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 2:00 PM Peirce Mill Peek at the Creek The landscape surrounding Rock Creek has changed dramatically over time. Experience today's landscape and look for evidence of ages gone by. Ages 7 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe - Peace in the Sky Space is the dominion for all humankind. In recognition of International Day of Peace (September 21), join us in the planetarium for this special program examining how the nations of earth have come together to explore our planet, our solar system and our galaxy. Ages 7 to adult.

Sunday, September 9

· 11:00 AM Horse Center Ranger-Led Horseback Tour Experience Rock Creek Park with a ranger by horseback. Participants must be 12 or older and weight limits apply. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for this one-hour tour. Fee $40. Please arrive 30 minutes before your ride. For more information call (202) 362-0117.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Summer Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature CenterExploring the Universe Join us in the planetarium for a program exploring the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 to adult.

Wednesday, September 12

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Young Planetarium This introduction to the night sky is for the youngest of astronomers. Explore the sun, moon, stars and planets in the night sky this month. Ages 4 to 10 and families.

Friday, September 14

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Creature Feature Get acquainted with the Nature Center's live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.

Saturday, September 15

· 10:00 AM Peirce Mill Take Action for the Ocean: Ocean Conservancy 2012 International Clean-Up For a better earth, don't be trashy! Learn about a major environmental challenge facing Rock Creek Park and the oceans of the world, and then "sweep the creek" with Rock Creek Conservancy staff members. Become a Citizen Scientist and record trash data for Ocean Conservancy. Bags and gloves provided. Ages 7 to adult.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Summer Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe - Peace in the Sky Space is the dominion for all humankind. In recognition of International Day of Peace (September 21), join us in the planetarium for this special program examining how the nations of earth have come together to explore our planet, our solar system and our galaxy. Ages 7 to adult.

· 8:00 PM Military Field Exploring the Sky: Cassiopeia level with Polaris Join National Capital Astronomers and Rock Creek rangers and view space phenomena through the lens of a telescope. Can you identify Cassiopeia and the big dipper to the north? Bring your astronomical questions. Rain or heavy cloud cover cancels the event. All ages welcome.

Sunday, September 16

· 11:00 AM Horse CenterRanger-Led Horseback Tour Experience Rock Creek Park with a ranger by horseback. Participants must be 12 or older and weight limits apply. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for this one-hour tour. Fee $40. Please arrive 30 minutes before your ride. For more information call (202) 362-0117.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Summer Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the UniverseJoin us in the planetarium for a program exploring the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 to adult.

Wednesday, September 19

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Young Planetarium This introduction to the night sky is for the youngest of astronomers. Explore the sun, moon, stars and planets in the night sky this month. Ages 4 to 10 and families.

Friday, September 21

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Creature Feature Get acquainted with the Nature Center's live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.

Saturday, September 22

Lincoln-Thomas Day!

· 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Fort Stevens Lincoln-Thomas Day Visit Fort Stevens and discover the life and legacy of Mrs. Elizabeth "Aunt Betty" Thomas, "the owner of Fort Stevens", during this special community event.Sponsored by the Military Road School Preservation Trust, Brightwood Community Association, Emory Beacon of Light, and the National Park Service, Lincoln-Thomas Day will culminate in dedication of Elizabeth Thomas Way by Washington DC Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Browser. For additional information, please call 202-241-7276. All ages.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Autumn Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe - Peace in the Sky Space is the dominion for all man. In recognition of International Day of Peace (September 21), join us in the planetarium for this special program examining how the nations of earth have come together to explore our planet, our solar system and our galaxy. Ages 7 to adult.

Sunday, September 23

Rock Creek Park Day!

Join our special programs celebrating Rock Creek Park's 122^{nd birthday!}

· 10:00 AM Nature Center Before the Park History Hike An eccentric poet with a cabin in the woods, "bombs bursting in air" from Fort DeRussy during the Civil War… Discover what life was like in Rock Creek Park before 1890 on this two to three mile loop hike with a park ranger. Ages 9 to adult.

· 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Peirce Mill Peirce Mill Grinds Again Step back in time into the industrial revolution of 1800s America. Explore the four floors of Peirce Mill and see this water-powered machine in action. Milling demonstrations take place on the hour and half hour. After exploring the mill, make sure to visit Peirce Barn next door and learn about the Peirce Plantation and milling history of the Rock Creek Valley All ages.

