Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above). Advance registration encouraged – events may be cancelled if minimums are not met.
Art in Nature Programs
*ANIMAL ART: Cute & Fuzzy
Irvine invites you to share your appreciation for our furry friends by making art! This class will focus on painting and drawing techniques that will provide new ways of expressing your connection with nature. Furry friends will model for us as we capture their unique features through a mixed media activity with a variety of medium use- including acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils, charcoal, ink pens and several different surfaces. Participants will be able to take home a custom item of their own creation at the end of the class. All art levels welcome. Ideal for ages 13+.
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Educator and MICA-trained artist
Friday, September 13th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
*MAKE & TAKE: NATURAL DYES – Silk Scarf & Samples
In this workshop, we will explore the process of natural dyes. Discover how the golden hues of goldenrod flowers and other local plants can be used to produce beautiful shades of yellows, browns, and greens. Using a provided silk scarf, you will get the chance to learn the dyeing process to produce a range of colors and patterns. While the dyes are soaking, try some goldenrod tea as we discuss the use of mordants to prepare fibers and fix colors. Experiment with samples of different fabrics of silk, cotton and yarn to explore how different fabrics and mordants can generate a range of color hues. Please bring a pair of dishwashing gloves so your hands don’t dye too! Each participant will take home their own custom-dyed scarf. Ideal for adults and teens.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, September 29th
1:30 – 4:30PM
Cost: $35/individual
*ANIMAL ART: Creepy Crawlies
Irvine invites you to share your appreciation for our spooookiest friends by making art! This class will focus on painting and drawing techniques that will provide new ways of expressing your connection with nature. Slithery and crawly friends will model for us as we capture their unique features through a mixed media activity with a variety of medium uses – including acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils, charcoal, ink pens and several different surfaces. Participants will be able to take home a custom item of their own creation at the end of the class. Ideal for ages 13+.
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Educator and MICA-trained artist
Sunday, October 13th
4:00 – 6:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
*ANIMAL ART: Animal Ornaments
Meet a variety of animals while painting your own nature-inspired ornaments. Participants will be able to take home a custom creation at the end of the class. Ideal for ages 13+
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Environmental Educator and MICA-trained artist
Friday, December 6th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
*MAKE A NATURAL EVERGREEN WREATH – 2 dates offered
Create a beautiful, sustainable, all-natural wreath for your home. Join Irvine Nature Center for this popular workshop where we will create beautiful and one-of-a-kind wreaths. We will provide a large assortment of evergreen boughs, berries, fruits, cones, and ribbons and all the instructions. Ideal for adults and teens 16+.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Thursday, December 5th, 6:00 – 8:30PM – A selection of wines and non-alcoholic refreshments, appetizers, and seasonal desserts will be provided during this session.
Cost: $50/individual
LINK TO REGISTER FOR THURSDAY
Saturday, December 7th, 2:00-4:30PM
Cost: $40/individual
LINK TO REGISTER FOR SATURDAY
*MAKE & TAKE: Carolina Woven Snowflake
A wonderful weaving project for even beginners to create these 3D woven ornaments. The Carolina Snowflake pattern was developed by basket maker Billie Ruth Sudduth and was hung in the White House. Using plain and dyed reed, you will get to make both a large and small snowflake to bring home. Ideal for adults and teens.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, December 8th
2:00-4:30PM
Cost: $30/individual
NATURE EXPLORATION Programs
*NATURE NIGHT SENSORY HIKE
Come explore the enchantments of nature at night! Join Irvine naturalist and animal caretaker, Mallory, as we explore the wonders of the natural world after dark. We will engage our senses and learn how some animals are super smellers, some have ultra-sonic hearing, and how some rely on feeling their way around the world. We will experiment with UV light and see if nature can glow. Ideal for ages 7+.
