Clearwater Nature Center

Program Registration

To guarantee your spot within a program, advance registration is required for all programs with a PARKS DIRECT number. Drop-in admission (no registration) for programs are accepted only as space permits. Space availability is never guaranteed for drop-ins. Programs may be canceled 24-48 hours prior to the start of the program due to insufficient registrations via Parks Direct.

If you already have a PARKS DIRECT account, please register for programs via Parks Direct. Most of our programs allow for “spots booked” where only one person in the family needs to have an account to register for the total number of desired spots. However, for programs that do not allow for spots booked, each person desiring to attend the program must have their own Parks Direct account and be registered individually.

Don’t have an account yet? Check out the Parks Direct page for information on how to set up an account for yourself and your family.

For programs that do not have a Parks Direct course number, please call for information.

Program Requirements

Check the age requirements for each program before registering. All participants must meet the age requirement to attend a program. For some programs, children must be accompanied by a registered adult, who must participate in the program with the child. Unless a program says otherwise you may not drop your child off and leave.

Fees for programs are based on your residency.

Program Fees

Make sure that your email and other contact information is up-to-date on your Parks Direct account prior to registration. Staff may need to contact you if they have questions or in the event that a program must be canceled due to inclement weather or other reasons.

• Residents (R): individuals who live within Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties

• Non-Residents (NR): individuals who live in all other jurisdictions.

Animal Encounters

Come meet some of the nature center’s resident animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.

Family Campfires

Roast marshmallows around a campfire with a naturalist. (Roasting sticks and marshmallows will be provided.) Feel free to bring your own food/non-alcoholic drink. Call for dates and times. All ages.

Home School Nature Club

Twice a month Sept-May we host a home school club at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Center off Bock RD. These classes meet on Wednesdays.  Each class focuses on a different nature theme and may come with workbooks/sheets, Power Point presentations, classroom discussions, games, and more. Call for exact dates and times. Ages 7-12yrs and 2-6yrs.

Nature Knowledge

A homeschool class! We meet the first Friday of each month Sept-May. Explore the natural world through a variety of science related topics! These classes may include worksheets, Power Point presentations, classroom discussions, outdoor components, experiments, games and more. For ages 10-14yrs.

Jewelry Making: Cabochon

Learn the basics of gem cutting to create your own cabochon! This class usually meets the first Sat of each month.  For ages 18 and up.

Mindfulness Hike/Walk

Looking to de-stress and find a place to relax and get away from the daily grind? Come join us at Clearwater Nature Center and level up your hiking with our Mindfulness Walks/Hikes. Under the guidance of a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, you will go on a journey that deepens your connection with the natural world. (Please note dates are limited). All ages.

Scout Badge Projects

The Nature Facility Program Manager or Park Naturalist can assist your scout/youth group in completing some of the requirements needed for nature related merit badges. Please call at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule a meeting to coordinate and plan the project and/or event.

Twilight Hikes

Take a hike with a naturalist during twilight hours and search for nocturnal animals awakening form their daytime slumber. We will provide some red light flashlights but supplies are limited. Please bring your own if you have one! Call for dates and times. For ages 6 and up.

Wild Reading

Sit down and relax on our reading carpet while enjoying a story with a naturalist! Afterwards, get creative with a craft and/or activity. We usually meet the 3rd Wed of each month Sept-May. For ages 2-12yrs.

Lapidary Club (jewelry making/rock cutting)

To become a member of a club, give us a call at 301-297-4575 or email: bob.davidson2@yahoo.com. If you do not already have one, you will also need to set up a Parks Direct account.