July 2009 Ranger led programs
Nature Center
Children’s Programs
Creature Feature Get acquainted with the nature center’s live animals and assist in their feeding. All ages.
The Forest Join a park ranger as we explore the Woodland Trail to learn what hidden treasures can be found. Ages 3 and older.
Art in the Park Children will explore the park’s wildlife through various activities, such as creating animal tracks and observing critter scat. Ages 5 and older.
Nature Journal Let nature spark your creative side! Activities will vary weekly and may include making a nature journal, creative writing, drawing and more. Ages 5 and older.
Hikes
Senior Stretch This weekly program is for seniors who want to get out and enjoy a gentle, ranger-guided walk in the woods. Duration of program will depend on ability level of group. No age limit.
Rolling Meadow Bridge Hike Enjoy a 2 ½ mile hike to Rolling Meadow Bridge to see the sites of Rock Creek Park in summer. Ages 8 and older.
Bike Hike Join a park ranger as we explore Rock Creek Park up to Boundary Bridge. Bring your own bike and water. Helmets are required. Ages 8 and older.
Milkhouse Ford Hike Learn about this historic water crossing on this 1.5-mile hike. Boots are recommended. Ages 8 and older.
Boundary Bridge Hike Enjoy a 3 ½ mile hike to the park’s lesser-known northern boundary. Meet at Picnic Grove 10. Ages 8 and older.
Rapids Bridge Hike Learn the significance of Rock Creek on this scenic 2-mile hike to Rapids Bridge and back. Boots are recommended. Ages 8 and older.
Various Locations
The following program locations vary throughout the park. Refer to the program descriptions for details.
Ranger-led Horseback Tour Experience Rock Creek Park with a Ranger by horseback. This one-hour tour travels south along Rock Creek. Participants must be 12 years old or older and weight limits may apply. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are taken on a first come-first served basis. Fee $35. Meet at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. For more information call (202) 362-0117.
Pieles, Cuernos y Mas Encontrar a un Park Ranger para ver y tocar pieles, huesos y cuernos de los tipos de animales cuales viven en Rock Creek Park. Picnic Grove 23 cerca los tenis courts. Todas edades.
Fort Stevens Day Join us for a special tribute to the men who fought and died during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Special presentations offered from 10:00 am to 2:45 pm. Take the free shuttle bus from the nature center or meet at Fort Stevens. For a complete schedule call the nature center or visit our website at www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/ftstevensday.htm
Exploring the Sky Come see the stars! Join the National Park Service and members of the National Capital Astronomers to view the stars, planets, and other night sky phenomena with telescopes. All ages. Meet in the field next to picnic grove 13. Rain cancels this event.
Planetarium
Come see our NEW projector! Free tickets handed out 30 minutes prior to program. No admittance permitted after doors close.
Young Planetarium (Beginner Level) For the youngest of astronomers. 20 minutes.
Spring/Summer Night Sky (Beginner/Intermediate Level) This 30-minute program highlights constellations and other night sky phenomena.
Exploring the Universe (Advanced Level) This 45-minute program details deep sky phenomena such as stars, galaxies, nebulae, and planets.
Oasis in Space Journey through the solar system on a quest for water in this half-hour planetarium presentation. Ages 5 and older.
Peirce Mill
Milling Through the Ages Explore the changes in processing seeds from prehistoric times to the first factory mills. All ages. Offered in conjunction with the Peirce Mill Open House, sponsored by the Friends of Peirce Mill.
American Indian Hunting Learn how the American Indian hunted 10,000 years ago. Ages 8 and older.
Old Stone House
Pot of Old Make your own clay pot as we explore the Colonial American methods of making pottery. Ages 5 and older.
The following 15-minute, impromptu programs will be offered Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Stone House.
Did Washington Sleep Here? Uncover the reason behind the myth that helped to preserve the Old Stone House for over a century. All ages.
Cooking Over the Open Hearth Come learn how the women of the Colonial period cooked and why it tasted so good. All ages.
Star-Spangled Fourth Meet a Park Ranger learn how our national anthem came to be written. For ages 8 and older. The Francis Scott Key memorial is located at the corner of M Street and 34th in Georgetown.