Instructors: Mallory Mlynarek, Irvine Educator and Animal Care Manager
Friday, September 13th
7:00 – 9:00PM
Cost: $10/individual or $25/family
*MAKE & TAKE: FORAGED ICE CREAM USING PAWPAW & MORE
Making ice cream is a wonderful way to try many foraged foods but especially pawpaw fruit. In this fun and tasty workshop, you will sample some seasonally foraged foods from pawpaw to spicebush and more. Then each person can create a personal ice cream blend before setting the makers churning. While the ice cream sets in the freezer, we will take a foraging hike to learn how to safely identify and harvest plants. Each participant takes home a pint of ORGANIC ICE CREAM. Ideal for adults and teens.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, September 15th
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $35/individual
*MUSHROOM ROMP
Join Irvine naturalist and animal caretaker, Ash, for a stroll through Irvine’s woods in search of seasonal mushrooms! We will discuss just what is a fungus, what types you may see locally, and even which are edible. Ideal for ages 4+.
Instructors: Ash Miller, Irvine Educator and Animal Caretaker
Saturday, September 21st
11:00AM – 1:00PM
Cost: $10/individual or $25/family
*IRVINE’s ANNUAL SQUARE DANCE & PICNIC
Calling all Irvine members and friends! Join us for an evening of fun, food, games, live music, and square dancing. Together we’ll learn the Virginia Reel and other quadrille dances. Meet animal ambassadors, play in the Outdoor Classroom, explore the Exhibit Hall, and create crafts inspired by nature. Tickets include picnic dinner, drinks (both spirited and spirit-free) & dancing! Great fun for all ages.
Instructors: Kim Forry and The New Southern Cow Tippers
Friday, September 27
6:00 – 9:00PM
Early Bird Pricing: $10/individual, ages 12+; $5/individual, ages 2-11 (children under 2 are free)
Pricing After 8/31/24: $15/individual, ages 12+; $8/individual, ages 2-11 (children under 2 are free)
This event will sell out – register early to guarantee your spot at this beloved Irvine tradition!
*OWL PROWL
Learn all about native owls and their adaptations as we search for wild owls during a gentle hike, visit with our owl ambassadors, and dig into some owl pellets. Ideal for ages 5+.
Instructors: Ash Miller, Irvine Educator and Animal Caretaker
Friday, November 1st
7:00 – 9:00PM
Cost: $10/individual or $25/family
*MAKE & TAKE: ANCESTRAL GLUE & STRING
How did people cope before super glue and duct tape? Join us around a campfire to find out! We will explore the technique of making glue from pine pitch and temper so each person can create an ancestral ‘hot glue’ stick. Then we will learn different methods of making ‘cordage’ or string from natural fibers harvested at Irvine. Enjoy a hot foraged drink while chatting and twisting fiber around the fire. Each participant takes home their creation plus the skills to make more. Ideal for adults and teens.
Instructors: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, November 3rd
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $35/individual
*CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ MONTH AT IRVINE
Join Irvine educators and community members as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Month at this Free Event! Explore Irvine’s Native American Educational Site with its longhouse and wigwams. Engage in a number of hands-on activities and demonstrations of ancestral skills, including grinding corn, throwing an atlatl, starting a friction fire, making cordage or a buckskin bracelet and more!
American Indians have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Help celebrate their achievements and learn about some of their history in Maryland. A great event for all ages.
Irvine’s Native American Educational Site, built in partnership with the Baltimore American Indian Center, is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. Guided hikes to the site will occur at designate times throughout the event, and the route will also be clearly marked for self-guided walks. Please provide advance notice if you require transportation to the site.
Instructors: Irvine Educators
Sunday, November 10th
10:30AM – 3:30PM (come any time during event window)
Cost: FREE
*TURKEYS & TREATS
Gobblers, hens, jakes, and jennies to snoods, waffles, caruncles, and beards- what do they all mean? Take a fun dive into the world of turkey talk with naturalist and animal caretaker, Mallory. Warm up with tea as you learn fun facts about these elusive birds that call Irvine home, followed by a late-morning hike to search for the resident flock. Ideal for all ages.
