Thursday, January 9

Winter Escape: "Florida Bird and Butterfly Hotspots," Boyds, MD

10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost: $8.00. Reservations required. Got the winter blues? Enjoy a slide show of the naturalist's travels to warmer places including the Everglades, the Deering Estate, Loxahatchee NWR, and a world-famous butterfly house. Then enjoy a light brunch and taste a sampling of Florida specialty foods. Held at Black Hill Visitor Center in Black Hill Regional Park, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD.

Thursday, January 9

The Relationship Between Butterflies and Plants, Verona, VA

7:30 p.m. Free; guests welcomed. Monthly meeting of the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Program: Richard Schiemann of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) will be presenting a butterfly slide show focusing on the relationship between butterflies and plants. Held at the Augusta County Government Center South Board Room, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA.

Saturday, January 11

Butterflies in Winter, Herndon, VA

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. $6 per person. Families/all ages. Where do butterflies go in the winter? What is that crumple of leaves under the bush? How does a miniscule egg form into a beautiful creature of flight? Can you raise butterfly eggs to adulthood for release? These and many more questions will be answered by one of Herndon's up and coming leaders in our very own butterfly community. Learn how you can help Herndon's butterfly population, and encourage butterflies to overwinter in your very own backyard. You will take home something special; it's a surprise. Meet at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon, VA.

Saturday, January 18 through Monday, May 26, 2003

Nature's Jewels: a Living Exhibit of Orchids and Butterflies, Washington, DC

10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Free. Every year the United States Botanic Garden partners with the Smithsonian Institution Department of Horticultural Services to display both institutions' renowned orchid collections. This year's exhibit will be a tropical spectacle of butterflies flitting through a dazzling display of orchids. Join Smithsonian staff and volunteers for a tour of the exhibit daily at 2:00 p.m. Held at the Arts and Industries Building of the Smithsonian Institution, East Hall, 900 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC. There will also be a day-long festival celebrating the exhibit on February 22.

Tuesday, January 21

Hedgerows and Meadows: Bringing Nature Back Home to Our Personal Landscapes and Gardens, Leesburg, VA

7:30 p.m. Free. Monthly meeting of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Jocelyn Slade, co-President of the Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, will explain how a more natural landscape can provide important habitat for wildlife and native plants and will suggest ways you can preserve and enhance these wonderful areas in your own yard. Held at the Rust Library at 380 Old Waterford Road in Leesburg, VA.

Tuesday, January 21

Occoquan Forest Environmental Gardening Group Meeting, Manassas, VA

2:00 p.m. Free; public welcome. "Butterfly Gardening and Seed Starting" will be the topic of this meeting held at the home of Nell Benton in Prince William County between Woodbridge and Manassas. Dex Hinckley will be assisting with the segment on butterfly gardening.

Thursday, January 23

WABC Monthly Meeting, Arlington, VA

7:30 p.m. Free; open to the public. Club member Pat Durkin will present a program on "Finding Time for Butterflies on a Family Vacation." Almost every place you travel offers something new about butterflies, but maybe not everyone in your family is as enthusiastic about the subject as you are. Pat will discuss how she worked butterfly time into family trips to Texas, Southern California, Colorado and New Hampshire, and she will show slides and discuss butterflies seen on her travels. This month we're back at our regular meeting location at Long Branch Nature Center. (Directions below.)

Long Branch Nature Center is located at 625 South Carlin Springs Road in Arlington, VA. Directions from Washington Beltway (495), VA exit 8/Route 50: Drive north on Route 50 about 5 miles. Turn right onto Carlin Springs Road. The nature center is about 1/3 mile on the left behind a doctor's office building; the sign and driveway are just beyond the building (just before the building for those coming from Columbia Pike). Drive behind the building and down the wooded driveway. Map 16-G-8 on ADC No. Va. map.

Thursday, January 23

Bay-Friendly Gardening, Prince Frederick, MD

7:00 p.m. Meeting of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Marcy Damon, Habitat Restoration Trainer at Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Carolyn Fulton, a Master Gardener, will discuss Bay-friendly gardening techniques. Location: the Phillips House in Prince Frederick. Driving directions: From Rt. 2-4 in Prince Frederick (Calvert County), turn east onto Duke Street (one block south of Rt. 231). Turn left into Library parking lot. Park in upper lot and take the walkway to the Phillips House.

Friday, January 24

Coevolution: Panel Discussion, Washington, DC

12 noon. Free. Over the past decade, the biological sciences have taken new and intriguing approaches to understanding the tangled web of life on earth. Museum scientists Conrad Labandeira (Paleobiology), John Kress (Botany), Ted Shultz (Entomology), and Paula DePriest (Botany) discuss how organisms — insects, hummingbirds, and plants — interact with other species in their environments. Some of these interactions led to major evolutionary adaptations and innovations — coevolution. Held in the Baird Auditorium at the National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.

Saturday, January 25

Nature in Winter, Leesburg, VA

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ANS members: $5/child; Nonmembers: $8/child. Just because nature seems to be sleeping doesn't mean there is nothing going on! Come and explore nature with a new perspective, find out what happens to the critters in winter, and look for some signs of their activities. Held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's Rust Sanctuary on 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg, VA.

Saturday, January 25

Nature in Winter, Ellicott City, MD

2:00 p.m. Cost: $2.00. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Avalon Visitor Center in Patapsco Valley State Park. Grab your coat and hat and let Mother Nature chase away the winter blues. The holidays may be over, but there's still a lot going on outside. We'll look for the plant that inspired the invention of VELCRO, find where the White-Tails sleep, and discover what the birds and insects are doing outside. Join volunteer Marian Dodson for a short walk and a breath of fresh air, while exploring how the park's flora and fauna survive winter's chill.

Tuesdays, January 28 through February 25

Bugs, Spiders, and Ugh! Sterling, VA

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ages 3-5. Fee: $22.50. Supply fee is $3.00. Learn all about the creepy crawlers and what they do; we'll also have bug stories and bug snacks. Instructor: Marlene Ubilla. Held at the Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling, VA.

Thursday, January 30

Television Show: "Tristan's Butterfly Garden," PAX-TV

8:00 p.m. The series It's a Miracle on PAX-TV (check cable listings for channel number) will air a segment titled "Tristan's Butterfly Garden." It is the story of a Daytona Beach, Florida elementary school where a child's death from muscular dystrophy prompted his teachers and classmates to build a butterfly garden in his memory. The classmates maintain a garden and butterfly house on the school grounds in his name, raise flowers and monarchs, and sell books they've written about how to raise butterflies.

Saturday, February 1

Backyard Habitat Workshop, Leesburg, VA

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ANS members: $5; Nonmembers: $7. Has mowing that lawn all summer gotten you down? Winter is the time to plan your spring garden plantings so you can grow instead of mow. Have you ever wanted to attract certain birds or butterflies to your yard? How about trying wildlife gardening? This program will introduce you to backyard habitats and how to create one in your yard.
This program is one of the Amateur Naturalist Series, programs geared for teens and adults who have a serious interest in nature. These classes not only include instruction from the naturalist but also have extensive resources for continuing self-guided study, as well as lots of question-and-answer opportunities. Held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's Rust Sanctuary on 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg.

Saturday, February 1

Introducing Native Plants to the Home Garden, Alexandria, VA

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $10. This is the fourth lecture of Green Spring's Landscape Design Lecture Series for Homeowners. Native plants are species that grow in the region in which they evolved. Gardeners who grow native plants celebrate the beauty of our native flora and help foster diversity. But which native plants perform reliably in a garden? Brenda Skarphol, native plant expert, will make suggestions and explain why they will enhance your landscape. Held at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. Call 703-642-5173.

Tuesday, February 4

Where Did Everyone Go? Huntingtown, MD

10:30 a.m. - noon. Reservations required. Fee: $3. For ages 3 to 5. Snack is provided! This activity is for the hardiest of little people. Dress in your warmest clothes, (don't forget your gloves and boots!) and prepare to uncover logs and dig in the muck to find out where the bugs and other crawly creatures go in winter. Bring mom or dad and a bag lunch. Treats for everyone! Kings Landing Park is in Huntingtown, MD.

Wednesday, February 5

Winter Insects, Stevenson, MD

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fee: $8.00. Bugs in winter? That's right. Just because they're not buzzing in your ears doesn't mean that bugs aren't around. Discover the many camouflaged hiding places of some bugs and the active lifestyles and habitats of others. Leader: Sheryl Pedrick. Held at Irvine Nature Center, 8400 Greenspring Avenue, Stevenson, MD. Call 410 484-2413 to register.

Saturday, February 15th

Birding Hike and Backyard Habitat Presentation, Alexandria, VA

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration required. NOTE: Due to this weekend's weather forecast, this event has been rescheduled to next Saturday, February 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All of the people who have reserved spaces for this Saturday will be added to the list for next Saturday. If you are unable to attend on the 22nd, please contact Jeannie McPherson and she will remove your name. At this point, there are still 10 spaces available. You can read more about this event and other upcoming events at http://www.NVCT.org by clicking on the Adventures in Conservation icon. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Jeannie McPherson at 703-354-5093.

