Learn the art of fire building in a fun and supportive environment. Discover where to find dry wood and tinder even in winter, which woods burn best and how to build and start a fire. Try using ferro rods, experiment with everyday fire-starting materials from lip balm to hand sanitizer and much more. Even try... Read more »
Attend FREE FRIDAYS at Irvine Nature Center! We invite the community to discover all that Irvine has to offer – hiking, exploration, connection – ALL ARE WELCOME! While at Irvine, Hike the 8+ miles of trails, Visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, Play in the Outdoor Classroom, Discover the Native American Site, Observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and... Read more »
Join us most Fridays for a FREE story time & an animal encounter in the Outdoor Classroom (or indoors in inclement weather.) This ‘caregiver and child’ program will allow you to build connections with nature and your neighbors in an outdoor learning environment. Visitors are encouraged to come early or stay after to discover Irvine’s trails, meadows, and... Read more »
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly... Read more »
A single-day version of our popular caregiver and child class, Little Birds. Children birth to 3 years will delight in the natural world alongside a caregiver as we experience animal encounters, nature walks, songs, stories, and art. This program includes primarily outdoor experiences and is a perfect introduction to our approach to learning in The... Read more »
It may sound sappy, but there's magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine's naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap... Read more »
It may sound sappy, but there's magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine's naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap... Read more »
Join naturalist Kerry Wixted for an engaging and eye-opening journey into the world of turtles! Turtles play remarkable roles in our ecosystems and cultures--- yet many species are in decline. Learn the basics of turtle biology, discover several of the unique species found in Maryland, and explore the key reasons their populations are struggling. You'll... Read more »
Join Irvine trustees, Leah Maddox and Annie Lewis, for an afternoon of sips and spring shopping. 10% OF SALES will benefit Irvine Nature Center Wednesday, March 11 12:00-4:00PM 7623 Bellona Ave Ruxton, Maryland Shop for a cause! 10% of sales will be donated to Irvine Nature Center. Can't make it on March 11? Be sure to mention... Read more »
In this two-class evening workshop (Wednesday, March 11 & Wednesday, March 18), Dr. Clare Walker will lead you as you discover the process of creating a traditional and beautiful pine needle basket. In the first class you will learn how to start your basket using a hand-made wood base and then coil long-leaf pine needles... Read more »
Attend FREE FRIDAYS at Irvine Nature Center! We invite the community to discover all that Irvine has to offer – hiking, exploration, connection – ALL ARE WELCOME! While at Irvine, Hike the 8+ miles of trails, Visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, Play in the Outdoor Classroom, Discover the Native American Site, Observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and... Read more »
Join us most Fridays for a FREE story time & an animal encounter in the Outdoor Classroom (or indoors in inclement weather.) This ‘caregiver and child’ program will allow you to build connections with nature and your neighbors in an outdoor learning environment. Visitors are encouraged to come early or stay after to discover Irvine’s trails, meadows, and... Read more »
Join Irvine Animal Programs Manager Mallory Mlynarek for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Irvine’s amphibians after dark! We will search for Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, Salamanders, and many more. If you have never heard the chorus of frogs in the springtime, this event is one you won’t want to miss! Ideal for ages... Read more »
In this two-class evening workshop (Wednesday, March 11 & Wednesday, March 18), Dr. Clare Walker will lead you as you discover the process of creating a traditional and beautiful pine needle basket. In the first class you will learn how to start your basket using a hand-made wood base and then coil long-leaf pine needles... Read more »
Salamanders & Sours For the past three years Dr. Mark Norris and his students at Stevenson University have been surveying red-backed salamanders at Irvine and Stevenson. While they are considered very common in eastern forests, their research shows that these amphibians exist in very limited locations. Join Dr. Norris to learn more about the secretive... Read more »
NEW EXPANDED SERIES FOR 2025-2026! Due to popular demand, Irvine is pleased to expand its Day Off Camp series to include 11 dates for the 2025/26 year. Your child will love spending their day off from school with Irvine's award-winning environmental educators for a day of exploration and outdoor activity! Days are filled with animal... Read more »
Attend FREE FRIDAYS at Irvine Nature Center! We invite the community to discover all that Irvine has to offer – hiking, exploration, connection – ALL ARE WELCOME! While at Irvine, Hike the 8+ miles of trails, Visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, Play in the Outdoor Classroom, Discover the Native American Site, Observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and... Read more »
Join us most Fridays for a FREE story time & an animal encounter in the Outdoor Classroom (or indoors in inclement weather.) This ‘caregiver and child’ program will allow you to build connections with nature and your neighbors in an outdoor learning environment. Visitors are encouraged to come early or stay after to discover Irvine’s trails, meadows, and... Read more »
Attend FREE FRIDAYS at Irvine Nature Center! We invite the community to discover all that Irvine has to offer – hiking, exploration, connection – ALL ARE WELCOME! While at Irvine, Hike the 8+ miles of trails, Visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, Play in the Outdoor Classroom, Discover the Native American Site, Observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and... Read more »
Join us most Fridays for a FREE story time & an animal encounter in the Outdoor Classroom (or indoors in inclement weather.) This ‘caregiver and child’ program will allow you to build connections with nature and your neighbors in an outdoor learning environment. Visitors are encouraged to come early or stay after to discover Irvine’s trails, meadows, and... Read more »
Early spring is syrup season but creating maple syrup is a long, tricky process, so an alternative is hickory bark syrup. Dr. Clare Walker will share how you can use the distinctive bark of shagbark hickory to make a delicious and distinctive syrup – sweet, yet smoky. The process is simple, requires no tools other... Read more »
NEW EXPANDED SERIES FOR 2025-2026! Due to popular demand, Irvine is pleased to expand its Day Off Camp series to include 11 dates for the 2025/26 year. Your child will love spending their day off from school with Irvine's award-winning environmental educators for a day of exploration and outdoor activity! Days are filled with animal... Read more »
NEW EXPANDED SERIES FOR 2025-2026! Due to popular demand, Irvine is pleased to expand its Day Off Camp series to include 11 dates for the 2025/26 year. Your child will love spending their day off from school with Irvine's award-winning environmental educators for a day of exploration and outdoor activity! Days are filled with animal... Read more »
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly... Read more »
Attend FREE FRIDAYS at Irvine Nature Center! We invite the community to discover all that Irvine has to offer – hiking, exploration, connection – ALL ARE WELCOME! While at Irvine, Hike the 8+ miles of trails, Visit the 8 resident raptors in the Aviary, Play in the Outdoor Classroom, Discover the Native American Site, Observe the diversity in Maryland’s ecosystems in the meadows, wetlands and... Read more »
Saturday, April 4th will be a #FREEadmission day at Irvine Nature Center. Come on out and enjoy time in nature! Explore the 211-acre property and take in the views this spring. Visit the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Observe Irvine’s many animal ambassadors. On this #FREEadmission day, we invite you to: Hike the 8+ miles of... Read more »