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• Chomp & Charm –Shark Tooth Necklace Make n Take

  • Start
    11 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    12 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd, Natural History Society of MD

  Register

  

  You are never fully dressed without a fossilized shark tooth necklace you make yourself! Drop into the museum between 10-2 to create a wearable piece of history featuring an authentic Otodus shark tooth from Morocco—an ancient ancestor of the massive megalodon.

  For centuries, shark teeth have been worn as symbols of protection, strength, and effortless cool.  We provide all materials—you bring your creativity.

  •  No experience needed
  • All materials included – You can buy more and different shark teeth, fossils and minerals in the gift shop to add…
  •  All ages welcome (kids must be accompanied by an adult)
  •  Pre-registration required—spots are limited!

  Join us for a fin-tastic time and leave with a piece of prehistoric power around your neck! Come anytime between 10am and 1pm to give yourself enough time to create a masterpiece. We will start cleaning up at 2PM.

  NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

   

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• Story Makers with Common Tone (ages 1-5 years)

  • Start
    22 Sep 2026
  •  
  • End
    10 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  

  This fall, we are teaming up with Common Tone to bring Story Makers to the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences. Designed for children aged 1-5 and their caregivers, each session will include a family craft and music event that explores a story through songs, art, movement, and play. Children will create and take home a craft inspired by the story. The stories we select will be nature-based, and the museum will have specimens from the collection for children to explore, making this a truly unique program.

  This is an 8-week program, meeting on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:15 am from September 22 to November 17 (no session on Nov. 3). You can register for the whole series or just a single session.

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  ABOUT COMMON TONE: Common Tone™ arts enrichment programming promotes authentic exploration of performing and visual arts for children of all ages.

  Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Pacione, Common Tone encourages students of all ages to develop a love and appreciation for music, movement, visual art, and drama. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

  Listen to Mike & Beth on Tiffany Aurora’s Entrepreneurs & Artists podcast!
  “Better Together with Mike Feathers and Beth Pacione of Common Tone Music”

  Read about Mike & Beth’s Common Tone journey in Voyage Baltimore Magazine.

  

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• imagiNATURE Exhibition @ The Gallery at CCBC Essex

  • Start
    05 Oct 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    20 Nov 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    MD 21237, The Gallery at CCBC Essex Arts and Humanities Hall

  

  Unleash your imagiNATURE

  Created in partnership with the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences, this exhibition pairs objects from the museum’s collection with works by contemporary artists whose practices explore, interpret, and investigate the natural world. By bringing art and science into dialogue, the exhibition offers new ways of understanding the environments, organisms, and forces that shape our world.

  The Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences is a playground for all who are driven by curiosity, an inclusive hub for scientific research and discovery, and a proving ground for the next generation of naturalists. Housing the largest interdisciplinary natural history collections in Maryland, MMNS tells stories written in rocks, fossils, minerals, plants, animals, fungi and more. Free public open hours plus a full calendar of field trips, classes, and events. @marylandnature –

  Curated by Tim Phelps, Bronwyn Mitchell-Strong and Nicole Buckingham Kern

  The Gallery at CCBC Essex
  Arts and Humanities Hall, 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21237

  General Gallery Hours (By Exhibition)

  • Monday: Noon – 4:00 PM

  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Thursday & Later: Hours vary 

  

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• Poplar Island: History, Restoration, and a Year of Native Bees

  • When
    05 Nov 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

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  On islands, change is always visible. Poplar Island is a prime example of this ecological construct. In this presentation, Gene Scarpulla will provide a clear overview of Poplar Island’s long history in the Chesapeake Bay, beginning in the 1500s and tracing its major phases of change. He will cover early settlement, the origins of the island’s various names, British activity during the War of 1812, the period of farming and small communities, the era of bootlegging, and the Jefferson Islands Club, visited by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. He will also outline the island’s steady erosion into several smaller islands,reducing it to just four acres, and the modern effort to rebuild it using dredged material from Bay shipping channels.

  That restoration work connects directly to the second part of Gene’s talk. In 2015, he and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists conducted a yearlong native bee survey on the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island. Gene will describe the survey methods and summarize the results, including the 94 bee species documented, three first Maryland records, a rare western species, several non‑North American species, cuckoo bees, and plant‑specialist bees.

  

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• Fall for Fungi Hike, November

  • When
    06 Nov 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Edgemere, North Point State Park
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  

  Turkey tail, chicken of the woods, and scrambled egg slime. We aren’t talking poultry here. Grab your camera instead of your deep-fryer, and join us for our fall mushroom hunt with master mycologist William Needham. Let’s wander the trails to search for fungi that catch our eye with unique coloring or gill placement and our ears with their odd name combinations.

  And while fall is a perfect time to search for fungi, nothing is guaranteed. Keep in mind that a destroying angel or inky cap could be growing just around the next corner, and enjoy the day regardless of how many mushrooms you find during the hike. Also, to limit our impact on the park, let’s focus on learning to identify and taste rather than forage, which can damage an area if too much is taken.

  Our leader, William Needham, is the former president of the Mycological Association of Washington and has extensive field and practical experience with fungi. He is also a Maryland Master Naturalist. He is active in several local hiking and nature groups and writes and co-edits hiking guides for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. He co-edited Hikes in the Washington Area, Part A, which includes Montgomery and Frederick Counties. His recently published book, The Compleat Ambler, is based in part on the blog Hiker’s Notebook, which was originally hosted on the Sierra Club Potomac Regional Outings website.

  Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike with many stops. There is one short downhill section that may be rocky. Bring your hiking poles if needed.