· 11:00 AM Nature Center Planetarium Film: The Zula Patrol: Down to Earth The Zula Patrol turns up evidence that the villainous Deliria Delight has been travelling back in time to Earth's prehistoric past to illegally dump her company's toxic trash. The Zula Patrollers must find and catch her, before her actions cause catastrophic consequences.24 minutes. Ages 4-8 and their families.

· 11:30 AM Nature Center Creature Feature Get acquainted with the Nature Center's live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.

· 12:00 PM Nature Center Planetarium Film: Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity This cutting-edge production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena, working with data generated by computer simulations, to bring the current science of black holes to the dome screen. 24 minutes. Ages 7 and over.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Autumn Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 2:00 PM Grove 2 West Parking Lot Kids in Park: Track Trails Ribbon Cutting and Ranger-led Walk Join children and health advocates for a 1.8 mile walk on the new Track Trail along Rock Creek. Discover the health benefits of walking for your body in the beautiful Rock Creek Valley. Meet at Picnic Grove #2 West parking lot off of Broad Branch Road and Beach Drive, NW. Rain or shine event. All ages.

· 2:00 PM Nature Center Planetarium Film: Dawn of the Space Age Re-live the excitement of the early days of space exploration, from the launch of the first artificial satellite sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights. 41 minutes. Ages 8 to adult.

· 3:00 PM Nature Center Planetarium Film: Oasis In Space Get transported on a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy and solar system in search of liquid water - a key ingredient for life on Earth. Ages 7 to adult. 24 minutes.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe Join us in the planetarium for a program exploring the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 to adult.

Wednesday, September 26

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Young Planetarium This introduction to the night sky is for the youngest of astronomers. Explore the sun, moon, stars and planets in the night sky this month. Ages 4 to adult.

Friday, September 28

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Creature Feature Get acquainted with the Nature Center's live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.

Saturday, September 29

· 7:00 AM to 7 PM Dumbarton Oaks Park National Public Lands Day: Weeding Party with Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy Join the National Park Service and Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy in the fight against invasive plant species. Remove exotic ivy from the naturalistic landscape of Beatrix Farrand's Dumbarton Oaks Park in Georgetown. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and close-toed shoes required.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Autumn Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 2:00 PM Peirce Mill Peek at the Creek The landscape surrounding Rock Creek has changed dramatically over time. Experience today's landscape and look for evidence of ages gone by. Ages 7 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe - Peace in the Sky Space is the dominion for all man. In recognition of International Day of Peace (September 21), join us in the planetarium for this special program examining how the nations of earth have come together to explore our planet, our solar system and our galaxy. Ages 7 to adult.

Sunday, September 30

· 11:00 AM Horse Center Ranger-Led Horseback Tour Experience Rock Creek Park with a ranger by horseback. Participants must be 12 or older and weight limits apply. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for this one-hour tour. Fee $40. Please arrive 30 minutes before your ride. For more information call (202) 362-0117.

· 1:00 PM Nature Center Autumn Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star Visit the only planetarium in the National Park system. View the season's brightest stars, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Ages 5 to adult.

· 4:00 PM Nature Center Exploring the Universe Join us in the planetarium for a program exploring the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other space phenomena. Ages 7 to adult.

For directions to programs or for more information:

Call Rock Creek Park Wednesday through Sunday at 202-895-6070.

All ranger-led programs are free and open to the public. All programs start promptly at the scheduled time.

Hours of operation and contact information:

• Nature Center Located at 5200 Glover Road, NW (off Military Rd.), Open Wed - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 202-895-6070
• Old Stone House Located at 3051 M Street, NW (in Georgetown), Open daily 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM 202-426-6851.
• Peirce Mill and Barn Located at the corner of Tilden Street and Beach Drive. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 202-895-6070
• Horse Center Located at 5100 Glover Road, NW (next to Nature Center), (292) 362-0117
• Military Field Located on Glover Road by Picnic Grove 13, near the intersection with Military Road, NW.
  If you would like to receive our monthly calendar of events, please call 202- 895-6070 or e-mail us.