OUTDOOR RECREATION

WHOOOOO ARE YOU?: OWL OBSERVATIONS

Ages 5+

Did you know barn owls swallow their prey whole? Have you ever wondered what owls eat? Come explore owls as well as their habitats, adaptations, and diets! Participants will dissect owl pellets guided by a naturalist to explore owl food chains. We will also take a short hike to see if we can visit any local owls at Motts Run! All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Wednesday, November 15. Location: Motts Run Nature Center.

Saturday, November 18 at 2pm – 3:30pm

$6/person (children and adults), Pre-registration required.

WREN & SPARROW BIRD WALKS

Ages 12+

Birds abound at Old Mill Park! Join an experienced bird guide from Wren & Sparrow on an exploration of this riverside park. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Bring your own binoculars to spy the feathered friends that call Old Mill Park home. Please leave your pets at home. Meet at the Old Mill Park playground. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes the Sunday before each program. Instructor: Wren & Sparrow staff. In the case of severe weather, check: www.WrenAndSparrow. com/Event-Calendar for cancellations - otherwise, bird walks will be held rain or shine. Location: Old Mill Park.

Offered every 1st & 3rd Tuesday November - March at 9am:

November 7, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 5, 2023

December 19, 2023

January 2, 2024

January 16, 2024

February 6, 2024

February 20, 2024

March 5, 2024

March 19, 2024

FREE, Pre-registration is required.

Night Sky Wandering With Rac

All Ages

Journey into the night sky as we gather at Motts Run Reservoir with the Rappahannock Astronomy Club (RAC) to watch the stars and take a look at deep space bodies. Enjoy hot cocoa while we navigate the night sky on the Fridays before the New Moon each month from November to January. Please dress warmly and bring a blanket and folding chair for extra comfort. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes the Wednesday before each program. For more information about the Rappahannock Astronomy Club, visit www.RAClub.org. Location: Motts Run Reservoir.

Fridays, 6pm – 8pm

November 10, 2023

December 8, 2023

January 12, 2024

$6/person (children and adults both pay), Pre-registration is required.

Turkey Trek

Ages 5+

Gobble, Gobble! Turkey Day is coming up so why not come out to learn all about this funky feathered friend? Join a naturalist as we discover more about the Wild Turkey, make our own turkey calls, and look for turkey scratches. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Sunday, November 19.

Location: Motts Run Reservoir.

Wednesday, November 22 at 9am – 10:30am

$6/person (children and adults both pay), Pre-registration is required.

Green Friday Hike

Ages 12+

Don’t want to participate in Black Friday this year? Feeling full after your Thanksgiving Feast? Join a naturalist on a three mile hike to work off the stuffing and enjoy some time in nature. This hike is best suited for ages 12 and up. You’ll need to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Sunday, November 19.

Location: Motts Run Reservoir.

Friday, November 24 at 9am – 10:30am

$6/person (children and adults both pay), Pre-registration is required.

Outdoor Recreation

Winter Wonders

Ages 3+

Come play in a winter wonderland with us at Alum Spring Park! After a brief winter hike to collect nature materials, we will go under the shelter for winter craft and science stations. We will experiment with ice and snow and create take-home art to celebrate the start of the winter season. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Wednesday, December 13. Location: Alum Spring Park.

Saturday, December 16 at 2pm – 3:30pm

$6/person (children and adults), Pre-registration is required.

Winter Solstice Night Hike

Ages 6+

Join a naturalist at Motts Run Reservoir on the first day of winter and the longest night of the year - the Winter Solstice. Participants will take a night hike on one of the trails (less than a mile) and enjoy hot cocoa by the campfire. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Sunday, December 17. Location: Motts Run Reservoir.

Thursday, December 21 at 5:30pm - 7pm

Ice Age Animals

Ages 5+

Cave lions and mammoths and bears, oh my! Come to a campfire by the creek at Alum Spring Park to hear all about the ancient animals that once walked the American landscape. After a s’mores snack, stretch your legs as we venture out on a fossil hunt to see what once lived in our area! All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration closes Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Location: Alum Spring Park.

Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 2pm – 3:30pm

$6/person (children and adults), Pre-registration is required.

Homeschool Nature Nerds

Ages 6-12 years

Come and get in touch with your natural side! Join a naturalist for nature explorations, games, crafts, and more. This series includes five different programs and each week will feature a new exciting theme for kids to explore. This is a drop off program so kids will need to bring a small backpack with a notebook, pencil, and water bottle with them each day. Registration closes the Wednesday before each program. Location: Alum Spring Park.

Every other Monday OR Tuesday (September 11-November 7), 9 am – 12 pm

September 11 OR 12 – Saving Species

September 25 OR 26 – Tree-rific Trees

October 9 OR 10 – Migration Station

October 23 OR 24 – SOS: Survival & Outdoor Skills

November 6 OR 7 – Trail Through Time

$20/child for each program or $90/child for all five, Preregistration is required.

Private Homeschool Programs

Are you part of a local homeschool group? Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events offers great private nature programs for the area’s homeschool groups. Groups can come out once a month to one of our parks for nature education, activities, and fun. Contact the Superintendent of Recreation, Callie Brown, to find out more information or to set this up for your group: cmbrown@fredericksburgva.gov, 540-372-1086 x213.