Wednesday, February 19

Insect ABC, Alexandria, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. $5.00. Look up close at butterfly wings, learn the insect hokey-pokey, and make fantastic bug headbands sure to delight and surprise your friends. Green Spring Gardens Park is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.

Thursday, February 20

Insect ABC, Alexandria, VA

See February 19.

Friday, February 21

Insect ABC, Alexandria, VA

See February 19.

Saturday, February 22

Birding Hike and Backyard Habitat Presentation, Alexandria, VA

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration required. NOTE: This event was rescheduled from last weekend due to inclement weather. Join Fairfax Audubon Society and The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust at Huntley Meadows Park for a presentation on techniques to attract wildlife to your backyard. Learn how you can attract birds and other wildlife by creating and maintaining a simple wildlife habitat in your own yard. Identify common bird species in your area on a guided birding walk through one of Fairfax County's most diverse parks. Use what you learn to become a citizen scientist and participate in Audubon’s Great Backyard Bird Count, a late winter census of North American bird populations. Some lucky participants will receive door prizes including a complementary admission to one of Fairfax Audubon Society’s upcoming workshops. Huntley Meadows is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, VA.

Saturday and Sunday, March 1 - 2

Nature Photography Exhibition, Vienna, VA

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority presents an exhibit of Northern Virginia's finest nature photography in the Atrium of >Meadowlark Gardens. There will also be a number of presentations on photography for those who are interested. Meadowlark is located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna, VA.

Thursday, March 6

Storytime: I Wish I Were A Butterfly, Rockville, MD

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Ages 3 - 6 w/adult. Learn about caterpillars and butterflies with a story and craft. Now is the time to start planning your butterfly garden. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. 301-924-4141.

Saturday, March 8

Creating Butterfly Habitats, Alexandria, VA

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join the National Wildlife Federation and learn how you can make improvements to your yard or garden that will turn it into a beautiful oasis for butterflies and other wildlife. Learn how you can get your yard certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site! Held at the Home Depot on 6555 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA. Pre-registration for clinics is NOT necessary. For more information, contact the National Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9919.

Tuesday, March 11

Storytime: I Wish I Were A Butterfly, Rockville, MD

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Ages 3 - 6 w/adult. Learn about caterpillars and butterflies with a story and craft. Now is the time to start planning your butterfly garden. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. 301-924-4141.

Wednesday, March 12

Puppet Show: "The Caterpillar And The Polliwog," Wheaton, MD

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. All ages. No reservations required. A silly tadpole thinks he’ll turn into a butterfly. See if he does! Held at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. 301-946-9071.

Friday, March 14

Early Spring Hike, Rockville, MD

9:00 a.m. - noon. Adults. Late winter is a great time to look for birds and enjoy the beauty of the Potomac River. Hopefully we’ll spot some early butterflies. Meet: parking lot across from Angler’s Inn. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. 301-924-4141.

Saturday, March 15

Creating a Backyard Habitat, Fairfax, VA

9:00 a.m. - noon. $35, nonmembers. A workshop with the Fairfax Audubon Society. A good wildlife habitat incorporates 4 elements: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. In this workshop, you will learn how to provide these with plantings and supplemental items such as feeders, birdbaths and nest boxes. After viewing a slide presentation, each participant will design a habitat for their own backyard. Bring graph paper and a pencil.
Instructor: Carol Hadlock is a Habitat Steward with the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Program and has been enjoying birds in her backyard for over 20 years. She works at The Bird Feeder in Reston, helping customers make their yards bird-friendly. She also serves on the FAS Board of Directors, chairing its Education Committee. Held at Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia. Call 703-256-6895 for information.

Monday, March 17 - Monday, April 21

Bugs, Spiders and Ugh! Sterling, VA

12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Fee: $22.50/4 sessions. Supply fee: $3. Learn all about creepy crawlers and what they do. We'll also have bug stories and bug snacks. No class on April 14. Instructor: Marlene Ubilla. Held at the Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling, VA. 703-430-9480.

Wednesday, March 19

Butterflies: Waiting for a North Wind, Wheaton, MD

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Fee: $11; registration required. On one magical autumn day at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, over 100,000 monarch butterflies were counted as they soared over the dunes on their way to Mexico. Now six years into a 10-year study, Denise Gibbs, Park Naturalist and WABC member, will share her experiences observing and collecting data on the monarch butterfly’s fall migration along the Virginia coast. Held in the Brookside Gardens Visitors Center Adult Classroom. Brookside is at 1800 Glenallan Avenue in Wheaton, MD. 301-949-8230.

Friday, March 21

Butterflies, Purcellville, VA

11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Ages 18 - 36 months. Fee: $6. Does your child like butterflies? If so, have them come in and make a beautiful butterfly using marbles. Held at the Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School Street, Purcellville, VA. 540-338-4122/4123.

Saturday, March 22

WABC Monthly Meeting, Chevy Chase, MD

10:00 a.m. - noon. Free; open to the public. Note: also see the second WABC meeting this month, postponed from February. This month is a joint meeting of WABC and the Maryland Heritage Rare Butterfly Survey Team at the ANS Gatehouse. Dick Smith, WABC member, and Jim McCann, State Zoologist from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will discuss "Maryland's Rare and Endangered Butterfly Program." Butterfly survey findings from 2002 will be summarized, and plans for the 2003 season will be presented. Past participants/volunteers with the Butterfly Survey and those who plan to take part in 2003 are asked to bring a bag lunch (beverages will be provided). Following lunch, training will be provided, and enlistment forms will be distributed. Although the afternoon session is specifically for survey participants, all are invited to stay. An agenda for the full day and directions are below. For more information on becoming a survey leader or field volunteer, contact survey coordinator Dick Smith. The Audubon Naturalist Society is at 8940 Jones Mill Road in Chevy Chase, MD.

Meeting Agenda:
Morning Session:
10:00 — Coffee and breakfast breads provided by WABC
10:15 — Brief business meeting of the Washington Area Butterfly Club
10:30 — "The Maryland Rare Butterfly Survey: History and Rationale," Jim McCann, Zoologist, Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Division
10:50 — "Highlights and Critical Findings from the 2002 Field Effort," Dick Smith, Coordinator, Maryland Heritage Rare Butterfly Survey
12:00 - 12:30 — Brown Bag Lunch Break
Afternoon Session:
12:30 - 2:00 — "Detailed Plans for the 2003 Field Season," Dick Smith, Coordinator, Maryland Heritage Rare Butterfly Survey (forms for the season will be distributed at this session).
Directions to Woodend, ANS Headquarters: from the Capital Beltway (I-495), exit Connecticut Ave. south (exit 33) toward Chevy Chase. From Connecticut Ave., go left on Manor Road, right on Jones Bridge Road, and left on Jones Mill Road to 8940 on the left. (Look for Nature Center road sign 500 feet before driveway entrance.) The Teale Learning Center (gatehouse) is the first building on the right. Some parking is available in the Teale Learning Center lot just inside the stone wall. More parking is available at the top of hill.

Sunday, March 23

Insects and Gardeners: A Fresh Approach, Washington, DC

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fee: $10. Pre-registration required. Award-winning author and USDA entomologist Eric Grissell offers the positive aspects of having insects in the garden during a slide presentation at the U.S. National Arboretum. Using award-winning photography, Eric presents a unique way of looking at the interactions of gardens, gardeners, and insects and encourages gardeners to increase and conserve a garden's biological diversity to ensure its natural stability. Eric's newest book, Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology, has received numerous awards. Eric will be available to sign his book following the presentation. Held in the Administration Building Auditorium. The United States National Arboretum is at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, in Washington, DC. For more information, directions, and to register, visit the National Arboretum web site.

Monday, March 24

U.S. Botanic Gardens and Nature's Jewels Exhibit, Washington, D.C.

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. $10 (covers transportatton only). A bus trip with the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. View recently renovated conservatory at the U.S. Botanical Garden. Then tour a living exhibit of orchids and butterflies at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. Walking required; comfortable shoes and attire recommended. Two pick-up points: Franklin Park, Purcellville, VA at 9:00 a.m.; the Leesburg Kohl's, 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Franklin Park at 540-338-7603.

Tuesday, March 25

Wild With The Wind—Butterfly Kites! Boyds, MD

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ages 8 - adult (6 - 16 w/ adult). Fee: $9. Harness the wind by flying a custom-ordered butterfly kite which you decorate with markers! Fee includes a mylar kite, string, and spool. Held at Black Hill Regional Park, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD. 301-916-0220.

Wednesday, March 26

Going Buggy, Leesburg, VA

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Fee: $6. Let your kids explore the many different types of bugs. They will make a bug of their own to take home. Held at the Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA. 703-771-5913.