Instructors: Mallory Mlynarek, Irvine Educator and Animal Care Manager
Sunday, November 16th
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Cost: $5/individual
*LUNCH & LEARN- HUNTERS OF THE SKY
Join Park Naturalist and Falconer, Jenna Mele, for a presentation that soars through the fascinating realm of Raptors! From the piercing gaze of Eagles to the silent flight of Owls, explore the extraordinary adaptations and hunting skills that make these birds the true rulers of the skies. Learn about their vital role in our ecosystems, current conservation challenges, and how you can contribute to their protection. You will also discover the ancient art of Falconry and its role in understanding and preserving these creatures.
Come and enjoy the presentation accompanied by a delicious catered lunch from Wegmans. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the world through the eyes of birds of prey!
Presenter: Jenna Mele, Park Naturalist and Falconer
Tuesday, November 19th
12:00PM – 1:30PM
Cost: $30/members; $40/non-members
*Discount for Pacesetter members and above.
*LUNCH & LEARN with the Animals
Come share your lunch hour with Irvine’s animal friends! During this animal-ambassador-themed Lunch & Learn you will have a chance to gain further understanding about the many inspiring and amazing animals that call Irvine home!
Join Irvine Naturalists for a delightful midday repeat followed by a presentation highlighting the fascinating characteristics of a variety of species- whether it be an owl’s enhanced senses sight and hearing, or a box turtle’s extended longevity, our Irvine Naturalists’ will brighten your day with their insight and knowledge of the wonderful world of animals that we share our day to day with here at Irvine.
Presenters: Irvine Naturalists
Tuesday, January 28th
12:00PM – 1:30PM
Cost: $30/members; $40/non-members
*Discount for Pacesetter members and above.
Health and wellness Programs
FOREST BATHING & QIGONG WITH MARY PINKARD
A tree can be considered a metaphor for the human body. It exemplifies what the ancients discovered thousands of years ago. Basically: humans (and trees) have three sources of energy – magnetic earth energy, electric energy of the universe, and innate energy within. Trees sink roots deep into the earth and their canopies reach for the universe. For us to maintain vibrant health we need to do the same. In this session, participants will commence with a Forest Bathing walk, followed by a Qigong practice to experience a deeper connectedness to our natural world. Age 18+ No prior experience needed. All are welcome.
Instructors: Mary Pinkard, NQA Level II Instructor
Sunday, September 8th
9:30 – 10:45AM
Cost: $25/participant
Preregistration encouraged, walkups welcome if space allows.
QIGONG & ENERGETIC PATHWAYS WITH MICHELE TSONIS
This 75-minute class fuses Qigong movements to music designed to engage pathways of energy, helping to restore balance, harmony, and vitality to your entire body. Learn ways to harness the powerful “life force” that is vibrating within you. The class will cover practical methods for communicating with the nervous system through “energy medicine” and self-massage techniques. Great for stress reduction, strength and flexibility. Age 18+ No prior experience needed. All are welcome.
Instructors: Michele Tsonis
Sunday, October 20th
9:30 – 10:45AM
Cost: $25/participant
Preregistration encouraged, walkups welcome if space allows.
HARMONIZING THE SPIRIT: QIGONG & THE LABYRINTH JOURNEY WITH MARY PINKARD & MICHELE TSONIS
Embark on a transformative journey that combines the ancient practice of Qigong with the meditative path of the labyrinth. In this unique session, you’ll learn to harness the power of breath, movement, and intention to cultivate balance and inner peace. The labyrinth serves as a sacred space to deepen your practice, inviting you to release tension, find clarity, and connect with your inner self. Whether you are new to Qigong or an experienced practitioner, this class offers a profound opportunity to harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Join us for an morning of reflection, renewal, and holistic wellness. Age 18+ No prior experience needed. All are welcome.
Instructors: Mary Pinkard, NQA Level II Instructor and Michele Tsonis
Sunday, November 17th (Rain date: December 1st)
9:30 – 11:00AM
Cost: $30/participant
Preregistration encouraged, walkups welcome if space allows.
