Calendar of Events

ADULTSFAMILIESCHILDREN

ADULTS

Saturday June 14

Wetland in Bloom

9-11am. Take a plant ecology hike to the wetland during peak bloom of buttonbush, swamp rose, and lizard's tail. Search for birds and mammals that use these plants for food, shelter, and nesting. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. $6

Sunday June 15

Introduction to Fly Tying

(16 yrs. and up), 12:30-1:30pm, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 703-768-2525. If woolly buggers and hare's nymphs pique your interest, you may want to try your hand at the intricate art of fly tying. Equipment and materials provided. Sponsored by FOHMP. Reservations required. $10

Saturday June 21 and Saturday June 28

Digital Photography Class

(18 yrs. and up), 2-6pm. Want to get more from your digital camera? Photographer Corey Hilz will teach you how. Through outdoor photography sessions and indoor photo critiques, learn how your camera can capture the beauty of nature in summer. Reservations required. $90

Friday June 20

Café Cattail

7-9:30pm. Welcome to Huntley Meadows' very own coffeehouse! Enjoy a relaxing evening applauding our community's talents. Musicians, dancers and poets are encouraged to share their arts with a nature theme. Reservations required for performers only. Sponsored by FOHMP. FREE

Saturday June 28

Summer Stroll

8-10pm. Glittering fireflies, gnawing beavers and a parade of raccoons - evidence that Huntley Meadows Park never sleeps! Learn about Huntley's night life through a short lecture and a walk to the wetland. Sponsored by FOHMP. Cancelled if rain. $2

Sunday June 29

Dragonflies

9-11:30am. Learn about the life cycle, behavior and identification of Huntley's many dragonflies and damselflies. Venture to the wetland to observe these acrobatic fliers in action. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. FREE

Sunday June 29

"Wildlife in Watercolors" Opening Reception

2-4pm. Meet artist BJ Opfer and view his watercolors of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and mammals at the opening reception for his exhibition, on display through July. Sponsored by FOHMP. FREE

Saturday July 12

Summer Birds and Bagels

8-10:30am. Explore the woodland and wetland to observe summer bird life. Following the walk, cool off and enjoy juice and bagels at the Visitor Center. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot. Binoculars and field guides recommended. Sponsored by FOHMP. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. $6

Sunday July 13

Birding for Beginners - Optics and Field Guides

8-10:30am. Interested in birding? We can get you started! Learn about the birds in the park and some basic identification skills. Program begins with a discussion of field guides and optics. Reservations required. $2

FAMILIES

Sunday June 8

Sssnakes!

Noon-1:30pm. Through discussion and a walk learn about some of Huntley's scaly inhabitants. Appropriate for families; children must be six years or older. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. $6/adult, $4/child

Sunday June 15

Introduction to Fly Tying

(16 yrs. and up), 12:30-1:30pm, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 703-768-2525. If woolly buggers and hare's nymphs pique your interest, you may want to try your hand at the intricate art of fly tying. Equipment and materials provided. Sponsored by FOHMP. Reservations required. $10

Friday June 20

Café Cattail

7-9:30pm. Welcome to Huntley Meadows' very own coffeehouse! Enjoy a relaxing evening applauding our community's talents. Musicians, dancers and poets are encouraged to share their arts with a nature theme. Reservations required for performers only. Sponsored by FOHMP. FREE

Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13

Video - Feathered Jewels

10-10:30am. Hummingbirds are a marvel of nature. Learn more about these beautiful and agile flyers. FREE

Saturday July 19

Bat Watching

8-9:30pm. The only mammals with true flight can find insect prey in complete darkness. Learn about the diversity and adaptations of these fascinating animals at a slide illustrated lecture. Then search twilight skies for bats on the wing. Reservations required. $6/adult, $4/child

Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27

Buglover's Paradise

(Families with children 4 yrs. and up), 10am-noon. The park is buzzing with insect activity - grasshoppers, butterflies, ladybugs and leafhoppers. Stop by our classroom for self-guided activities, a craft and videos. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by FOHMP. $2/child

Saturday August 16 and Sunday August 17

Video - Insects

10-10:30am. Take a close-up look at the amazing world of insects. FREE

CHILDREN

Monday June 9

Young Explorers - Snakes

(6-8 yrs.), 3:15-4:30pm. Through indoor and outdoor activities learn about these fascinating scaly wonders. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. $3

Wednesday June 11 or Thursday June 12

Nature Detectives - Snakes

(3-5 yrs.), 10-10:45am. Through story, activity and craft learn about these fascinating scaly wonders. Reservations required. $5

Monday July 14-Thursday July 17

Nature Photography Camp

(12-16 yrs.), 9am-1pm. Over five days, teenagers learn to use digital photography and printing to capture plants, animals, and scenery in the park. Images will be entered in the Friends of Huntley Meadows annual photo contest. Sponsored by FOHMP. Reservations required. $100

Thursday July 31

Nature Detectives - Cool It

(3-5 yrs.), 10-10:45 am. Through a story, activity and craft learn how animals stay cool in the heat of summer. Reservations required. $5

Thursday August 7

Young Explorers - Animal, Vegetable, Mineral

(6-8 yrs.), 10-11:15am. Through indoor and outdoor activities learn about these three major science groups. Reservations required. Cancelled if rain. $3