Thursday, March 27

WABC Monthly Meeting, Arlington, VA

7:30 p.m. Free; open to the public. Note: this is the February meeting that was rescheduled due to snow.
This is it: the annual meeting on the wildly popular and fascinating topic of butterfly gardening! You may be thigh-deep in snow, but gardening season is only a few weeks away. It's not too soon to make plans for attracting butterflies to your yard. This year, Alonso Abugattos, WABC member and Arlington County Naturalist, will present a slide program on "Gardening for Butterflies and Other Pollinators." Legendary for presentations that are entertaining as well as highly informative, Alonso will discuss what he's learned developing Long Branch Nature Center's huge and impressive butterfly garden.
Long Branch Nature Center is located at 625 South Carlin Springs Road in Arlington, VA. Directions from Washington Beltway (495), VA exit 8/Route 50: Drive north on Route 50 about 5 miles. Turn right onto Carlin Springs Road. The nature center is about 1/3 mile on the left behind a doctor's office building; the sign and driveway are just beyond the building (just before the building for those coming from Columbia Pike). Drive behind the building and down the wooded driveway. Map 16-G-8 on ADC No. Va. map.

Saturday, March 29

Native Plants: The Future of Earth's Garden, Washington, DC

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fee: $70 (includes lunch). The 17th Annual Lahr Symposium presents an outstanding day of ideas and tools for anyone concerned with landscapes designed and natural, personal and public, local and global. Speaker topics will include creating and conserving native plants and natural landscapes, and Virginia Provenzano will hold a session on "Creating Habitat, at School and at Home." Symposium registrants can shop early at the native plant sale.

Saturday, March 29

Nature For Adults: Plant Power, Rockville, MD

11:00 a.m. - noon. Adults; free. How does your yard contribute (or not) to the health of our region? Learn what plants do to support wildlife and enrich our personal habitats. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. Call 301-924-4141 to register.

Thursday, April 3

Beautiful Butterflies, Washington, D.C.

4:00 p.m. Free. Ages 3 - 8. Discover some backyard butterflies which are found in Rock Creek Park. Afterwards, make your own butterfly to take home. Held at the Nature Center on 5200 Glover Road, NW (off Military Rd.).

Sunday, April 6 - Tuesday, April 8

Garden Earth: A Partnership, Williamsburg, VA

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration fee: $205 per person. Optional Bus Trip: $65. Optional Group Luncheon: $25. The 57th Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium, co-sponsored by The American Horticultural Society and Fine Gardening. As the 21st century dawns, man’s impact on the earth is increasingly questioned. Global changes are prompting many gardeners to examine whether more sympathetic gardening can become an important symbolic and practical tool to begin a new stewardship with Garden Earth. Now is the time to begin a conversation about contributions we can make to enhance our positive impact on future generations. Making eco-friendly choices can be the first step. For instance, the irrepressible Felder Rushing, in his topic "Unkillable Plants of the South," proposes choosing the right plants as a new imperative.
Other lectures include "The Pleasures of a No-Lawn Landscape" and "We Must All Cultivate Our Garden: A New Look at Natives, Aliens, and Invasives."
Conference size is limited, and registrations will be processed in the order received. Cannot accept registrations by telephone. Fees are payable by major credit cards listed on the registration form or by check. Make checks payable to "Colonial Williamsburg." Send completed forms with payment to:
Registrar, "Garden Symposium"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Post Office Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187-1776
For additional registration information, call 1-800-603-0948 or fax (757) 565-8921.

Friday, April 4

Insects, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Age 2; $3. This introduction to nature for toddlers and an adult will use the child's senses to explore nature, indoors and out. No siblings, please. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. 703-444-1275.

Tuesday, April 8

Turning Your Backyard into Win-Win Territory, College Park, MD

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Pat Fish is a backyard wildlife habitat steward. Her backyard has been certified by the National Wildlife Federation and she has been trained by the NWF to teach others how to create a backyard bird/wildlife sanctuary. Join the Prince George's Audubon Society as Pat describes how to make your personal ecosystem a win-win territory: win for the humans who can watch entire avian life cycles in their immediate surround, and win for the feathered friends that will eagerly accept your invitation to come here — to YOUR backyard. Held at the College Park Airport Annex, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD.

Tuesday, April 8

Of Caterpillars and Polliwogs, Rockville, MD

Session 1: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Session 2: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ages 3 - 7 w/adult. Fee: $1. Spring is a time of change, and caterpillars and polliwogs are no exception. Story and craft. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. Call 301-924-4141.

Wednesday, April 9

The Caterpillar and The Polliwog, Wheaton, MD

11:00 a.m. - noon. Ages 3 - 5 w/adult. Fee: $2. Reservations required. A puppet show, hike, and craft about animals that grow up to be "something else." Held at Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. Call 301-946-9071 for reservations.

Sunday, April 13

Butterflies are Free, and Worth Knowing Too! Laurel, MD

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 10+; reservations required. Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 3-mile hike. Field guide recommended. Bring water. Held at the North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge, located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32. Call 301-497-5887 to make reservations.

Monday, April 14

The Butterflies of Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.

7:00 p.m. Slide lecture on D.C.'s showiest butterflies, presented by butterfly conservationist and WABC founding member Pat Durkin. Gardening handouts provided. Part of Butterfly Month at Chevy Chase Public Library, 5625 Connecticut Avenue, NW (near McKinley Street), Washington, D.C. For more info, contact Dave Gantt at 202-282-0021 or visit the Chevy Chase Library web site.

Monday, April 14

Nature Tots: Flutter Friends, Laurel, MD

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 3-4. Introduce your preschooler to the beautiful world of butterflies through songs, crafts, and stories in this fun, interactive program. Held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197 in Laurel, Maryland. Call 301-497-5887.

Tuesday, April 15

Spring Fun: Bug Fest! Rockville, MD

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All ages (under 14 w/adult). Fee: $5 per participant. No reservations required. Bugs rule! Join us for a special festival to learn about bugs, meet bugs, and make buggy crafts. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. Call 301-924-4141.

Friday, April 18

Metamorphosis! Laurel, MD

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ages 5-7; reservations required. Discover the changes that animals like frogs and butterflies go through as they grow up in this fun, interactive program. Held at the North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge; located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32. To make reservations, call 301-497-5887.

Saturday, April 19

Spring Butterflies of Calvert and St. Mary's County, MD

Full-day field trip. ANS members: $24; Nonmembers: $34. Calvert Cliffs State Park and other sandy acidic woodlands in Calvert County and St. Mary's County, MD support a variety of spring butterflies, including coastal plain species we seldom encounter in the Washington area. Under the guidance of butterfly expert and WABC member Dick Smith, we'll spend the day in the field looking for Henry's, Brown, and Pine Elfins, Juniper and Red-banded Hairstreaks, spring Sleepy Oranges, Holly Azures, Falcate Orange-tips, and Duskywings, as well as more familiar species. An Audubon Naturalist Society Adult Foray.

Tuesday, April 22

Bug Babies, Rockville, MD

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-6 w/adult. Learn what "cute as a bug" really means as we look at nymphs, caterpillars, grubs, and other bug babies. Held at Meadowside Nature Center in Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. Call 301-924-4141.

Thursday, April 24

WABC Monthly Meeting, Arlington, VA

7:30 p.m.  Correction: this meeting IS open to the public. "A Photographic Journey into the Lives of Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies and Damselflies," presented by Fred Siskind, a professional photographer. This membership WABC meeting will also be our annual pot luck supper and field trip planning session. Please bring a dish for six people. Drinks, paper plates, and eating utensils will be provided. Held at Long Branch Nature Center.
Long Branch Nature Center is located at 625 South Carlin Springs Road in Arlington, VA. Directions from Washington Beltway (495), VA exit 8/Route 50: Drive north on Route 50 about 5 miles. Turn right onto Carlin Springs Road. The nature center is about 1/3 mile on the left behind a doctor's office building; the sign and driveway are just beyond the building (just before the building for those coming from Columbia Pike). Drive behind the building and down the wooded driveway. Map 16-G-8 on ADC No. Va. map.

Saturday, April 26

Flutter By Butterfly, Clifton, VA

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ANS members: $5 per child; Nonmembers: $8 per child. How does a caterpillar become a butterfly? What do butterflies and caterpillars eat? How does a butterfly get out of the rain? Join us and find out about local butterflies. Held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's Webb Sanctuary in Clifton, VA.

Saturday, April 26

Family Bug Night, Washington, D.C.

4:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Cost: $19. Reservations required. In this special after-hours event at the National Museum of Natural History, families get up-close and personal with some of the Earth's most fascinating creatures—-insects, spiders, and other not-so-creepy crawlers. View the new film BUGS! 3-D at the Johnson IMAX Theater promptly at 4:45 p.m. Afterwards, the O. Orkin Insect Zoo is open and Insect Zoo staff and volunteers are on hand to discuss creatures in the collection and to conduct demonstrations. Then in the museum's Rotunda, participate in craft activities related to bugs and enjoy some "dirt pudding" dessert! Location: National Museum of Natural History, 10th and Constitution, N.W.

Saturday, April 26

Butterflies and Wildflowers of Savage Park, Maryland, Prince George's County, MD

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free. A walk at Savage Park off Route 1 in Prince George's County. Led jointly by butterfly expert Dick Smith and botanical expert Bob Solem. Meet at concession stand. Sponsored by the Howard County Bird Club, a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society.