  • We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
  • Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
  • All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
  • High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
  • No more than two children per adult.
  • Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
  • Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
  • Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
  • Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
  • Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
  • No pets, please.

  All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  MMNS membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

  For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

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• Explore Puerto Rico

  • Start
    06 Nov 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    15 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Puerto Rico
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Let’s go beyond the usual tourist stops to experience the whole island of Puerto Rico from coast to coast. This active trip highlights lesser-known spots and offers unique interactions with endemic flora and fauna. We’ll hike through the karst region to explore caves, look for endangered species in the Guánica Dry Forest, and admire a nursery full of young corals and sea urchins. There’s a stop to learn about leatherback turtles and a chance to see turtles in the wild on a snorkel trip in bioluminescent bay. Along the way, we’ll meet park rangers and research scientists who are making a difference every day in protecting Puerto Rico's biodiversity. Don’t worry, we’ll also enjoy the ever-popular El Yunque National Forest on an all-day bird adventure to search for those endemics.

  • Small group travel
  • This itinerary is subject to change. Participants will receive updates before departure.
  • Please note that inclusions, the cancellation policy, and payment terms are described following the itinerary. You can secure your spot today with a deposit only.
  • Puerto Rico is known for having power blackouts and water rationing. Participants should be flexible and able to adapt to varying situations.
  • Questions: Email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

  Day 1: Friday, Nov 6

  Welcome to San Juan! Check in to your room any time after 4 pm. Settle in, then let’s get acquainted.

  5 pm – Welcome Meeting at our hotel. We’ll meet in the hotel lobby for introductions. From there, we’ll walk to dinner together.

  Day 2: Saturday, Nov 7

  8:15 am – Meet in the lobby with luggage ready for the van. Remember to check out and pay for any incidentals. Have your day pack ready with any supplies you may need for the day, including your refillable water bottle, snacks, walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket.

  We’ll head out for our first stop of the day, a 9 am tour of Old San Juan and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristóbal. As the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, San Cristóbal was constructed between 1634 and 1783 to defend against land-based attacks. The site covers 27 acres and features complex tunnels, moats, and bastions that protected the city from English and Dutch invaders. We'll also tour its sister fort, El Morro, a massive 16th-century fortress the Spanish Crown built to defend the entrance to San Juan Bay. El Morro is both a National Historic Site and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

  We will also eat lunch and spend a short time wandering the streets of Old San Juan to admire the architecture and history, ranging from native archaeological finds to modern construction.

  Finishing our tour around midday, we’ll head west to the small town of Hatillo. You may choose to eat dinner on your own or with the group at your leisure. Also shop for lunch, snacks, and drinks for tomorrow’s hike.

  Day 3: Sunday, Nov 8

  7 am – Let’s meet in the lobby with your bag and day pack with lunch, water, and snacks ready for the van. We’re up early to meet our guides and leader, Angel Acosta-Colon, for an all-day hike through the karst hills and valleys to explore four caves in this special section of the island. Breakfast will be at a nearby bakery at your cost. We will also buy lunch there, or you can buy your own food.

  The limestone mountains in this region of the island have dissolved over time due to rain and groundwater. This creates a characteristic landscape full of caves, rivers, and springs. We will explore four of these limestone caves as we hike through the karst forest. We will see and learn about cave art created by the Taíno people, view speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites, and admire a crystal cave. We’ll also look for endemic and common plants, trees, and birds along the way.

  Staff from the Cabachuelas Project, a community-based education and ecotourism project created for the Las Cabachuelas Nature Reserve, will guide our hike. Safety equipment provided includes a helmet and flashlight.

  About our Leader: Angel Acosta-Colon works as the Interim Director of the Physics and Chemistry Department at the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo campus. He has an environmental geophysical background and currently works in the characterization of karst and cave systems in Puerto Rico. His main interest is in LiDAR and photogrammetry applications in geosciences. His projects have been sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the EPA.

  We’ll head to our hotel in Mayagüez, about a 40-minute drive. The hotel is located near the historic center of town, and you are welcome to spend the evening exploring on your own or as a group.

  Day 4: Monday, Nov 9

  8 am – Meet with your daypack ready, plus your swimsuit and snorkel gear, and head out to explore the coast. We’ll drive about 40 minutes to Cabo Rojo for a morning of birding. These salt flats are famous for bird diversity. We'll eat lunch in town, then head to the Institute of Socio-Ecological Research, known as ISER Caribe. This marine nursery, located on a nearby island, focuses on restoring coral reefs through an ecosystem-based approach. It is part of the Center for Research and Restoration of Marine Organisms. We will tour their coral nursery as well as their long-spined sea urchin and Caribbean king crab nurseries to learn how to raise these herbivores, which are released onto reefs to control algae and promote coral health.

  After our time on the island, we’ll grab our snorkeling gear and head to the dock for a quick boat ride to snorkel and explore some of Parguera's best shallow reefs. We'll return to the dock for an empanada dinner, then head out to view the sunset from a sand bar. After dark, we'll ride out to swim in the famous bioluminescent bay there.

  Day 5: Tuesday, Nov 10

  7:45 am – Today is all about the Guánica Dry Forest. We’ll meet with all our gear and day packs, then take a 20-min drive to meet our guide. From there, we’ll hike through the Bosque Seco de Guánica. This 10,000-acre forest tract was designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and is both the best-preserved subtropical dry forest and the best example of a dry forest in the Caribbean.

