The Canaller

Winter 2005/2006

Ranger-led programs at Georgetown Visitor Center, Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Williamsport Visitor Center & Cumberland Visitor Center

Sights and Sounds of the Season
Every first and last Wednesday and Saturday of each month
10 a.m. to noon
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Join volunteer naturalists to explore the ever-chaning seasons near Great Falls, Maryland. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for this two-hour nature walk. Not Handicapped Accessible.

Lockhouse 8 River Center
Most Saturdays and Sundays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers of the Potomac Conservancy staff the lockhouse at lock 8, answering questions about life on the canal and the Potomac River. You can also learn about the role of the Potomac Conservancy in preserving the land and water resources of the Potomac River. The Potomac Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service, has restored the lockhouse at lock 8 for use as a River education center. Find out what you can do to help conserve the resources of the Potomac and Chesapeake watersheds! The lockhouse at lock 8 is accessible from the Lock 8 parking lot along the inbound lane of the Clara Barton Parkway. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for more information. Not Handicapped Accessible.

Rileys Lockhouse Tours
Most Saturdays and Sundays through December 11
1 to 4 p.m.
Rileys Lockhouse
Girl Scouts, dressed in period clothing, will lead tours of Rileys Lockhouse and demonstrate tasks as they tell the story of a typical lockkeeper's family. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for more information. The lockhouse is located at the end of Rileys Lock Road (about 9 miles west of Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center), off Rte. 190 in Seneca, MD. Not Handicapped Accessible.

Ranger's Choice
Saturdays and Sundays (Except Sunday, December 11)
1:30 p.m. (ending time varies)
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Join a park ranger for a demonstration, talk, or walk to learn more about the park's resources. Call or stop by the visitor center on the day of the program to find out the Ranger's choice for the day. Programs will begin at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and program lengths will vary. Some Programs Handicapped Accessible.

Annual Carol Sing
Sunday, December 11
1 to 2 p.m.
Music has been part of the tradition at the Great Falls Tavern for well over a hundred years. Warm up your voice, and join The Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern in a living tradition of holiday singing. Enjoy some treats before or after you head out to explore the park. Handicapped Accessible.

Great Falls Area Geology Hike
Saturday, November 19
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join geologist Callan Bentley to explore the constantly changing landscape that we call Great Falls and Mather Gorge. Be prepared to scramble for one or two miles up and down a very rocky landscape. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and carry water. This excursion is limited to 25 people and requires a reservation. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center by 4 p.m. on the Friday before the hike to sign up. Not Handicapped Accessible.

Holiday Decorations
December 12 through Early January
Daylight hours
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
The Little Farms Garden Club will decorate the Great Falls Tavern with traditional holiday decorations in early December. The exterior decorations may be viewed any day during daylight hours, and the interior decorations may be viewed during normal visitor center hours. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to confirm. Handicapped Accessible.

Williamsport Visitor Center

Cumberland Visitor Center