Saturday, April 26

Spring Fling 2003: a Lawn and Landscape Extravaganza, Manassas, VA

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free admission, free parking. Held rain or shine at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, Route 234 south of Manassas, VA. Highlights include:

• Master Gardeners
• Wildlife Gardening
• Lawn Care Enlightenment
• Water Quality Education
• Flowers and Plants
• All-day Plant Clinic
• Earth Day Events
• Food and Vendors
• Plants for Sale
• Kid's Activities

Saturday, April 26

Environmental Education Day at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA

Noon - 6:00 p.m. Park charge: $10/car. Join Fairfax Audubon Society, the Raptor Conservancy, and others at Mason Neck State Park Visitors Center for an environmental education day. Family and friends will enjoy a day filled with food, hay rides, bug walks, canoe trips, reptiles, raptors, exhibits, and music performances! WABC will have a display table, and Barbara Farron will be leading a butterfly walk, weather permitting. For more information, contact the park at 703/550-0960. Mason Neck is at 7301 High Point Road in Lorton, VA. Getting There: U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance.

Sunday, April 27

Spring Butterflies of Soldiers Delight Serpentine Barrens, Baltimore County, MD

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cobweb and Dusted skippers are among the uncommon possibilities at this grassland park in western Baltimore County. Led by butterfly expert Dick Smith. Sponsored by Soldiers Delight. All events free and open to public, but registration requested.

Mondays, April 28 - June 2

Bugs, Spiders and Ugh! Sterling, VA

12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Fee: $22.50/4 sessions. Supply fee: $3. Learn all about creepy crawlers and what they do. We'll also have bug stories and bug snacks. No class on May 26. Instructor: Marlene Ubilla. Held at the Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling, VA. 703-430-9480.

Mondays, April 28 - May 12

Flutter By Butterfly, Sterling, VA

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ages 3-5. $18; $4 supply fee. Your little ones will be aflutter learning about butterflies. Instructor: Roni Breza. Held at the Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, Sterling, VA. Call 703-430-6673 to make reservations.

Wednesday, April 30

Expanding Your Horizons Program: "Butterfly Conservation in Maryland," Laurel, MD

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Come learn about the rare and endangered butterflies of Maryland and research being done to protect them in this fascinating presentation with Dick Smith. Held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center Auditorium, on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197 in Laurel, Maryland. NO REGISTRATION necessary.

Sunday, May 4

Audubon Nature Fair, Chevy Chase, MD

10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adult: $6; Ages 2-12: $2; under 2 FREE. Displays, nature crafts, native plant sale and more.

Thursday, May 8

Conserving Maryland's Rare Butterflies, Columbia, MD

7:30 p.m. A presentation by Dick Smith, coordinator of the Maryland Heritage Rare Butterfly Survey. Monthly meeting of the Howard County Bird Club. Held at Longfellow Elementary School, Columbia, MD.

Friday, May 9

Insects, Sterling, VA

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ages 3-5 with Adult. Fee: $6.00. Learn about insects with stories, games, crafts, and outdoor activities. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. 703-444-1275.

Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, September 21

Wings of Fancy, Wheaton, MD

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Adults, $4.00; ages 3-12, $3.00; children 2 and under, free (no strollers). Brookside Gardens' annual butterfly house. See live butterflies native to Maryland and North America, along with exotic Central and South American species, flying inside a conservatory filled with plants and flowers. Held in the Brookside Gardens Conservatory Flight House, 1800 Glenallen Ave., Wheaton, MD.

Sunday, May 11

Butterflies are Free, Laurel, MD

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 10 and up. Free; reservations required. Discover the role butterflies play in the ecosystem. The North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge is located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32 in Laurel, MD. 301-497-5887.

Sunday, May 11

Butterflies of Thompson Wildlife Management Area, Linden, VA

NOTE: This trip was rescheduled for May 18.

Monday, May 12

Birds and Butterflies, Leesburg, VA

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Ages 2-3. Fee: $4.50. Let's discover how birds and butterflies live, where they sleep and what they eat. We'll do a great project; just don't let it fly away! Held at Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA. 703-771-5913.

Tuesday, May 13

Beautiful Butterflies, Wheaton, MD

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Fee: $2. A story, hike, and craft to look for butterflies. Reservations required. Held at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. Call 301-946-9071 for reservations.

Tuesday, May 13 and May 20

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Buggy, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. $12.00; $4 supply fee. Stories, art, games, and fun all about insects and bugs. Held at the Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, Sterling, VA. 703-430-6673.

Thursday, May 15 and Saturday, May 17

Beginning Butterflies, Montgomery County, MD

Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, half-day field trip. ANS members: $30; Nonmembers: $42. Field identification and study of butterflies has become one of the most popular nature study activities in our region. Join Pat Durkin, WABC founding member, to learn the amazing life history of the butterfly, basic identification skills, and how to lure the region's showiest species to your yard. Saturday field trip visits areas in Montgomery County, MD, where we hope to find a good variety of butterfly families and species. Thursday lecture held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's headquarters at 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD.

Thursday, May 15

Insects, Purcellville, VA

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 3-5. Fee: $6.00. Do you like bugs? Let's learn about them and make a "buggy" craft. Held at the Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School Street, Purcellville, VA. 540-338-4122.

Friday, May 16

Maryland Entomological Society Meeting, Baltimore, MD

8:00 p.m. The May meeting features members presentations. Please join us for the last meeting until the Fall season. Held in the UMBC Bioscience Bldg., Room 004.
Speaker 1: Dr. Harold Harlan, National Pest Management Association: "Some Tidbits of North American Spider Biology and Identification." Lecture on the background biology, important uses of webbing and some main morphological characteristics (particularly eyes) used in spider identification.
Speaker 2: Mr. Fred Paras, Faculty: Natural and Physical Sciences, Baltimore City Community College: "Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Valley Landscape," flora and fauna. Lecture and slide presentation on the desert and mountain biomes found in the Chisos mountains and throughout the Park, as well as the Scenic River Road through neighboring Big Bend Ranch State Park.
General directions to the UMBC campus are at http://www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/directions.html. Note that the exit Rte. 166 to Catonsville and UMBC is the SAME as the exit for Rte. 195 from I-95 to BWI Airport. As you veer off of I-95 at this exit, keep to the left to take Rte.166 west to UMBC (staying to the right by mistake will take you to BWI). The traffic is relatively light in the vicinity of Baltimore on Friday nights. Also, the campus is practically unoccupied on Friday nights so don't bother with parking passes.
The UMBC Campus Map is at http://www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/CampusMap/. Note that the Biological Sciences Building is Bld #6. The lecture hall (Room #004) is in the north end and down one floor from ground level.
The place to park, and the relationship to Bld #6 is shown at http://www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/CampusMap/q1.html. Park in Parking Lot #9 and walk east down the several flights of outdoor steps on the north side of Bld #14 and proceed to Bld #6.

Friday, May 16

Nature's Glorious Gardens, Ridgely, MD

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. $65 registration fee. At this Spring Native Plant Symposium at Adkins Arboretum, Kim Hawks will speak on Private Gardens Inspired by Nature, and Rick Darke discusses Woodland Gardens of the Northeastern Deciduous Forest. Also enjoy a plant sale and guided walks. Adkins Arboretum is located on 12610 Eveland Road in Ridgely, MD. For more information, call 410-634-2847, ext. 10.

Saturday, May 17

Green Spring Fling, Annandale, VA

9:00 a.m. - noon. $30 includes lecture; $20 for auction, tours, and refreshments. Time to celebrate! It's the 10th anniversary of the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS). Leap into the celebration with food, fun, and fabulous plants. Bid on rare plants, garden art, and design services during our silent auction. Attend a lecture featuring a surprise garden celebrity. Purchase unusual plants in the Garden Gate Plant Shop. Enjoy brunch in the gardens. Green Spring Gardens Horticultural Center; 703-642-5173. You'll take home wonderful memories and a commemorative gift.

Saturday, May 17

A Natural History Gathering, Baltimore County, MD

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Natural History Society of Maryland is inviting members of over a dozen organizations with common interests in natural history to an informal gathering. Come share stories, enthusiasm and knowledge of the natural world. Bring a picnic dinner for an enjoyable time in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Directions to Marshy Point Nature Center (in Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks Park): From the North (Towson): Beltway 695 East to Exit 31-C (White Marsh Blvd. Rt. 43). Go end of highway and take Route 40 East (Pulaski Hwy). Make a right at the first light (Ebenezer Road), then a right onto Earl Road. Make a left onto Eastern Avenue, and a right onto Marshy Point Road. Follow the signs to the nature center.
From the South (Fort McHenry Tunnel or Francis Scott Key Bridge): Exit onto Route 150 East (Eastern Avenue). Follow Route 150 for approximately 6 miles, then turn right onto Marshy Point Road. Follow the signs to the nature center. Marshy Point Nature Center: 410-887-2817.