  This rocky trail is 1.6 miles each way, with about a 500 ft elevation gain, and leads to Fuerte Caprón, one of the most scenic views in the dry forest. The Spanish built Fuerte Caprón as a fort in the 16th century and later repurposed it for U.S. troops after the Spanish-American War. Along the way, we will learn about the 40 endangered species found here, including the last remaining natural population of the Puerto Rican crested toad in the vernal pools. More than half (9 of 16) of the endemic bird species also occur here, including the Puerto Rican vireo and the Puerto Rican nightjar. Endangered plant species include the sebucan cactus, the violeta tree, and the critically endangered bariaco.

  After our hike, we'll grab fast food on the road as we head out for our longest drive of the week to Centro Educativo Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas, about two hours away. This facility has protected sea turtles since 2001. Unfortunately, it's not nesting season, but we'll see the area and learn how they tag and monitor the turtles. 

  We’ll head to our hotel for the night; it’s just down the street. You are welcome to relax this evening or hang out with the group. Several restaurants are within walking distance.

  Day 6: Wednesday, Nov 11

  Get a good sleep because we're up early to hop in the van: we're caretakers for the day for those floating sea potatoes known as manatees at the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center. The drive is about 1.75 hours, so we'll have time to nap and dream about our time there, learning about their conservation and care. We will help prepare their daily food and assist in feeding, as well as other daily rehabilitation and animal care chores.

  Half the group will feed the manatees, then we'll swap for a couple of hours on your own at the nearby ecopark, Parque Forestal La Marquesa. This wooded park has a funicular, an aviary, a butterfly exhibit, and more. We can all have lunch together there.

  In the afternoon, we will head to the seaside village of Luquillo for three nights’ accommodation next to the beach. It's about a 1.5-hour drive.

  Day 7: Thursday, Nov 12

  ​The early bird gets the worm; rather, it gets the bird! We’ll meet early for an all-day birding tour of two sites with staff from the nonprofit organization Para la Naturaleza. As part of the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, this group manages more than 40,000 acres of protected natural areas and historic sites on the island. Our first stop is Medio Mundo y Daguao, the largest Natural Protected Area under their management and Puerto Rico's second-largest mangrove forest. The area’s varied ecosystems provide habitat for about 26 rare, endemic, vulnerable, and endangered species, including the West Indian Manatee, yellow-shouldered blackbird, Puerto Rican boa, and several species of sea turtles.

  After our hike, we’ll eat lunch at a local restaurant, then head to our second stop, Estación Palo Colorado in El Yunque National Forest. Here we will bird along the trails and some sections of the road in the rainforest.

  Endemic birds we may see include the Puerto Rican oriole, Puerto Rican woodpecker, Puerto Rican flycatcher, Adelaide’s warbler, Puerto Rican tody, Puerto Rican emerald hummingbird, green mango hummingbird, Puerto Rican tanager, Puerto Rican spindalis, Puerto Rican bullfinch, and yellow-shouldered blackbird. Other birds of interest are the scarlet ibis, American flamingo, Caribbean elania, green-throated carib hummingbird, Antillean or Hispaniolan mango hummingbird, and other migratory birds.

  After the bird tour ends, we will return to our hotel. You are free to enjoy the evening on your own or with the group.

  Our birding tour guides: José Pedrogo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communications and is pursuing a Master’s degree in History. He began exploring the island on his own, then pursued certification as a tour guide. After working in the industry, José decided he needed to offer the public more than just recreation. He learned environmental interpretation from his tourism professor and completed the training, which led to his position as an environmental interpreter. He enjoys learning and fulfilling his dream of teaching. Our second guide is José Torres, an Agricultural Sciences graduate with an emphasis on Entomology. He has been associated with Para la Naturaleza for many years, starting as a volunteer with the Summer Immersion Workshop and then as a mentor. He has always been involved with nature and brings extensive background, knowledge, and experience. José has been a pioneer in the organization's work in El Yunque, including creating tours.

  Day 8: Friday, Nov 13

  7:30 am – We will meet with luggage and gear ready for another hike in El Yunque's tropical rainforest. Our trip leader will take us on a short hike through the rainforest, keeping an eye out for birds, plants, flowers, orchids, amphibians, and fungi, and ending at the Rio Mameyes. We'll ask about current water levels and safety, and if everything checks out, you may wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes and bring water shoes and a towel for a cooling dip in the river. After our swim, we’ll walk back up to the El Portal Visitor Center to purchase lunch.

  We’ll spend our early afternoon learning about the endangered Puerto Rican Amazon parrot with Marisel Lopez, project leader of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. Marisel will explain the program and introduce us to their rehabilitated parrots living there and also a tour of the US Fish and Wildlife's aviary. 

  Our Amazon parrot leader, Marisel Lopez, manages the El Yunque National Forest aviary and oversees critical efforts to rebuild the wild population, including managing captive breeding, monitoring releases, and ensuring the survival of this endangered species

  From here, we will head back to Luquillo for our last night there. The afternoon is free to rest or explore. After dinner, we will grab our headlamps and head out for El Yunque, this time we'll explore the rainforest on a night hike.

  Day 9: Saturday, Nov 14

  We will pack up the van one final time as we make our way back for a morning tour of Old San Juan, learning about the walled city, the old grid, the ethnic mix, and stopping to admire the view and explore the delicate balance of preserving local community neighborhoods amid modern travel. We'll make a stop at the artisan market "Ruta Artesanal Boricua," admire art murals, and wander through the colorful streets of La Perla. We'll end our walk with an exclusive tasting at a local chocolate factory. After the tour, you'll have time to explore on your own before meeting the bus for the ride to our hotel. In the evening, we'll meet for a farewell dinner, and reminisce about our time spent on the island.

  Day 10: Sunday, Nov 15

  We'll head to the airport and say one last goodbye. We can coordinate ride-shares based on everyone's flight schedules.

