The Nature Center is open year round and hours of operation are WednesdayWednesday-Saturday 11am11am-5pm, and Sunday 1212-5pm. For All Ages and
and youthyouthAdult programs, youth must be accompanied by a paying adult. Organized groups MUST schedule a separate program directly with the
the Nature Center;
phone or email [email protected].
[email protected].
Hashawha’s trails are open to the public from dawn until dusk 365 days a year. Parking is only available at Lake Hashawha or Bear
Bear Branch Nature
Center. There is no entrance fee to the park.
PLEASE NOTE:
NOTE: The Hashawha Environmental Facility is not open to the public except through reservation. Please do not enter the Hashawha
Hashawha gates
gates
or the posted restricted areas. For more information about group rentals of this facility, phone 410410-386386-3560 or email [email protected].
[email protected].
In case of inclement weather…
weather… should inclement weather be in the forecast, please call the Nature Center before coming to your program to see if it
has been canceled or postponed. We follow school weather closings - please see the full Inclement Weather Policy at the back of this brochure for
complete details. Note also that the Nature Center is closed when Carroll County Government offices are closed.
** All Nature Center programs require pre-registration with Recreation & Parks **
BOX TURTLE 500
JUNIOR PLANETARIUM SHOW
CANOE BASICS
#16BB46 Sat, Sept 3, 1–2:30pm
Saturday, 11–11:45am
#16BB51 Sept 17 – Pegasus & the Princess
#16BB52 Oct 8 – Monsters in the Sky
#16BB53 Nov 12 – Pisces the Fish
#16BB60 Sun, September 25, 1–3pm
Every year on Labor Day, NASCAR fans
look forward to the Southern 500 auto race.
Start a new tradition by joining us for a
turtle race! Meet captive box turtles up
close and cheer them on as they race to
the finish line! Learn more about declining
populations of wild box turtles, and what
you can do to help! Enjoy lemonade and
other treats to mark the unofficial end of
summer. Please note: Captive box turtles are
part of this event. Please leave your pet turtle at
home; never take turtles from the wild.
All Ages / 1 session / $7 person
MINDFUL MEANDERINGS
#16BB47 Sun, Sept 4, 9:30–11am
What’s happening at Hashawha? Join the
naturalist as we explore the park and gain
a better understanding of what sings,
leaps, flutters, and blooms. We will hike to
a new spot to stop, look, listen and observe
silently before heading back.
Upon
returning, we’ll record what we’ve seen and
heard to share with others.
3–Adult / 1 session / $5 person
PLANETARIUM
SHOW
Saturday, 7:30–8:30pm
#16BB54 September 17
#16BB55 October 8
#16BB56 November 12
Join the Westminster Astronomical Society, Inc.
(WASI) for an indoor planetarium show highlighting
what’s happening in the night sky this time of year.
Then head outdoors to take a look through telescopes
and the new observatory (weather dependent)! This
program is best for older children and adults.
Age 14–Adult / 1 session / $5 person
8–Adult / 1 session / $5 person
BEAR CUB EXPLORERS
PARK IN THE DARK
Thursday, 1–3pm
#16BB48 Sept 8 – Mammal Mysteries
#16BB49 Oct 13 – Leaves and Trees
#16BB50 Nov 10 – Remarkable Raptors
Looking to explore the outdoors beyond the
boundaries of the backyard? Participate in
exciting outdoor experiences led by the naturalist;
then jump into engaging workshop-style activities
designed so that kids of all ages can work at a
pace that’s best for them. Each month explore a
different nature-related theme. Families are
welcome but please note that our activities are
planned for ages 3-9 and
tag-alongs/
siblings must also register.
What happened to Bear Cubs Club &
Junior Explorers? They have been merged
into this new program to better meet the
needs of our families.
3–9 years / 1 session / $6 child
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What can we see in the night sky and why? Each month
the show will focus on a different constellation and the
story behind it. Afterwards, get more familiar with an
animal related to the story! On Oct 8, hear stories about
some of the “monsters” in the night sky. Great for
younger children.
Saturday
#16BB57 Sept 23–Nighttime Senses 7:30–9pm
#16BB58 Oct 15–Owl Prowl 7–8:30pm
#16BB59 Nov 12–Full Moon Fun 7–8:30pm
On autumn evenings, Bear Branch is a happenin’ place!
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
...Sept 23-meet nocturnal animals up close! Learn
about their superior senses and how they compare to
our own, then search for nocturnal wildlife in the park.
...Oct 15-whoooo’s out there? Meet Bear Branch’s
captive owls up-close (a screech owl, barred owl, and
great horned owl)! Then take a short hike to call for
wild owls under the light of an almost full moon!
.. .Nov 2-celebrate the coming of clear, crisp winter
night skies with hot chocolate and “full moon” treats!
Learn more about the phases of the moon and how
the moon influences phenomena here on Earth.
Observe the almost full moon up close through the
telescope in the observatory!
All Ages / 1 session / $5 person
What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than learning to
paddle on Lake Hashawha? Learn the basics of maneuvering
a canoe, then hop in to explore the turtles, fish, birds, and
plants that call Lake Hashawha home! Single paddlers will be
paired with others-limited space available.