Sunday, May 18

Butterflies of Thompson Wildlife Management Area, Linden, VA

Full day field trip: meet in the lower parking lot at the fishing lake at 10:30 a.m. WABC field trip: limited to WABC members and their guests. Free, but registration required. NOTE: This rescheduled trip was cancelled due to rain, clouds, and cold temperatures. Visit South Mountain butterfly habitats with butterfly expert Harry Pavulaan. Bring your cameras, binoculars, note pads, and yes, even nets. Appalachian Swallowtails, recently described by Harry and a colleague, are virtually impossible to distinguish from Eastern Tigers when in flight, as are the Appalachian and Summer Azures. With any luck, we may be able to net one or two of these fascinating creatures to point out characteristic wing features which are critical to identifying these species. Harry will also demonstrate techniques for handling delicate butterflies without injury, to those inexperienced. There are plenty of other fascinating butterflies on the wing as well, including West Virginia Whites, along with beautiful wildflowers like the Large-flowered Trilliums. Please reply to Harry Pavulaan if you are interested in going so he knows how many people to expect. Messages left earlier on Harry's answering machine accidentally got erased; please email or call him again. It might be wise to call Harry the night before in case weather becomes an issue and to confirm that the trip is still on.
DIRECTIONS TO BLUE MOUNTAIN (also called Thompson Wildlife Management Area) near Linden, Virginia. Take Rt. 66 west. Exit at Markham. Drive north on Rt. 688 to lake entrance . Meet at the lower parking lot near the lake

Sunday, May 18

Gardening for Butterflies, Ridgely, MD

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fee: $10. Pre-registration is recommended. Discover the best native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, vines, and wildflowers to create a garden or habitat for butterflies and their caterpillars. Butterfly natural history, butterfly feeders, and butterfly roosting boxes will also be discussed. Naturalist Denise Gibbs has 26 years of experience as a park naturalist and for 14 years has operated Wings and Wildflowers, a native plant nursery. Her interest in butterflies has led her to participate in a 10-year study of the fall migration of Monarch butterflies at Chincoteague. Plants for attracting butterflies will be available for purchase. Held at Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. Call 410-634-2847, ext. 10 for additional information and to register.

Sunday, May 18

Insect Investigation, Chevy Chase, MD

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Ages 4 and up with Adult. ANS members: $8; Nonmembers: $10. Learn about insects through story, song, crafts, and outdoor activities with "Appalachian Andy" Vernor. Held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's headquarters at 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD.

Monday, May 19

Butterfly Gift Bags, Leesburg, VA

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 4-5. Fee: $3.50. This is a fun activity for your child to make a personalized gift bag. Held at Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA. 703-771-5913.

Monday, May 19

Ladybugs and Other Backyard Buddies, Annandale, VA

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 4-6 years. $3. Hooray for the six-legged, four-legged and zero-legged heroes of our backyard! Meet these curious creatures and release your own ladybug into the garden. Reservations and prepayment required. Held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce Street in Annandale, VA. 703-941-1065.

Thursday, May 22

Butterflies, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. $4.50; $3 supply fee. Let's fly with the butterflies and learn their life styles. Class held at Sugarland Run Community Center. Offered by the Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling, VA. 703-430-9480.

Thursday, May 22

WABC Monthly Meeting, Arlington, VA

7:30 p.m. "Research on Skippers in Costa Rica" (plus a few words about research on Common Checkered Skippers in the U.S.), from Smithsonian entomologist John Burns. Held at Long Branch Nature Center.
Long Branch Nature Center is located at 625 South Carlin Springs Road in Arlington, VA. Directions from Washington Beltway (495), VA exit 8/Route 50: Drive north on Route 50 about 5 miles. Turn right onto Carlin Springs Road. The nature center is about 1/3 mile on the left behind a doctor's office building; the sign and driveway are just beyond the building (just before the building for those coming from Columbia Pike). Drive behind the building and down the wooded driveway. Map 16-G-8 on ADC No. Va. map.

Thursday, May 22

A Birder Looks at Butterflies, Washington, D.C.

7:00 p.m. book signing; 8:00 p.m. lecture. Free, but RSVP. Kenn Kaufman, naturalist, ornithologist, and author of The Focus Guide to Butterflies of North America, gives a birder's perspective on these jewel-like insects that brighten gardens through the summer. Birdwatchers are sighting more than birds in their binoculars: they're zooming in on butterflies as well. But butterflies are more than the new six-legged birds. They're radically different in terms of their field identification, taxonomy, behavior, migration, and a host of other characteristics. In fact, butterflies open an entirely new window on wildlife. Held at the National Zoo; enter at Connecticut Avenue and park in Lot A. For more info: Margie Gibson, Office of Public Affairs, at (202) 673-0206.

Fridays, May 23 and May 30

Going Buggy, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-3. $12.00; $4 supply fee. Buzz! Whirl! It sounds like spring has gone buggy. Come and experience a world of bugs through art, songs, and stories. Held at the Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, Sterling, VA. 703-430-6673.

Saturday, May 24

Ladybugs and Other Backyard Buddies, Annandale, VA

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 4-6 years. $3. Hooray for the six-legged, four-legged and zero-legged heroes of our backyard! Meet these curious creatures and release your own ladybug into the garden. Reservations and prepayment required. Held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce Street in Annandale, VA. 703-941-1065.

Wednesday, May 28

Bugging Out, Arlington, VA

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Ages 6-10. Free; reservations required. Spring is a-buzzing with insects. Don't let them bug you—find out why they're important and get a peek at the secret lives of insects. Collect some outside for a closer look. Held at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Rd., Arlington, VA. Call 703-228-3403 for reservations.

Saturday, May 31

Incredible Insects, Wheaton, MD

Noon – 1:00 p.m. All ages. Fee: $2. Reservations required. A puppet show, kooky craft, and catch-and-release hike to learn about insects. Held at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. Call 301-946-9071 for reservations.

Saturday, May 31

Flutter-By, Butterfly, Laurel, MD

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Ages 5-7. Free; reservations required. Learn about butterflies through hands-on activities. The National Wildlife Visitor Center is on Powder Mill Rd. in Laurel, MD. 301-497-5887.

Sunday, June 1

Birding Hike and Backyard Wildlife Habitat Enhancement, Alexandria, VA

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and Fairfax Audubon Society for a presentation on techniques for attracting wildlife to your backyard followed by a birding hike. Learn how you can attract birds and other wildlife by creating and maintaining a simple wildlife habitat in your yard, and what conservation tools are available to protect your land. Identify common bird species in your area on a guided birding walk through Huntley Meadows, one of Fairfax County's most diverse parks. Huntley Meadows is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, VA.

Tuesday, June 3

June Bugs, Rockville, MD

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-6 w/adult. Fee: $2. Summer's almost here and the June bugs are flying. Learn about the tumbling, bumbling antics of these common beetles. Held in Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Tuesday, June 3

Beetles, Bugs, and Spiders—Oh, My! Sterling, VA

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Grades 1-5. $9. Learn about the differences between beetles, bugs, and spiders while exploring their importance to the park. We'll take a hike, learn about their homes and food, and make a ladybug craft. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. Call 703-444-1275 to make reservations.

Wednesday, June 4

Buzzing Bees, Alexandria, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5 years. Fee: $5/child. Find out why bees are so important to our gardens, play a simple pollination game, and make your own bouncy bee antenna headband! Held at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. 703-642-5173.

Wednesday, June 4

Dragonfly Magic, Washington, D.C.

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-7 w/adult. Fee: $2. Explore the wonder of these jeweled darting dragons thru hike and a craft. Held in Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Wednesday, June 4

Toddler Time: "Little Critters," Bethesda, MD

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. OR 11:15 a.m. - noon. Ages 1 and 2 yr. old walkers w/adult. Creep like a caterpillar, flap like a butterfly, hop like a grasshopper, and explore the world of tiny creatures with your little ones. Held in Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. To make reservations, call 301-299-1990.

Wednesday, June 4

Preschool Story Time: "Beautiful Butterflies," Great Falls, VA

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Ages 3-5. Fee: $3. Reservations required. Ever wonder what a butterfly does all day? Find out when you meet a live one up close and learn about their lives through a story, activity, and craft. Held at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, VA. Call 703-759-9018 to make reservations.

Thursday, June 5

Bugs to Butterflies! Rockville, MD

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 3-6 w/adult. Fee: $2. Get the buggy facts and lore. Make an insect to take home! Held in Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Thursday, June 5

Coleoptera Capers, Rockville, MD

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Ages 6-12 w/adult. Fee: $2. Beetles, beetles, beetles—one quarter of all insects are beetles. Join us for an hour of beetle basics, including a beetle collecting excursion. Held in Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Thursday, June 5

Buzzing Bees, Alexandria, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5 years. Fee: $5/child. Find out why bees are so important to our gardens, play a simple pollination game, and make your own bouncy bee antenna headband! Held at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. 703-642-5173.

Friday, June 6

Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ANS members: $24; Nonmembers: $34. An Audubon Naturalist Society Friday Escape. Extend your spring with a hike up to the Blue Ridge at Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA. Along the way, we'll look (and listen) for nesting neotropical migrant songbirds, salamanders and other herps, late-spring wildflowers, and butterflies. We'll have a steady, moderately strenuous uphill climb in the morning followed by mostly downhill walking in the afternoon. There is a modest entrance fee. Led by Cliff Fairweather.