  OUR NHSM LEADERS:

  Jayne Ash, MMNS’s Field Trip Coordinator, designed this trip to reflect the diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna often overlooked when traveling to Puerto Rico. Her love of all things nature inspired her to fill the itinerary with learning opportunities led by experienced leaders on a range of topics. She has honed her travel style over the last 15 years, during which she has traveled extensively to more than 40 countries, often for a month or more at a time. This will be MMNS's first trip off the continent. She welcomes all those with a spirit of adventure to join her on this new avenue for the museum.

  Our second MMNS leader is Dave Webb, an editor with Maryland Biodiversity Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cataloging Maryland's flora and fauna. An avid birder for many years, Dave has broadened his interests to anthropods, especially those found in soil. Dave also edits BugGuide.net, vetting arthropod identifications from other outdoor enthusiasts, including his own photos.

  WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • All accommodations in two- to three-star hotels. Double rooms will be shared by two people, with two beds available. Single supplements are not available. Hotel costs are very high, and this is an attempt to keep your price point lower.
  • All activity fees, including guiding fees. Tips will be paid through our tip kitty. See details in the “What you Need to Know” section below.
  • All entrance and admission fees to sites visited.
  • All transportation during the trip is in a 14-passenger van driven by a private driver.
  • Two breakfasts included. All other meals are at the participant’s expense.

  WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare
  • Airport transfer to and from the hotel
  • Food, snacks, water, and drinks
  • Any items of a personal nature

  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

  • MMNS requires everyone to have valid travel insurance covering personal injury, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation (minimum $200,000) for the entire duration of the trip. Proof of insurance, including the policy number and 24-hour emergency contact information, must be printed and given to the group leader at the Welcome Meeting; otherwise, you cannot join.
  • Every participant will be required to sign a Terms and Conditions Agreement before arrival. It will be provided in advance for you to read.
  • A tipping kitty will be created at our Welcome Meeting on Day 1. Every participant will need to add $80 in cash for tipping our trip leaders and any purchases that will be used as a group. A running tally of expenses will be kept, and any leftover funds will be divided equally among participants on the final day of the tour.

  IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?   Moderate Activity Level

  • This itinerary includes many early-morning starts and full-day activities, including moderate hiking, up to three hours of van transportation per day, and snorkeling in tidal waters. The pace for all activities, especially hiking, will be set by the slowest member of the group. You must always remain with the group while in the field. No one may walk ahead of the leader.
  • Participants must be able to travel independently and have the physicality needed to safely participate in all activities.  
  • Participants must respect fellow travelers, staff, and local cultures. This includes listening to others, respecting identities and local customs, and adjusting behavior if you make others uncomfortable.
  • Participants are responsible for their actions, including managing punctuality. If a participant sleeps in or misses an activity, they are responsible for finding their own way to the next destination. 
  • Participants must understand and follow all safety standards. Participants are responsible for wearing the appropriate footwear and equipment as requested. Closed-toe shoes are required for every activity, every day, except snorkeling.
  • As with any travel experience, participants must be open to changes to this itinerary, food options and costs, and other minor inconveniences as may become necessary due to weather, time constraints, or unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility and adaptability to new and changing situations remain key to successful travel, even with the best-planned vacation.
  • Noncompliance with these policies can result in removal from the tour and/or being blocked from future travel with MMNS. If asked to leave the tour, the participant would be responsible for onward travel.

  CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

  • MMNS must receive cancellations in writing – email to JAsh@marylandnature.org.
  • Deposit due at booking.
  • Final payment due by Sept 26, 2026.
  • Cancellations received by Oct 6, 2026, will forfeit 50% of the final payment and 100% of the deposit.
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after Oct 7, 2026.
  • Your travel insurance plans should cover your cancellation costs.
  • Paid participants who cancel may substitute another individual in their spot. MMNS is not responsible for filling the vacancy.
  • MMNS will not issue refunds for missed group activities on the trip, including meals, transportation transfers, tours, and other services that were not taken voluntarily.
  • If, for any reason, MMNS cancels this trip, MMNS will use reasonable efforts to work with travelers to refund all recoverable funds, but does not guarantee that a full refund will be available. MMNS reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule the trip for any reason and at any point in time, up to and including during the period of travel.

  
  

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• November Herp Club- Not Quite Frogs with Teeth: Crocodilians, Snakes, and Lizards of Australia

  • When
    11 Nov 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd, Natural History Society of MD, Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Come and learn an overview of Australian crocodilians, snakes, and lizards that reside in both the National Aquarium and the wild as a whole and what make them so special and unique with Drew Roderuck, Herpetologist at the National Aquarium.

  From Drew: “Working in the field of Herpetology for 13 years, I have spent the majority of my career with a focus on snakes and crocodilians and particularly Australian reptiles in general. In addition to my work at the National Aquarium I have also gone through the Crocodilian Biology and Management course at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and extensive training with venomous snakes. As part of my work at the aquarium I am also the aquarium’s liaison to the Greater Baltimore chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers organization furthering the development of animal care professionals. I have also been fortunate to present on crocodilians and their behavior in a variety of forums and conferences including the Regional Aquatics Workshop that was hosted in Baltimore this past year.”

  This meeting will be offered in a hybrid format: both in-person and virtual. Once you register, you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting.

  Are you fascinated by reptiles and amphibians? The Natural History Society of Maryland’s Herp Club promotes the proper husbandry, conservation, study, and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. Amateurs, professionals, and kids of all ages are welcome. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month and are open to the public.

  Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Herp Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

  If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org.

