Group Programs

Along with our public program schedule, Irvine offers natural history programs for groups such as garden clubs, senior centers and other community organizations. All programs are approximately one-hour in length -- which includes a question and answer period.

Unless otherwise indicated with an asterisk, the cost for these programs is $100; $150 if the program involves our live animals. There is an additional charge for traveling expenses for groups outside of Baltimore County or City. Programs can be held at Irvine or elsewhere.

For more information or to register for a program, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 443-738-9220.

PLANTS

Maryland’s Native Plants
Benefits of Maryland’s native plants and the problems posed by invasive exotic species

Ferns of the Forest
Ecology, adaptations and identification of Maryland's woodland ferns

Wildflowers: Fact & Folklore
Ecology, legends and folklore of Maryland's wildflowers

Nature's Sweets: Maple Syrup & Honey
Making maple syrup and collecting honey with an emphasis on honeybee behavior and maple tree ecology

Winter Tree Identification
Identify trees based on their buds, bark, branching pattern and overall shape (offered November – March)

BIRDS

Gardening for Birds
Various methods of attracting birds to your backyard focusing on the planting of native trees and shrubs

Silent Wings: Maryland's Owls
Behavior, ecology and conservation of Maryland's most common owls

Attracting Bluebirds
Natural history of the Eastern Bluebird highlighting ways to attract these and other cavity nesting birds

The Secret Lives of Backyard Birds
Identification, behavior and ecology of Maryland's common garden birds

Mysteries of Migration
A review the current knowledge on bird migration and navigation

OTHER TOPICS

Attracting Butterflies
Natural history of Maryland’s common butterflies and the plants that can attract them to your garden

Native Pollinators
The important role bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and other local plant pollinators play in the environment

Good Bugs for the Garden
Which insects are good to keep in your garden and why

Seasons of Nature
Wonders of nature throughout the year focusing on wildflowers, birds, maple sugaring, insects and fall colors

Signs of Spring
A look at Nature’s busiest season with an emphasis on woodland wildflowers, butterflies, bird songs and nesting

Going Green
Current environmental problems (e.g., pollution, climate change, acid rain) and simple strategies to help solve them

Wild Animal Survival*
Using live reptiles, amphibians, birds and other animals, this demonstration focuses on their ecology and adaptations for survival.
Maximum: 60 people

Maryland’s Native Americans*
The pre-colonial Native Americans were closely tied to the land for all their needs. This program examines their use of natural resources and their survival skills.
Maximum: 50 people