Montgomery Parks Debuts Mobile Nature Center

Montgomery Parks Debuts Mobile Nature Center

Montgomery Parks has announced the launch of Nature on Wheels, it’s new mobile nature center and science field station that will travel to parks throughout the county.

It will make its debut this Friday April 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Acorn Urban Park in Silver Spring.

Press release:

WHEATON, MD – Montgomery Parks(opens in a new tab), part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, announces the launch of Nature on Wheels(opens in a new tab) a mobile nature center and science field station that will bring programming to parks throughout the county.

Nature on Wheels will be equipped with field research and presentation tools, mobile displays, and program presentation activities. Park naturalists will lead various programs, science activities, and games utilizing displays deployed around the vehicle and a mobile stage to ensure safe distancing. Some programs may include animal ambassadors.

“We can’t wait to take our nature programming on the road and engage with residents in the neighborhoods where they live and play,” said Angela Yau, Facility Manager, Locust Grove Nature Center.  “Nature on Wheels allows us to provide nature programs in a safe, outdoor environment and is a way for us to increase access to community science, community service, and career exploration programs throughout the county.”

Nature on Wheels will make its debut this weekend. Naturalists will share information on the City Nature Challenge(opens in a new tab) and how to use the app iNaturalist(opens in a new tab) at the following locations:

•  Friday April 30, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Acorn Urban Park in Silver Spring.
•  Saturday May 1, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Rachel Carson Conservation Park in Olney
•  Sunday, May 2, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Arora Hills Local Park in Clarksburg

Naturalists will also be available to answer questions and share information related to natural areas throughout the park system.  The Nature on Wheels program plans to expand as it becomes safer for groups to gather and will offer organizations, including schools, the opportunity to schedule a visit at a park within walking distance of their facility.

Nature on Wheels operates in accordance with Montgomery County guidelines on group size and physical distancing.  Face coverings must be worn.

Follow the Locust Grove Nature Center (opens in a new tab)Facebook page for information on future Nature on Wheels dates and locations.

Nature Centers Announce Facility Reopening Dates

Montgomery Parks is beginning to re-open nature center facilities. During opening hours, staff will be onsite, and restrooms will be open. Indoor play areas, activities, and exhibits remain closed.

Beginning May 1, 2021:

•  Brookside Nature Center will open Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•  Locust Grove Nature Center will open Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Beginning June 5, 2021

•  Black Hill Nature Programs will open Saturdays and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Meadowside Nature Center is undergoing facility renovations and remains closed.

About Montgomery Parks 
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 424 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. www.MontgomeryParks.org(opens in a new tab)

Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or [email protected](opens in a new tab) to request a disability modification. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org/access(opens in a new tab) for more information.