   

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• Marine Sponges and their Bacterial Symbionts

  • When
    12 Nov 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Sponges are some of the ocean’s most beautiful and underappreciated animals. They thrive in many parts of the sea, including tropical coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the ocean.” Yet these reefs sit in surprisingly nutrient-poor waters, a bit like a bustling city in the middle of a desert. So how do they flourish?

  Part of the answer lies in the microbes living inside sponges. These tiny partners help recycle essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Among them are cyanobacteria, microbes that capture sunlight like plants do. They convert nitrogen from the water into a form other life can use, and they store phosphorus in tiny packets called polyphosphate, which act like both a battery and a pantry. Scientists think these stockpiles inside sponges may help feed neighboring reef organisms, making sponges important suppliers of a nutrient that is scarce on the reef.

  Sponges and their microbial partners are also a treasure chest for medicine. They produce compounds that are a rich source of new drug candidates, offering hope for future treatments.

  Join us to discover how these simple-looking animals help sustain the reef, and why protecting them matters for both the ocean and human health.

  Our leader is Russell Hill, Ph.D., professor at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Hill completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cape Town in 1988 and conducted postdoctoral studies at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. He held a faculty position at IMET’s predecessor, the Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB), worked for several years at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and returned to COMB, where he served as professor and director from 2011 to 2025. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and of the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. He served as president of the Maryland Branch of the American Society for Microbiology and the International Marine Biotechnology Association. Research interests include the biodiversity and functions of marine symbiotic microbes associated with marine invertebrates, particularly sponges. He studies the potential of marine microbes as sources of new drugs. He is interested in marine microalgae and associated bacteria as sources of biofuel and other products.

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• Mud to Music: Flute-Making with Clay

  • When
    14 Nov 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd, Natural History Society of MD
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  Since the dawn of human culture, musical instruments have served as tools for communication, creativity, and connection. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the rich legacy of Pre-Columbian sound technologies by learning about indigenous ceramic instruments—and creating their own.

  By shaping clay into flutes, we deepen our appreciation for ancestral cultures and awaken a felt sense of connection to the natural world. This process invites us into embodied presence, cultivates creative expression, and fosters a
  sense of community.

  Working with earth and sound side by side, we remember music not only as art, but as a vital thread in the fabric of human experience—joyful, grounding, and timeless. All are welcome, and no previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is necessary. Everyone can enjoy turning mud into music!

  Intended Audience: Adults

  ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

  Melissa Hyatt Foss is an instrument-maker, musician, composer-performer, and teaching artist who co-creates with an ever-growing collection of instruments she handcrafts from clay. Her instruments, which are both visual and sonic objects, both sculptural and functional, recreate and reimagine Pre-Columbian sound artifacts of the Americas through the lens of personal narrative and regional mythology.

  Melissa received her training in Argentina under the tutelage of composer and educator Alejandro Iglesias Rossi and musicologist and educator Susana Ferreres, and developed her career as a performer, instrument-maker, teaching artist, and researcher for nearly a decade in connection with the National University of Argentina. There she completed her master’s degree in Musical Composition, New Technologies, and Traditional Arts, taught in the Bachelor’s program in Indigenous, Classical, and Popular Music of America, and performed as a soloist for seven years with the Orchestra of Indigenous Instruments and New Technologies.

  Melissa has created and delivered innovative, bilingual educational programming with the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art, Yale University, UMBC, the Enoch Pratt Libraries, Creative Alliance, and Baltimore Clayworks, as well as numerous early childhood through 8th-grade classrooms across Maryland.

  Catalog of work: catalogue.melissahyattfoss.com

  

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

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• Fossil Hunt at Stratford Cliffs - Fossil Club Members Only

  • When
    15 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Montross, Stratford Hall Visitor Center, VA
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  

  How big is your shark tooth collection? If your answer is between zero and a thousand, join us to search for fossil treasures at Stratford Hall. With private beach access and help from expert volunteers, this trip offers a unique opportunity to learn about ancient life in the area and sharpen your fossil-collecting skills.

  Stratford Hall’s cliffs are part of a series of rock layers formed when ancient seas covered the area. Today, the Chesapeake Bay and rivers like the Potomac erode these old seafloor deposits, giving us a window into the past. These cliffs date from about 8 to 16 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch. This location is one of the most scientifically important exposures of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region and the world.

  Fossils that could be found include shark teeth from several different species, including Hemipristis, or snaggletooth shark, tiger and tiger-like sharks, sand tiger sharks, C. hastalis, or the ancient white shark, and requiem sharks, and shells such as Chesapecten scallop and the Maryland state fossil, Ecphora, a predatory snail. Bones from whales and dolphin-like marine mammals, turtle shell pieces, stingray dental plates and barbs, crocodile teeth, and fossilized crabs are also possibilities.

  This site is part of the Stratford Hall plantation, owned by the Lee family for four generations, and is now managed by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation. The estate encompasses 1900 acres of farmland and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River. Field trip participants can tour the estate while at the fossil hunt.

  Aren’t a Fossil Club member? Add it to your current MMNS membership. Not a MMNS Member? Join today! Click here.

  Travel time: It is an estimated three-hour drive from Baltimore to Montross, VA (on the south side of the Potomac River, adjacent to Westmoreland State Park). Guests must provide their own transportation. Many choose to spend the night before or after the drive to break it up. Hotels are available in King George and Colonial Beach.

  Difficulty: This field trip is moderately strenuous and involves hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. Washed-up trees and debris on the beach may create scramble spots. If you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. However, please note that you will be wading in the water, and in colder months, we recommend wearing waders. Bare feet are never allowed. This is a rain-or-shine event.