Friday, June 6

About Insects, Purcellville, VA

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 3-5. $3. Join us as we go outside and look for some neat insects! Held at Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School Street, Purcellville, VA. To make reservations, call 540-338-4122/4123.

Friday, June 6

Buzzing Bees, Alexandria, VA

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5 years. Fee: $5/child. Find out why bees are so important to our gardens, play a simple pollination game, and make your own bouncy bee antenna headband! Held at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. 703-642-5173.

Saturday, June 7

Butterflies of Harper's Ferry, Harper's Ferry, WV

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Free, but registration requested. For WABC members and their guests. Update: this field trip has been cancelled due to forecast heavy rains. Only an hour-and-a-half from DC, but a world away. Explore field, ridge, and riverside with Pat Durkin, who is into the second year of a two-year butterfly inventory of the park. Meet at the West Virginia Welcome Center, across from the park visitor center on Rt. 340 in Harper's Ferry, WV. Bring lunch and drinks; also binoculars and field guide if you have them.

Saturday, June 7

Dinner With The Bugs! Wheaton, MD

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All ages. Fee: $2. Reservations required. Bring hot dogs and buns. We'll supply drinks, marshmallows, fixin's, and fire for cooking. Then search for fireflies and other night insects. Held in Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. Call 301-946-9071 to make reservations.

Sunday, June 8

Butterflies are Free, and Worth Knowing, Too! Laurel, MD

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ages 10+. Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 3-mile hike. Field guide recommended. Bring water. Held at the North Tract of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497-5887.

Monday, June 9

Beautiful Butterflies, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 3-6. $9. Butterflies taste with their feet and dance on mud puddles. Learn the secret of caterpillars' transformation into butterflies as we look for them in the park. Make a butterfly craft. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. Call 703-444-1275 to make reservations.

Tuesday, June 10

Storytime On The Lake: "Dragonflies," Boyds, MD

Session 1: 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.; Session 2: 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Fees: child: $3, adult: $2. Cruise on our pontoon boat while enjoying a story and simple craft. Held in Black Hill Visitor Center, Black Hill Regional Park, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD. 301-916-0220.

Tuesday, June 10

Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard, Manassas, VA

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Free; registration required. Learn the elements that you need to attract birds and wildlife to your backyard and which plants provide food and shelter. Speaker: Sara Howell, Prince William County Master Gardener Volunteer. Held in the Community Room at Bull Run Regional Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA. Offered by the Virginia Cooperative Extension in Prince William County.

Wednesday, June 11

Storytime/Craft: "Caterpillars and Butterflies," Bethesda, MD

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., OR 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Ages 3-5 w/adult (no younger siblings, please). Fee: $2/child. Meet: Adventure Conservation Park (call for directions). Offered by Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. To make reservations, call 301-299-1990.

Thursday, June 12

Nature Tots/Craft: "Caterpillars and Butterflies," Bethesda, MD

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., OR 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. All ages (recommended for 3-5). Fee: $2/child. Nature Tots activities and crafts are primarily designed for 3 through 5 yr. olds, but all ages are welcome to attend. Meet: Adventure Conservation Park (call for directions). Offered by Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. To make reservations, call 301-299-1990.

Thursday, June 12

Beautiful Butterflies, Sterling, VA

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 3-6. $9. Butterflies taste with their feet and dance on mud puddles. Learn the secret of caterpillars' transformation into butterflies as we look for them in the park. Make a butterfly craft. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. Call 703-444-1275 to make reservations.

Thursday, June 12

Preschool Story Time: "Beautiful Butterflies," Great Falls, VA

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Ages 3-5. Fee: $3. Reservations required. Ever wonder what a butterfly does all day? Find out when you meet a live one up close and learn about their lives through a story, activity, and craft. Held at the Riverbend Visitor Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, VA. Call 703-759-9018 to make reservations.

Saturday, June 14

Family Nature Walk: "Bees and Blossoms," Bethesda, MD

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. All ages. We love summer flowers, and so do the bees! Stroll to the nature center garden and down the trails to see how the insects enjoy June's bounty. Held in Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. To make reservations, call 301-299-1990.

Saturday, June 14

Creating Butterfly Habitats, Washington, D.C.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free. Pre-registration for clinics is NOT necessary. Join us and learn how you can make improvements to your yard or garden that will turn it into a beautiful oasis for butterflies and other wildlife. Learn how you can get your yard certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site! Held at Home Depot, 901 Rhode Island Ave, Washington, D.C. For more information, contact the National Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9919.

Saturday, June 14

Richmond Insect Fair, Richmond, VA

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free. Rain or Shine. The first annual Richmond Insect Fair will be held at the 17th Street Farmers' Market in downtown Richmond. This event brings together the art and science of all things insect with live insects, decorative displays, books, artwork, jewelry and more.

The following authors will be available to sign their books from noon to 1:00 p.m.: David George Gordon, insect chef and author of Eat-A-Bug Cookbook and The Compleat Cockroach; Eric Grissell, author of Insects and Gardens; and Arthur V. Evans, insect columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and co-author of An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles.

Highlights include: the Eat-A-Bug Cook Off to sample insect cuisine; VCU Biology Department's B.Y.O.B (bring-your-own-bug) identification table; a hands-on live insect zoo; plants and gardening tips for attracting butterflies; educational exhibits; and insect artwork, jewelry, and a variety of buggy crafts created by local artisans.

The Market is located at 17th and East Main Street in the River District. Parking is available at all Richmond Parking Lot Locations.

Sunday, June 15

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Bees, Wasps, and Hornets, Arlington, VA

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Families; $5/family. Reservations required. We will begin with a look at the nature center's observation beehive, then learn how honeybees are different from wasps and hornets. There will be a chance to taste different types of honey, and finally, the kids can teach Dad how to make rolled beeswax candles to take home. Held at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Rd., Arlington, VA. Call 703-228-3403 to make reservations.

Monday, June 16

Bugs! Arlington, VA

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Ages 5-7. Did you know that bugs are the most abundant animal on the planet? Come learn this and more fascinating details about our friend the insect in this fun, interactive program. Held at the North Tract of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497-5887.

Tuesday, June 17

The World Of Butterflies, Leesburg, VA

7:30 p.m. Free. At this Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy meeting, Pat Durkin, one of WABC's founding members, will introduce us to the world of butterflies, explain how to identify the more common species in our area, and describe how you can attract them to your garden. Held at the Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA. For more information, call Joe Coleman.

Thursday, June 19

Northern Virginia Van Tour, Fairfax County, VA

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adults. Fee: $25. We'll visit Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge and Huntley Meadows in search of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Offered through Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Friday, June 20

In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology: Insects and Gardeners—Time for a Truce, Washington, D.C.

Noon. Free. Illustrated lecture by Dr. Eric Grissell, research entomologist, USDA. Under some circumstances, the garden has a greater diversity of species than a comparable woodland or meadow. Grissell explains the interactions of insects in our backyards. Book signing follows. The National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; held in the Baird auditorium.

Friday, June 20

Going Buggy, Leesburg, VA

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 2-3. $3.50. Let your kids explore all different types of bugs. The children will then create a bug of their own to take home. Held at the Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA. 703-771-5913.

Saturday, June 21

Identifying Our Local Butterflies, Leesburg, VA

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Fee: $12. Ever wonder what the names of those beautiful butterflies are that enliven our gardens during the summer? Pat Durkin, one of the founders of the Washington Area Butterfly Club, will explain how you can identify the butterflies you are likely to see in our area. The class will be followed by a butterfly walk, led by Pat, at Banshee Reeks. Call the Friends of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-779-2077 to sign up or to get more information.

Saturday, June 21

Butterflies at Banshee, Leesburg, VA

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for one of our free summer butterfly walks. We will investigate some of Banshee's many diverse natural areas and identify all of the butterflies we can find. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve is located at 21085 The Woods Road in Leesburg, VA. For more information, contact Joe Coleman.

Saturday, June 21

Dragonfly Van Trip, Great Falls, VA

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $12. Reservations required. The Washington, D.C. area is rich in dragonfly diversity. As dragonflies patrol the skies preying on insects, discover their magnificent color display. We'll begin with a brief introduction to dragonflies; then we'll travel to some dragonfly hot spots to look at some up close. Bring binoculars, sun screen, insect repellent, bag lunch, and plenty of water. Cancelled if rain. Held at the Riverbend Visitor Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, VA. Call 703-759-9018 to make reservations.

Saturday, June 21

Time For Tots: The Buzz About Bees, Wheaton, MD

Session 1: 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.; Session 2: 3:00 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. Ages 18 - 36 months. Fee: $2. Reservations required. Learn about bees through story, song, games, and a short hike in search of bees! Held at Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. Call 301-946-9071 to make reservations.

