ORNC Council Speaker Series Introduction to Nature Informed Therapy Zoe Jack; Manager of Program and Partnership Development for the Center for Nature Informed Therapy and licensed psychotherapist at Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative Monday, May 16; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Are you curious about how a person's relationship to nature is now being used in mental health therapy? Join us for an introduction to the quickly growing field of nature informed/ecotherapy. We’ll also cover the current research backing up nature informed mental health. Participants will leave with increased knowledge of how a relationship with nature impacts their mental health and with a few tools for integrating nature-informed therapy practices into their day to day lives. Zoe Jack specializes in nature informed and client centered work with children, adolescents and adults. As a former wilderness therapy field guide and a behavior interventionist at a trauma informed school, Zoe incorporates the teachings of the natural world into her treatment approach with individuals and groups. Zoe holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland and is beginning her doctoral studies focusing on nature informed methods at Rutgers University this fall. Adults FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Saturday, May 14th.
Shoots and Letters – Rain Thursday, May 19; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, May 17rd.
Everyone in attendance (Adults and Children) must be registered and on our roster. Please enter adult name first then use the "add guest" button (lower left) to add child(ren). Please make sure to accurately enter names and ages. Registration for this program is set up so no fee is applied to the first person (adult). The fee will apply to all guests (children) who are entered.
Waitlist entries must also be entered as described above.
Cane Pole Fishing Saturday, May 21; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Come fish for bluegill and largemouth bass with our cane poles. We'll provide the pole and the worms. Adults and children 16+ must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish. (Our fishing poles only, please do not bring your own gear. Adults and children 16+ can register, attend and assist a child without a fishing license but must have the license to fish themselves.) Adults and children 4+ $7 per person ($5 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, May 19th.
Senior StrollSaturday; May 21, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Experience the many wellness benefits of sharing time walking in nature together. Join us at the Nature Center then we'll head out for a leisurely stroll in the park. Afterwards, stay for a guided reflection activity. Adults FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, May 19th.
Cane Pole Fishing Sunday, May 22; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Come fish for bluegill and largemouth bass with our cane poles. We'll provide the pole and the worms. Adults and children 16+ must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish. (Our fishing poles only, please do not bring your own gear. Adults and children 16+ can register, attend and assist a child without a fishing license but must have the license to fish themselves.) Adults and children 4+ $7 per person ($5 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, May 19th.
Nature Book Club – I Contain Multitudes Monday, May 23; 7 - 8 p.m. A groundbreaking, wondrously informative, and vastly entertaining examination of the most significant revolution in biology since Darwin – a “microbe’s-eye view” of the world that reveals a marvelous, radically reconceived picture of life on earth. Many people think of microbes as germs to be eradicated, but those that live with us – the microbiome – build our bodies, protect our health, shape our identities and grant us incredible abilities. In this astonishing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour through our microbial partners and introduces us to the scientists on the front lines of discovery. It will change both our view of nature and our sense of where we belong in it. Adults FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes at noon on Friday, May 20th.
Shoots and Letters – Rocks Thursday, May 26; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, May 24th.
Picnic and Paddle Saturday, May 28; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. It's the unofficial start of summer! Kick it off with a paddle on the lake with a Naturalist, learn some paddling techniques then bring a blanket and a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake.Adults and children 4+ (children under the age of 8 must be a third person non-paddler) Registration is per boat – minimum 2 people, maximum 3 people, one of which must be a non-paddling child under the age of 12. $10 per person ($8 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, May 26th
Shoots and Letters – Soil Thursday, June 2; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, May 31.
Bookworm Story Time Friday, June 3; 11 - 11:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature story with the storyteller’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, music, puppets or craft. This program is in partnership with the Baltimore County Public Library. Toddler to age 6 FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Wednesday, June 1st.
Everyone (Adults and Children) in attendance must be registered and on our roster. We are not able to accommodate siblings outside the published age range for this program or more than one adult per child.
Please make sure to enter accurate names and ages for everyone in attendance. Our roster will be generated by the information entered. Upon arrival all guest will be required to sign in and acknowledge a Baltimore County Liability Waiver.
A Morning in Mining History Hike Saturday, June 4; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Join a Naturalist for a trip back in time to when Oregon Ridge was a mining town. Visit the tenant house museum and explore various historical sites in the park. All ages $4 per person ($2 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 2.
Music in the Woods Saturday, June 4; 2 - 7 p.m.Celebrate the season with music in the meadows of Oregon Ridge Nature Center. Enjoy this family-friendly festival with diverse local bands and solo musicians. Performances include bluegrass, folk, rock and more, all on an outdoor stage. Craft vendors and children's activities will be available throughout the day. Bring your instrument and meet-up with other musicians at jam sessions. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Hot dogs and light refreshments will be available for sale. All ages FREE ADMISSION (donations appreciated, minimal fee for some activities) Registration is not required! We'll be adding details to the Programs and Events page of our website as they become available. https://www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org/programs-and-special-events/ (Scroll down to Events and Festivals)
Band Schedule 2:00 - 2:25 p.m. Oregon Ridge Dulcimers 2:35 - 3:00 p.m. Three-4-All 3:10 - 3:35 p.m. Quiet The Mountain 3:45 - 4:10 p.m. Will Play for Fish 4:20 - 4:45 p.m. In the Clear 4:55 - 5:20 p.m. Ridge Runners 5:30 - 5:55 p.m. Proper Sporks 6:05 - 6:30 p.m. Keeve Greene 6:40 - 7:05 p.m. Artie and the Vipers
Shoots and Letters – Worms Thursday, June 9; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, June 7th.