  Age Restriction: The minimum age requirement is eight years old. Stratford sets this age limit, and there are no exceptions. Please respect this policy when registering your family.

  • Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
  • Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
  • All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and attend the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
  • All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their adult.
  • Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
  • No equipment is needed except for closed-toe shoes.
  • Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on the property and in the water.
  • You may leave at any time if you do not want to stay all day.
  • Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray.
  • Bring a first-aid kit for personal use.
  • No pets, please.

  All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

  NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  For questions, please email Kayhla at KCornell@marylandnature.org.

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• Lichens 101: Biology, Ecology and Diversity

  • When
    15 Nov 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd, Natural History Society of MD
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  

  This introduction to the biology, ecology and diversity of lichens will begin in the classroom with an introduction to lichens and a discussion of some of the ways and places that lichens grow. Then we will go on a short walk to find some of the common lichens of Maryland and  demonstrate how to collect, label, and store specimens. The class will conclude back in the classroom viewing the features of the lichens we’ve collected under the microscopes and using keys to identify them. NOTE: Participants will also have the option to bring their own specimens to identify.

  Natalie Howe has been studying lichens with high or low intensity for the past 16 years, and currently lives in Washington DC.  She is a Biological Scientist at the U.S.D.A., and an adjunct teacher of Mushrooms, Molds, and Society class at George Mason University. In the pre-Covid times, she was volunteering with the lichen team at Patuxent Research Refuge in MD, Rock Creek Park in DC and at Liberty State Park in NJ to document the lichens there. For her dissertation research at Rutgers University in New Jersey, she studied the ecology of lichens in the NJ Pinelands.

  Recommended text: Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America Paperback – November 23, 2021 – by Jessica L Allen (Author), James C Lendemer (Author), Jordan R Hoffman (Illustrator). Purchase is optional. Copies will be available during the class for reference. 

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

   

  .

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• Museum Store Sunday at MMNS — One Day Only!

  • When
    29 Nov 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd

  Register

  

  Get ready. It’s coming. Museum Store Sunday 2026.

  MMNS is thrilled to join over 2,200 museums across the globe for Museum Store Sunday, a day dedicated to purposeful shopping and community support.

  Why Shop MMNS’s Museum Store Sunday? Because every purchase fuels our mission. Revenue from this event helps keep museum admission free and program fees low or zero—ensuring that education remains accessible to all. This is our fifth year participating, and it’s become a cornerstone fundraiser that supports exhibits, outreach, and conservation efforts year-round.

  What You’ll Discover:

  • The Big Book Sale – Nature and science titles, new and gently loved
  • Fossils Galore – From dinosaur coprolites to trilobites and shark teeth
  • Minerals That Dazzle – Crystals that glow, shimmer, and span the periodic table
  • Beanie Baby Bonanza – Every creature imaginable, from rat to butterfly, crab to caribou
  • And much much more.

  These items are affordable, organic, natural, and in some cases, over 300 million years old. You won’t find them on Amazon—and you won’t forget the experience.

  Give More Than a Gift—Give Wonder and Awe Whether you’re shopping for a curious child, a science-loving friend, or a collector of the extraordinary, MMNS’s Museum Store Sunday is your destination for gifts that inspire.

  Members Get More NHSM members get early access (9:00AM) to the marketplace and 10% off at checkout. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting science, history, and community. Not a member yet? Join today and unlock the benefits—just in time for the holidays.

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• December Fossil Club: Tyrant Lizard Queen- A deep dive into the life of T. rex

  • When
    02 Dec 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Road

  Register

  

  Please join us on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7pm for a highly anticipated presentation by author Riley Black. Tyrannosaurus rex is an icon. Everyone knows the dinosaur. But how much do you really know about how this giant carnivore lived? In this talk based on her new book, bestselling and award-winning science writer Riley Black will introduce you to the intimate details of what T. rex life was really like.

  Riley Black is the author of The Last Days of the Dinosaurs, When the Earth Was Green, and many other books about fossils. A winner of the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education for her enduring efforts to tell the world about the ancient past, Riley’s been a repeat guest on programs such as NOVA and Science Friday and is a frequent contributor to publications such as Smithsonian, National Geographic, and SIERRA.

  This event will be offered in a hybrid format. You will receive Zoom information upon registration.

  —

  NHSM’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to share knowledge and discuss fossil identification, fossil locations, and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers both from within the club and from outside organizations. We also strive to schedule frequent collection trips to various locations. 

  Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families. 

  If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at kcornell@marylandnature.org. 

   

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• Arctic small mammals and their role in tundra ecosystem structure and function

  • When
    03 Dec 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Arctic tundra ecosystems rely heavily on small mammals such as lemmings, voles, and shrew. These species undergo boom‑and‑bust population cycles, which shape vegetation, nutrient flow, and the entire food web. Curator of Mammalogy, Steve Sheffield, will introduce these foundational animals and highlight how their predators, from foxes to raptors, must navigate not only dramatic 3- to 4‑year prey cycles but also the rapidly intensifying impacts of climate change, which is occurring about four times faster in the Arctic than the global average. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these small mammals drive ecosystems and why their fluctuations ripple across the tundra landscape.

  In addition to his work at Bowie State and MMNS, Steve Sheffield holds Research Associate positions with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and theSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Originally from upstate New York, Steve earned degrees from SUNY-Oswego (BA, Zoology), Appalachian Environmental Laboratory (Univ. of Maryland; MS, Wildlife Ecology), and Oklahoma State University (Ph.D., Zoology), and completed a 2-year postdoc with Oak Ridge National Laboratory/EPA. He has also held faculty positions at Clemson University, George Mason University, and Virginia Tech.