Saturday, June 21

Hollywood Swamp/Indian Creek, Prince George’s County, MD

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Leaders: Lou Aronica, Rod Simmons, and Meghan Tice. Co-sponsored by the Citizens to Conserve and Restore Indian Creek and the Maryland Native Plant Society. Hollywood Swamp, an area well-studied a century ago, exists on both sides of the Beltway near the Greenbelt Metro station and extends north to the vicinity of Powder Mill Road. In the past few years, we have visited the area near the Greenbelt Metro station. We will now begin to turn our attention to the upper portion along Indian Creek. From there we will carpool to Sunnyside Avenue. Our visits will expand the biological inventory of the site. Besides plants, we will also focus on birds, herps, and butterflies. Bring: Water and lunch, field guides, binoculars, and boots.
Directions: Take Greenbelt Road (Route 193) to Cherrywood Lane (a left if heading east from Route 1, a right heading west from 295 or Kenilworth Ave), and go a short distance and park in shopping center corner near Petsmart. If you reach Breezewood Drive, you’ve gone too far. Contact: Lou Aronica or Meghan Tice.

Sunday, June 22

Introduction to Bee Keeping, Arlington, VA

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 10 and up. $2/individual; $5/family. Reservations required. Learn about the history of bee keeping and how to get started in this fun family hobby. Two of Arlington's resident bee keepers will be here to share their knowledge and demonstrate the building of hives. Held at Fort C.F. Smith Park and Historic Site, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington, VA. To make reservations, call 703-243-7329.

Sunday, June 22

Honey Harvest, Chantilly, VA

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. $1/adult. Reservations required. Professional beekeeper Dane Hannum will briefly discuss bees and beekeeping and harvest Walney honey the old-fashioned way. Enjoy a taste of comb honey and observe bees in a glass hive. Held at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA. To make reservations, call 703-631-0013.

Wednesday, June 25

The Naturalist Corner, Springfield, VA

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Free. Hidden Pond Nature Center and Whole Foods of Springfield have teamed up to do educational programs geared for children 3-5 years old. Crafts, stories, and more will be part of the programs. This month focuses on pollinators. Held at the Whole Foods in Keene Mill Plaza, 8402 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA. Call 703-644-2500 to make reservations.

Wednesday, June 25

Wildlife Gardening, Alexandria, VA

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $20. Invite wildlife into your garden. Learn what special conditions and plants you should include in your design. Held at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. Call 703-642-5173 for reservations.

Wednesday and Thursday, June 25 and 26

Butterfly Gardening in Loudoun, Bluemont, VA

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ages 18 and up. $12. Class will learn how to garden in a manner that will attract butterflies to their garden with emphasis on butterflies here in Loudoun County. Instructor: Kim LaBash. Held at Bluemont Community Center, 33846 Snickersville Pike, Bluemont, VA. 540-554-8643.

Thursday, June 26

Bugs by the Bunch, Washington, D.C.

4:00 p.m. Ages 4-8. Bugs, bugs, and more bugs! Discover why bugs are so important to other animals. Join a park ranger to look at some bugs close-up before they are set free. Please bring an empty pint-sized milk carton. Held at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center on 5200 Glover Road, NW (off Military Rd.), Washington, D.C. Call 202-895-6070 for info/reservations.

Friday, June 27

Junior Naturalists 1 and 2: Mysterious Moths, Bethesda, MD

8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Ages 6-12 w/adult. Fee: $5. Like a lake teeming with fish, the summer nights are filled with moths. Protective darkness conceals their incredible variety and number. Some are colored drab, some bold, some with geometric designs, some carry a mere pencil stroke of line. Often their names are more flamboyant than their appearance, such as the Baltimore Bomolocha and the Delightful Bird-Dropping Moth. Moth species outnumber butterfly species in North America 14 - 1, yet we barely acknowledge their existence except when they flutter around the porch light or infest our corn. Come learn about and view varieties of this unloved and overlooked insect to discover why it's worth a second look. Held at Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. To make reservations, call 301-299-1990.

Saturday, June 28

Bugs To Butterflies, Rockville, MD

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. All ages. Fee: $2. Get the buggy facts and lore. Make an insect to take home! Held at Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. To make reservations, call 301-924-4141.

Saturday, June 28

What's Bugging You? Ellicott City, MD

All day walk. Families and children 5 and up. Fee: $5. Pre-registration by June 24; register early as participation is limited and this is a joint walk with park patrons. Join the Chesapeake Audubon Society for a stroll through the Avalon Area of Patapsco Valley State Park with Marian Dodson and discover the who, what, where, and why of some of our summer insects, both the good ones and the bad. We'll also listen and look for other night creatures along the way. Perhaps we'll find where the crayfish are hiding, watch a spider spin a web, or hear a baby owl begging for food. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight and INSECT REPELLENT. Patapsco Valley State Park is located at 8020 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, MD. Leader: Marian Dodson.

Saturday, June 28

Butterfly Basics, Leesburg, VA

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ANS members: $5; Nonmembers: $7. The summer skies are ruled by butterflies. Come out to Rust Sanctuary for a short lecture and hike to learn about the magic and mystery of those flying flowers. We'll learn about their lives and all their stages while looking for them on the sanctuary grounds. We will also visit the Barbara Rust Gillies Pollinator Garden and talk about what you can do to attract more of these beautiful and beneficial creatures to your yard or garden. Rust Sanctuary is located at 802 Children's Center Road in Leesburg, VA.
This is part of the Audubon Naturalist Society's Amateur Naturalist Series, programs geared for teens and adults with a serious interest in nature. In addition to instruction from the naturalist, these classes include extensive resources for self-guided study and lots of question-and-answer opportunities.

Sunday, June 29

Summer Butterfly Stroll, Clarksburg, MD

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ANS members: $18; Nonmembers: $25. On this slow stroll through Little Bennett Park in Montgomery County, MD, we'll introduce participants to some of the butterflies of summer—their habitats, how to identify them, and where to look for their caterpillars and host plants. We'll expect to see common species such as the Great Spangled Fritillary and Spicebush Swallowtail, but also hope to catch sight of less common species such as the Sleepy Orange and Buckeye. Our areas of exploration will be predominantly open and sunny areas with tall vegetation. Leader: Stephanie Mason. Little Bennett Park is at 23701 Frederick Road in Clarksburg, MD.

Sunday, June 29

Nature Tots: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, Laurel, MD

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ages 3-4. Introduce your preschooler to the fun and fascinating world of bugs through stories, songs, and crafts in this program. Held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197 in Laurel, Maryland. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497-5887.

Sunday, June 29

Dragonflies, Alexandria, VA

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Free. Reservations required. Learn about the life cycle, behavior, and identification of Huntley's many dragonflies and damselflies. Venture to the wetland to observe these acrobatic fliers in action. Cancelled if rain. Huntley Meadows is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, VA. Call 703-768-2525 to make reservations.

Monday, June 30

Van Trip For Friends of Black Hills and Volunteers: "Butterfly Adventure," Boyds, MD

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Adults. No fee but reservations required. Join naturalist Denise Gibbs to search for butterflies in the Frederick City Watershed. The presence of uncommon host plants and the abundance of nectar sources make this area prime habitat for some of MD's rare butterfly species. Come prepared for field study of wildflowers and butterflies and short easy walks along dirt roads. A sunny day is needed so overcast skies will postpone the trip to July 1. Close-focusing binoculars provided. Bring bag lunch, H2O, and $ for dinner. Black Hill Regional Park is located at 20926 Lake Ridge Drive in Boyds, MD. Call 301-916-0220.

A 29-year-old tradition, the counts are a one-day census of the butterflies at the same location on approximately the date each year. Last year, counts were held in 494 locations throughout North America — in 46 U.S states, five Canadian provinces, and two Mexican states. New counts are added each year. The greater Washington DC region offers many opportunities to participate in counts scheduled from late June through early August.

First and foremost, you must register beforehand with the leader of any count you plan to join. This will assure that you know detailed plans for the day and that your leader has adequate information to plan the event. Second, remember to bring your $3 per-person participation fee. The correct amount in cash is particularly helpful so your leader does not have to worry about making change. This money is sent to the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) to help cover costs of organizing the counts and entering count data so it can be used for scientific and conservation purposes. Counters must be at least 12 years old. Young children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult who is entirely responsible for their safety.

Saturday, June 21
Maidens, VA Butterfly Count
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Meet: 2171 Adventure Lane
Leader: Carolyn Henly

Saturday, June 28
Western Montgomery County, MD Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meet: Black Hill Regional Park Visitor Center
Leader: David Farner

Saturday, June 28
Lorton, VA Butterfly Count
Join FAS Conservation Issues Chairman Jim Waggener. Interested butterfly counters will comb a survey circle that includes Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Meadowwood, and the Lorton/Laurel Hill areas. For more information or to register, please contact Jim Waggener by June 15.