Morning Bird Walk Friday, June 10; 8 - 9:30 a.m.The early bird gets the most sightings. Join a naturalist for this early morning bird walk to find and identify birds in the park. Bring your binoculars (or borrow some from us) and wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Adults FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Wednesday, June 8th.
Dragons and Damsels Saturday, June 11; 1 - 2:30 p.m. There is something magical about dragonflies and damselflies. These insects have inhabited the Earth for 300 million years learning to hover like a helicopter while clearing the air of pesky gnats and mosquitoes. We will hike to the lake to watch them fly then head back to the pavilion to craft one of our own to take home with us. Adults and children 4+ $5 per person ($3 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 9th.
The Beekeeper and the Honey Bees Sunday, June 12; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Everything you wanted to know about honeybees and beekeeping. What is a swarm and why do honeybees swarm? What is a drone? Do drones sting? How do beekeepers determine what kind of honey they have? What does the inside of a hive look like? We'll have answers for you along with some honey to taste as you spend the morning with a Naturalist and Beekeeper. Adults and children 4+ $5 per person ($3 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 9th.
Shoots and Letters – Gardening Thursday, June 16; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, June 14.
Cane Pole Fishing Saturday, June 18; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Come fish for bluegill and largemouth bass with our cane poles. We'll provide the pole and the worms. Adults and children 16+ must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish. (Our fishing poles only, please do not bring your own gear. Adults and children 16+ can register, attend and assist a child without a fishing license but must have the license to fish themselves.) Adults and children 4+ $7 per person ($5 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Senior StrollSaturday; June 18, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Experience the many wellness benefits of sharing time walking in nature together. Join us at the Nature Center then we'll head out for a leisurely stroll in the park. Afterwards, stay for a guided reflection activity. Adults FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Summer Morning Hike in the Park Sunday, June 19; 9 - 10 a.m. Take in the sights and sounds of the park in the morning as we hike a different part of the park each month. Learn a little about park history and seasonal happenings in the park from a park naturalist. All ages $3 per person (FREE for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Cane Pole Fishing Sunday, June 19; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Come fish for bluegill and largemouth bass with our cane poles. We'll provide the pole and the worms. Adults and children 16+ must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish. (Our fishing poles only, please do not bring your own gear. Adults and children 16+ can register, attend and assist a child without a fishing license but must have the license to fish themselves.) Adults and children 4+ $7 per person ($5 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Summer Solstice on the LakeTuesday, June 21; 6 - 8 p.m. Take in the sights and sounds of the longest day of the year by canoe! Our Naturalist staff will lead the way as you explore life in the lake and learn a few paddling skills along the way. Adults and children 8+ Registration is per boat – minimum 2 people, maximum 3 people, one of which must be a non-paddling child under the age of 12. $10 per person ($8 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Summer Garden Club Wednesdays, June 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27: August 3 and 10 9 - 10:30 a.m. Grab your garden gloves and water bottle and join us for the Summer Garden Club! We'll be planting, caring for, harvesting and enjoying a variety of garden vegetables. Children ages 6 - 12 $32 per student ($24 for ORNCC Members) (Parents are welcome to stay but we are not able to accommodate siblings at this program.) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 16th.
Please note... A drop-off form must be submitted via email for each student within 7 days of registration and prior to close of registration for the program. Forms can be downloaded at the following link... https://oregonridgenaturecenter.wildapricot.org/resources/Drop-offProgramRelease.pdf
Shoots and Letters – Mushrooms Thursday, June 23; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, June 21st.
Nature's Night Lights Saturday, June 25; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Make some firefly magic under the full moon. We'll catch and release lightning bugs and make s'mores by the campfire – two of childhood's best memory makers. Bring a bug box and a flashlight. Adults and children 6+ $6 per person ($4 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Wednesday, June 22nd.
Toad Abodes Sunday, June 26; 1 - 3 p.m. Have you ever wondered where toads live? What they eat? What good are they to us? Do they really give us warts? There are a lot of questions about this toad-ally awesome amphibian. Join us as we find out more about this misunderstood critter and make a home for them that you can take home. Adults and children 2+ $6 per person ($4 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 23rd.
Shoots and Letters – Berries Thursday, June 30; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, June 28th.
Bookworm Story Time Friday, July 1; 11 - 11:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature story with the storyteller’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, music, puppets or craft. This program is in partnership with the Baltimore County Public Library. Toddler to age 6 FREE (donations appreciated) Registration for this program closes on Wednesday, June 29th.
A Morning in Mining History Hike Saturday, July 2; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Join a Naturalist for a trip back in time to when Oregon Ridge was a mining town. Visit the tenant house museum and explore various historical sites in the park. All ages $4 per person ($2 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 30th.
What is a Fossil? Saturday, July 2; 1 - 3 p.m. Fossils are the preserved remains of ancient life. They are either body parts like bones or impressions left behind from an organism. We will see and touch some real fossils then make our own fossil to take home. Adults and children 4+ $6 per person ($4 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 30th.
Paddle the Lake Sunday, July 3; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Explore the lake by canoe! Find out what kind of wildlife lives in the lake by exploring the lake by canoe. Adults and children 8+ Registration is per boat – minimum 2 people, maximum 3 people, one of which must be a non-paddling child under the age of 12. $10 per person ($8 for ORNCC Members) Registration for this program closes on Thursday, June 30th.
Shoots and Letters – Fireflies Thursday, July 7; 10 - 11 a.m. Join us as we explore a different nature theme each week. Each session starts with a related story followed by hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, games and crafts. Ages 2 - 10 with a participating adult Please note that this program is designed for ages 2 - 5. $3 per child (includes one participating adult who is registered for the program) Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, July 5th.