  

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• Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

  • When
    06 Dec 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Natural History Society of MD

  Register

  

  Save the Date! Please join us on Sunday, December 6th at 12pm at the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences (6908 Belair Road) for a volunteer appreciation luncheon to celebrate all of the hard work you’ve done this year. We can’t thank you enough, but we’ll try!

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• December Archaeology Club: Examining the Past Cultures along the Lower Susquehanna River Valley

  • When
    16 Dec 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Debbie Saylor is an anthropologist/archaeologist, museum curator, educator, and historian with more than 20 years of experience in archaeology and the interpretation of Native American history and material culture in the Lower Susquehanna region. She serves as Curator of Indian Steps Museum and Blue Rock Heritage Center and is actively involved as Education Director with the Lower Susquehanna Archaeological Society, Chapter 28 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology.

  Her work focuses on archaeological research, artifact identification, collections preservation, and public education, with a particular interest in the Native peoples who lived along the Susquehanna River for thousands of years. Through museum exhibits, archaeological projects, lectures, and educational programs, Debbie works to connect archaeological evidence with the stories of the people and communities who shaped Pennsylvania’s past.

  Description of Presentation:

  Video and slide presentation focusing on the material evidence left behind by prehistoric people of the Lower Susquehanna River Valley spanning 16,000 years ago to Contact Period of 1550 AD.   Cultural analysis of survival techniques, social structure, changing environment and physical identification of artifacts left behind.

  Introduction of various local organizations leading the way to preserve the past and the changing museum responsibilities of interpretations.

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• Maryland’s Soft-Shell Clams: History, Biology, and Progress Toward Aquaculture and Restoration

  • When
    17 Dec 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Maryland’s soft‑shell clam (Mya arenaria) has shaped coastal communities for generations, yet its future now depends on new science and smarter stewardship. In this talk, Dr. Liu will share the story of Maryland’s soft‑shell clam from its historic fishery to the new science shaping its future. Learn how this species grows and lives, why it has struggled in recent decades, and how new advances in selective breeding, hatchery production, and aquaculture methods could help rebuild wild populations and expand aquaculture opportunities across the Bay. A clear, accessible look at the research driving Maryland’s next chapter in coastal restoration.

  Dr. Ming Liu is an associate professor at Morgan State University and leads the shellfish aquaculture program at its Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL). He has more than 16 years of experience in shellfish genetic breeding and farming practices. His team focuses on developing oyster lines that are resilient to environmental stress and advancing soft-shell clam aquaculture as an alternative for Maryland’s shellfish industry.

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• Fossil Kits for Classrooms: Educator Training (December)

  • When
    29 Dec 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd

  Register

  

  Put Ancient Life in Your Students’ Hands

  The Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences’ Fossil Kit Training is a hands‑on workshop designed for educators of all subjects and grade levels who want to teach Earth’s story using real specimens.

  During this interactive session, participants explore Maryland’s geologic timeline, fossilization processes, extinction events, and the ancient plants and animals that once lived here. Educators leave with the knowledge and confidence to integrate fossils across science, social studies, literacy, and STEM curricula.

  Each attendee receives a classroom fossil kit containing 39 fossil types and ~200 labeled specimens—representing multiple phyla, geologic eras, and global localities—assembled thanks to a generous donor.

  Training Dates

  • August 16 • 12–2:30 PM
  • October 25 • 8–10:30 AM
  • December 29 • 2–4:30 PM

  Educators will:

  • Understand Maryland’s geologic history and major extinction events
  • Learn how fossils form and how to identify different fossil types
  • Explore ancient Maryland life through real specimens
  • Gain strategies for using fossil kits to support curriculum across disciplines

  To reserve a spot, educators pay a $10 deposit, returned as museum gift store credit upon attendance. If you do not attend, the deposit becomes a donation supporting future education programs. Programs that are $20 and below are not refundable. If your plans change, and there is space, you may attend a different session, otherwise the registration fee converts to a donation.

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• January Fossil Club- Darwin’s Predecessor, Kierkegaard’s Brother-in-law: Paleontologist Peter Wilhelm Lund

  • When
    06 Jan 2027
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd, Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in 1840, the Danish paleontologist Peter Wilhelm Lund (1801–1880) became the first naturalist to discover human remains in the same stratum as extinct megafauna (e.g., the Megatherium). These findings traced the origins of humankind back into deep time and refuted the quasi-biblical catastrophism of the French natural historian Georges Cuvier. Lund soon ceased his excavations and sent his collections to King Christian VIII of Denmark. Could it be that he abandoned his fieldwork because it posed a threat to Lutheran creationism? And why is Lund now renowned only in Brazil if Darwin drew on his findings to argue for the antiquity of humanity in The Origin of Species?

  Troy Wellington Smith is a cultural historian of the Danish Golden Age (ca. 1800–1850). He earned a PhD in Scandinavian Languages and Literatures from the University of California, Berkeley in 2023 and has published a number of articles on Golden Age figures like Søren Kierkegaard and Hans Christian Andersen, as well as translations of the novelist Thomasine Gyllembourg, such as her Two Ages: A Novella (Brill 2026).

  This event will be offered hybrid, though in-person participation is highly encouraged for the best experience.

  —

  NHSM’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to share knowledge and discuss fossil identification, fossil locations, and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers both from within the club and from outside organizations. We also strive to schedule frequent collection trips to various locations.

  Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences.

  If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at kcornell@marylandnature.org.

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• The behavioral ecology of song in grasshopper sparrows.