Sunday, June 29
Giles County, VA Butterfly Count
Meet: Afterwards only, 5:00 p.m., 4287 Eggleston Rd., Pearisburg
Leader: Peggy Spiegel

Saturday, July 5
Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary Butterfly Count, Mt. Airy, MD
8:30 a.m.
Meet: Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary
Leader: David Smith

Saturday, July 5
The Wintergreen Nature Foundation Butterfly Count, Wintergreen, VA
9:30 a.m.
Meet: The Wintergreen Nature Foundation, Wintergreen
Contact: Corrie Pedro
(Rain date - July 6, 2003)

Saturday, July 5
Island Ford Butterfly Count, Elkton, VA
8:00 a.m.
Meet: Elkton Food Lion
Leader: Mike Smith
(Rain date: July 6)

Saturday, July 12
Western Garrett County, MD Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m.
Meet: Deep Creek Lake Visitors Center, Rt. 219, McHenry
Leaders: Denise and Rob Gibbs

Saturday, July 12
Harper's Ferry, WV National Historical Park Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m.
Meet: West Virginia Visitors Center, Rt. 340
Leader: Pat Durkin

Saturday, July 12
Fairfax County, VA Butterfly Count
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Riverbend Park Nature Center (not the Visitor Center), 8814 Jeffrey Rd., Great Falls, VA
Leader: Alonso Abugattas

Saturday, July 12
Bath County, VA Butterfly Count
Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast
Leader: Frank Boyle

Sunday, July 13
Canaan Valley, WV Butterfly Count
9:30 a.m.
Meet: Lodge parking lot, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis
Leaders: Denise and Rob Gibbs

Saturday, July 19
Howard County, MD Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m.
Meet: Central MD Research & Education Center, 11975 Homewood Road, Ellicott City
Leader: Suzanne Klick

Saturday, July 19
Dismal Swamp NWR, VA Butterfly Count
8:00 a.m.
Meet: Washington Ditch entrance to Dismal Swamp
Leader: Donald Schwab

Saturday, July 19
Blue Ridge Mountain (Newport News), VA Family Butterfly Watch
7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Meet: Virginia Living Museum, Newport News
Cost: $45 per person ($30 VLM members)
Leader: Judy Molnar

Saturday, July 26
Delmarva Tip Butterfly Count (VA Eastern Shore)
9:00 a.m.
Meet: Visitor Center, Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
Leaders: Lynn Davidson and Hal Wierenga

Saturday, July 26
Airlie Butterfly Count, Warrenton, VA
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Meet: Clifton Farm, Environmental Studies' HQ
Leader: Caryl Buck

Sunday, July 27
District of Columbia Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet: National Arboretum Visitor Center
Leader: Pat Durkin

Sunday, July 27
Nassawango, MD Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m. (approximately)
Meet: to be determined
Leaders: Lynn Davidson and Hal Wierenga

Saturday, August 2
Loudoun County, VA Butterfly Count
9:00 a.m.
Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on its seventh annual Butterfly Count, centered in the Waterford area. No experience is necessary; novices will be teamed with experienced leaders in each segment of the count. Come out and have fun while contributing to butterfly conservation. The Conservancy is also interested in visiting butterfly gardens within the area, which stretches from White’s Ferry in the east to the Appalachian Trail in the west, and from Point of Rocks south to Lincoln. Meet at Rust Library, Leesburg and Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship

Tuesday, July 1

Dragonflies, Wheaton, MD

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ages 3 – 5. Fee: $2. Reservations required. Story, hike, and craft about dragonflies. Held at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. 301-946-9071.

Wednesday, July 2

Nature Times Two: Bugs ‘n Stuff, Sterling, VA

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. $6. No older siblings, please. Enjoy nature with your child. Programs on different nature themes include stories, games, crafts, and a hike or other outdoor activity. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. 703-444-1275.

Wednesday, July 2

Nature Buddies: Insect Pals, Sterling, VA

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Age 2. $3. No older siblings, please. This introduction to nature for toddlers and an adult will use the child's senses to explore nature, indoors and out. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. 703-444-1275.

Thursday, July 3 and Saturday, July 5

Advanced Butterfly Studies, Chevy Chase, MD

Thursday: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: full day. ANS members: $30; Nonmembers: $42. The second foray in our butterfly series is designed to reinforce lessons of the introductory class and pay special attention to difficult species, in particular the skippers and hairstreaks. We will also look at satyrs and other less-noticed yet beautiful day-flying lepidoptera as we examine the diversity and distribution of butterflies in our region. Our field trip to nearby natural areas, including Little Bennett Park and/or Black Hill Park in upper Montgomery County, will offer opportunities to see some confusing and hard-to-identify species as well as more common ones. Taught by butterfly expert Dick Smith. Sponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society.

Friday, July 4

Bald Eagle Refuge Day/U.S. Fish & Wildlife 100th Anniversary Celebration, Washington, D.C.

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The National Zoo is celebrating the opening of the zoo's new Bald Eagle Refuge. Concurrently, USFWS is celebrating their 100th anniversary, and will be at the zoo for the opening of the exhibit. To educate the public about the many animals that benefit from the National Wildlife Refuge System, there will be seven stations throughout the zoo, each representing a fauna type. WABC will be there, representing the invertebrates. Stop by to see our exhibit and say hello! All the special exhibits will be in Beaver Valley. There should be signs throughout the zoo pointing people to the special event; otherwise, just follow the signs to North American Animals, Seals, Sea Lions, Wolves, etc. The National Zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

Monday - Friday, July 7-11

Tiny Creatures, Washington, D.C.

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. $228; Grades K-1. Is an insect a bug? What does the weather have to do with a cricket's chirp? In this camp, young entomologists explore the world of tiny creatures, including bees, spiders, and insects from prehistoric examples, to some found in a Washington backyard, to the most unusual species. Campers participate in crafts, games, and stories. On a visit to the National Museum of Natural History, they see the IMAX film Bugs! in 3-D and the O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Campers create their own artful butterflies, Mason-jar bug terrariums, and more. Through microscopes and magnifying glasses they view details up close. Campers meet a Smithsonian entomologist who shows some of the museum's collection, answers questions, and leads campers as they create an insect finger puppet. On the final day, families are invited to view camper creations and sample bug treats! Instructors: Jennifer Walter and David Vannier. Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W.

Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10

Bugs a Million, Bluemont, VA

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 3-5. $36; supply fee $3. Bugs, bugs, bugs will be all around the classroom! Children will learn about all types of bugs and do bug art and crafts. Bring a snack. Instructor: Vicki Welty. Held at the Bluemont Community Center, 33846 Snickersville Pike, Bluemont, VA. 540-554-8643.

Tuesday, July 8

Incredible Evening Insects, Wheaton, MD

7:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m. All ages. No reservations required. We’ll "beat bushes" and "sweep fields" to see what’s hopping, crawling, and flying. Rain cancels. Meet at Maydale Park, 1638 Maydale Dr. off Briggs Chaney & Claude Lane. Offered by Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. 301-946-9071.

Friday, July 11

Early Morning Hike, Damascus, MD

8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Adults. Explore the beauty and peace of a sheltered stream valley as we look for birds and butterflies. Meet at Damascus Regional Park, 23723 Kings Valley Road, Damascus, MD. Offered by Meadowside Nature Center, Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. 301-924-4141.

Friday, July 11

Occoquan Butterfly Survey, Woodbridge, VA

8:45 a.m. - noon. Adults. Explore a variety of butterflies that use the Occoquan Refuge as foraging and breeding grounds, while participating in a butterfly survey with Jim Waggener. All experience levels welcome. Limit 4. Reservations with Jim required @ (703) 567-3555.

Getting There: (Occoquan Bay Refuge) From 1-495, take 1-95 south 9 miles to (left) exit 161 (Woodbridge). Go south on Route I, about 2 miles, to Dawson Beach Rd. Turn left onto Dawson Beach. Go 0.7 miles to entrance gate. Meet at the main gate for the refuge.

Saturday, July 12

Butterflies Flutter-By, Chevy Chase, MD

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Ages 6 and up w/adult. $10/child. These flying insects are wonders to many. Come find out why. We'll cover basic butterfly natural history as well as some specifics regarding Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, and more. We'll make a butterfly mobile to help us learn some of these locals and go on a hike to seek them out. Held at the Audubon Naturalist Society's Woodend Sanctuary.

Saturday, July 12

Butterflies, Lothian, MD

10:00 a.m. - noon. Ages 10 and up. Free. Join the hunt for some of the world's most fascinating creatures: butterflies. We'll search the Preserve for butterflies and other insects in the fields and forest. Children should be at least 10 years old. Held at the Parris N. Glendening Nature Preserve at Jug Bay. Meet at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD, and carpool to the site. Call the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary office at 410-741-9330 to register and for additional information.

Saturday, July 12

Bugs Galore, Sterling, VA

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. All ages. $3. Space limited, must register by July 11. Discover the fascinating world of bugs! Bring a wide-mouthed jar with a lid to catch and release these sometimes mysterious and sometimes comical creatures. Even mosquitoes have an important role to play in nature! Learn this and more during an evening discussion and bug safari. Bug repellant and long pants recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 703-444-1275 for reservations. Cancelled by rain. Held at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA. 703-444-1275.

Saturday, July 12

Puppet Show & Tell: Metamorphosis, Ridgely, MD

11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required; all children under 6 must be accompanied by adults. $5 per person. Join puppeteer Shirley Johannesen Levine for the magical puppet-storytelling of Metamorphosis: Caterpillars and Butterflies. Voted "Best Puppeteer" by Baltimore Magazine, Levine uses mime, music, and make-believe to stretch the imagination and encourag