5–Adult / 1 session / $8 person
RUN FOR THE RAPTORS
Sunday, October 2 (check-in begins @ 8am)
#16BB61 5K runs at 9am ($30 person)
#16BB62 1K runs at 9:30am ($15 person)
Register at least two weeks in advance to receive a free
event t-shirt (must indicate size when registering—
available in adult S/M/L only)
Have you ever looked a bald eagle in the eye? Heard the
call of an eastern screech owl up close? Held a red-tailed
hawk feather in your hand? The captive birds of prey kept
at Bear Branch provide unique experiences for visitors of all
ages, and help educate young and old alike on the
importance of these birds in the wild. Support them and the
experiences they make possible by participating in this
event. The course will take you through the fields and
forests of the park.
All Ages / 1 session / fees listed above
WAGGIN’ WALK
#16BB63 Sat, Oct 22, 9:30–11am
Can your dog see those beautiful changing leaves as well
as you can? Learn more about how your senses differ from
those of your four-legged friend on a guided hike through
the fields and forests. Meet fellow dog lovers who also
enjoy the park.
All Ages / 1 session / $5 person
TINY TOTS
HALLOWEEN PARTY
#16BB64 Thur, Oct 27
10–11:30am
Celebrate Halloween a few days
early! Meet some of the creepy, crawly animals that live
at Bear Branch; enjoy a Halloween-themed snack and
play a few Halloween-themed games. Be sure to wear
your costume! Parent participation is required so no
tag-alongs, please.
2–5 years / 1 session / $10 child
- - NO Early Bird or Senior Discount for Bear Branch Nature Center programs - -
MORNING AT
MARTIN CABIN
#16BB65 Sat, Nov 5, 10–11:30am
MEET AT HASHAWHA ENV. CENTER
On a chilly November morning, warm up with
a short walk down to our restored 19th
century cabin and enjoy a warm beverage
around the hearth. Imagine what life was like
in the 19th century, and learn how folks back
then prepared for winter!
All Ages / 1 session / $5 person
SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP DAY
#16BB66 Mon, Nov 7, 8:30am–4:30pm
What better way to enjoy time off school than
to spend a fall day outdoors? Join us for a day filled with hands-on
activities and nature-themed games. We’ll take a hike, create an art
project to take home, enjoy a planetarium program, meet a few of
the captive animals that live at Bear Branch, and make some new
friends! Bring a bag lunch (no peanuts) and a change of clothes;
wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather!
5–11 years / 1 session / $50 child
BREAKFAST WITH
THE BIRDS
#16BB67 Sat, November 19
9:30–10:30am
Enjoy coffee, tea and other breakfast
treats during this educational program
about birds of prey. Meet a few of our
captive birds up close including an owl,
hawk and falcon. Bring a camera!
All Ages / 1 session / $10 person
410-386-3580 or [email protected]
Contact us about these and other upcoming opportunities or events.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Looking for something fun to do on your birthday? Book it at Bear Branch! Packages include a 3-hour
use of the auditorium, a 45-minute naturalist-led program, and time to explore the Nature Center. Six
themes to choose from, fee is $175.
FIELD TRIPS
Are you an elementary school teacher looking for a fun, educational field trip for your class? Our field trips
include a 45-minute naturalist-led presentation and hands-on outdoor activities based on grade (aligned
with the Carroll County science curriculum). $4/student & chaperone (in-county); $5 (out-of-county).
OUTREACH & PRIVATE PROGRAMS
Interested in organizing a hike, planetarium show, or nature-themed program for your group at Bear
Branch? In-county $4/person / out-of-county $5/person. We can even come to you (+$25 traveling fee)!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
BEAR BRANCH AIDE
Stop by, call or email the Nature Center to receive and complete an application.
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NATURE CENTER: Wednesdays-Sundays 1-4pm—age 14+
GIFT SHOP: Saturdays 11-5 and Sundays 12-5pm—age 18+
GARDEN: Wednesdays-Sundays 9-11am—age 18+
SPECIAL EVENTS:
MONARCH FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 11
12–4pm
Celebrate the arrival of fall by learning about the amazing annual migration of
Monarch butterflies! Say goodbye to the butterflies as they begin their long
journey south to Mexico; participate in monarch-themed games, crafts, and face
painting for kids; purchase native plants that support butterfly populations, learn
more about “Project Monarch Watch,” and view a live butterfly exhibit! Food and
beverage will be available for purchase. $5 per vehicle FALL COLORS HIKE—Members Only
Sunday, October 23
9–11:30am
Join us for this exciting event open to Bear Branch Nature Center members only!
Hike with the naturalist to the far side of the park to view the changing leaves and
other autumn happenings. Bring your binoculars! It’s free, but PRE-registration is
needed, so please call or email no later than October 22nd!
WINTER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 3
11am–3pm
Get an early start on holiday shopping! Visit the Nature Center to browse natureinspired booths. Vendors will be selling handcrafted items that utilize natural
materials or were inspired by the great outdoors. Food and beverages will be
available for purchase.
- - NO Early Bird or Senior Discount for Bear Branch Nature Center programs - -
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