  • When
    21 Jan 2027
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) are small, ground‑dwelling songbirds with an insect‑like buzz that breed in Maryland. As a species of conservation concern, their breeding success is tightly linked to vegetation structure, disturbance regimes, and the acoustic challenges of low, grassy habitats.

  In this talk, Dr. Bernie Lohr, a bioacoustics and auditory sensory ecology researcher at UMBC, will share new findings from his lab’s work on grasshopper sparrow vocal behavior. Focusing on how these migratory songbirds produce and perceive sound, Dr. Lohr will explore the relationship between song structure, breeding biology, and the ecological pressures shaping communication in noisy natural environments. Because grasshopper sparrows indicate grassland health, this research offers valuable insight for conservation and recovery efforts across Maryland and beyond.

  Dr. Lohr is an associate professor of biological sciences at UMBC, where his lab investigates how animals encode and extract information from acoustic signals and how these processes evolve across species. His integrative research spans owls, woodpeckers, geckos, and other taxa, but songbirds remain a central model for understanding the interplay between signal production, signal perception, and the acoustic environments in which communication occurs. His work combines behavioral ecology, sensory biology, and conservation‑focused research to illuminate how animals navigate the challenges of communication in the natural world.

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• Turtles of Maryland

  • When
    23 Jan 2027
  •  
    3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  

  Maryland is home to 17 types of turtles. Of those, 12 species are threatened by habitat loss, and 9 are experiencing population decline. All 4 sea turtle species found in Maryland are protected by the Endangered Species Act. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to tell turtles apart, the dangers they face, native species and habitats, and common non-natives in the state. Of course, no presentation on turtles would be complete without live turtles.

  Children aged 10 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult. 

  Katrina Smith, author of Red-Eared Sliders (Animal Planet Pet Care Library), earned a BS in biology from Eastern New Mexico University. She has been the adoptions coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society (MATTS) in Maryland for 24 years, where she has been involved in the care and adoption of over 2000 turtles.”

  Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society (MATTS)

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  MMNS membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

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• Gyotaku in Color with Sue Fierston

  • When
    31 Jan 2027
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  

  In the traditional Japanese gyotaku process, fish are printed on paper immediately after being caught, using black ink, or sumi, then washed in the sea and eaten. The result is a gyotaku, a term derived from the Japanese words for fish (gyo) and print (taku).

  In this workshop, the process involves printing with colorful inks and thin acrylics, and adding color and texture with watercolor crayons and acrylic media. Learn to use all these techniques to print your fish and develop your own gyotaku style.

  This is a great opportunity for folks who have already taken the basic gyotaku class to increase their skills. If you are new to this art form, Sue will review basic gyotaku techniques, so it will be easy to catch up. Sue will be bringing squid, octopus, and, possibly, shrimp for those who are ready to try printing other sea life.

  People will leave the workshop with four to six fish prints on a variety of paper sizes. Participants should wear old clothes or bring an apron and an old bath towel.  The room will smell of fish by the end of the class if you are sensitive to odors.

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless MMNS cancels them. MMNS retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  MMNS Membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

  INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston is a printmaker and current president of the international Nature Printing Society,  a worldwide group of artists who are dedicated to nature printing in all forms. NPS members print real fish and leaves as well as tree bark and spiderwebs.  Sue holds nature printmaking workshops in the spring and fall at the Smithsonian Associates and with us. Her prints and paintings can be seen at: suefierston.com and on Instagram at: @suefierston_leaves_three_ways.

  Sue published her book, Into the Woods: Families Making Art With Nature, in June 2020 with Swinging Bridge Press.

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• Frogs of Maryland

  • When
    27 Feb 2027
  •  
    3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    6908 Belair Rd
  • Spaces left
    23

  Register

  

  Get ready to hop into spring and learn about Maryland’s fascinating frogs! We will:

  • Discuss frogs and toads native to Maryland.
  • Learn to identify them by their vocalizations.
  • Discuss habitats and threats.
  • Learn ways to make your backyard more frog-friendly.

  It will be a toad–ally fun time!

  ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Tom Scollins has served as Associate Curator of Herpetology at the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences since 2015 and is the owner of Bio-Logic Solutions LLC. A New York City native, Tom grew up next to — and many times in — the Bronx Zoo. Tom studied zoology and animal husbandry at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College in Gainesville, TX. He came to Maryland to work in the Herpetology Department at the Baltimore Zoo, where he designed many exhibits and breeding programs for several species. An expert in reptile and amphibian husbandry and wildlife management, Tom is passionate about education and the conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

  Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

  MMNS membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

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• Conserving Species with Genomics and Artificial Intelligence

  • When
    29 Apr 2027
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  

  Species are not distributed equally throughout their ranges. They occupy a mosaic of habitat patches, and the populations within those patches range from well connected to nearly isolated. Genomic surveys, paired with analytical tools drawn from artificial intelligence, let biologists map where populations actually occur, measure how connected and how healthy they are, and forecast how each may respond to a changing environment. These insights help set priorities for conserving species and the ecosystems they depend on.

  BIO: Dr. Zbinden (zuh-BIN-den) is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Laboratory, where he conducts basic and applied research on the distribution and dynamics of biodiversity. Combining fieldwork, laboratory methods, and advanced analytics, he takes a “genes to ecosystems” approach, advocating for multispecies population genomic research to address ecological questions at broad scales. Although he specializes in freshwater fish communities across entire watersheds, his interests span a wide range of taxa and systems.

  A central goal of his work is to support conservation and management by providing insights that guide the protection of species and ecosystems. His current research asks how to strengthen species’ resilience to climate change by drawing on adaptations already present in wild populations — using nature’s own genetic toolkit rather than engineered alternatives.

  

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