Nature Classes & Field Trips

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Location: Boundary Bridge, Rock Creek Park
Members $35; nonmembers $49
We’re delighted that the author of the award-winning book A Year in Rock Creek Park, and the critically acclaimed City of Trees, will offer her 20th year of Nature Forward walks in the country’s oldest urban national park. Under her expert guidance, you will witness the start of the annual floral miracle of Virginia bluebells in the floodplain forest, while the buds of the tulip tree and American beech swell to bursting. We’ll hope to catch the earliest spring ephemerals in bud or in bloom—bloodroot, spring beauties, trout lily, wild ginger, and cut-leafed toothwort, among others, as we explore both floodplain and upland woods at a leisurely pace. We’ll do a bit of “forest bathing.” Melanie is also author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons. Throughout, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for belted kingfishers, wood ducks, migrant songbirds, and tiny spring peeper frogs. Expect some uphill/downhill on natural surface trails which may be muddy and/or slippery. Please note: There are no restrooms at our meeting place or along the route. REGISTER.

Leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni
Members $20; nonmembers $28
It’s time to start brushing up on the voices and field marks of the lovely and soon-to-be-arriving warblers. Even for the most seasoned birders, finding and properly IDing them as they arrive or pass through between late March and the end of May can be a real challenge. Since we all need an annual refresher, we’ve enlisted the help of one of our most experienced bird trip leaders. He will use both photos and recordings to present the general arrival sequence of warbler species in our region. Our tutorial will be presented indoors at the Woodend Nature Sanctuary. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars. REGISTER.

Leader: Jen Brown
Members $33; nonmembers $46
With its varied textures and patterns, bark can be an integral part in identifying our native trees. Sketching bark is a great way to reinforce what you have learned and it also an excellent way to practice drawing the interplay of light and texture. In the first part of this class at Woodend Nature Sanctuary we will cover some ways of representing shape, texture, and light using bark as our subject and cover the basics of bark ID. Then, if weather permits, we will go outside for our own “bark blitz” to draw as many different types of tree bark as time allows.  We will work in graphite (pencil). REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring  in nearby woods and wetlands. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. The Towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven.  Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes climbing a steep incline or set of stairs. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $20; nonmembers $28
Lecture: Thursday, April 16, 7-9 pm (Woodend Nature Sanctuary)
Field Trip: Sunday, April 19, 8-11 am (Lake Artemesia)
Lecture only: Members $20; nonmembers $28
Lecture and field trip: Members $48; nonmembers $68
If you’re curious about birds and bird watching but don’t know how to begin, this “how to get started” outing is for you. No experience required! The goal of our field morning, which visits Lake Artemesia in Prince George’s County, is to begin developing the ability to find, study, and identify birds in their natural environment. Birding tools such as field guides, binoculars, and other resources will also be discussed. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Nothing could be finer than a stroll through the bottomlands along the Potomac River this time of year. Spring beauties, golden ragwort, Virginia bluebells and more add new color to the forest floor, while overhead, trees and shrubs such as maples, oaks, cottonwoods, sycamores and pawpaw unspool their flowers and leaves. Our route, which is mostly level but could be muddy, will follow the River Trail from Great Falls, MD. We will move upriver along the floodplain and then return along the C&O Canal towpath for a total of around 2.5 miles.  REGISTER.

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Spring is arguably the best time to explore our local forested areas. These spaces are full of color from spring ephemerals to flowering trees and shrubs. Life is buzzing as various pollinators visit the yummy-looking flowers. Birds are flying about to grab a snack. So much life! Come explore how full of life our forests can be in the springtime through this series of walks. We will explore sites in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, all of which come alive in April and May. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $40; nonmembers $56
While most visit Calvert Cliffs State Park for the marine fossils along its Chesapeake Bay beach, this park in southern Maryland offers rich natural history as well. We’ll hike a circuit of 4 miles—out to the Bay and back—with stops along the way as we explore the coastal plain forests, marshland, and stream valley habitats of this protected area. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for wildlife, including birds, butterflies and other insects, and reptiles and amphibians, while admiring spring plant life both underfoot and overhead. The Park’s natural surface trails will be uneven and possibly muddy with a mild hill or two. The Park charges a $5 per car admission fee for MD tags and $7 for out-of-state tags. Carpooling will be encouraged and facilitated with a central meeting point not far outside the Beltway. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars. REGISTER.

Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $35; nonmembers $49
At 3,700+ acres, Little Bennett Regional Park near Clarksburg, MD is a very special large, protected area which–due to its many habitats–harbors a rich plant diversity and also creates many niches for a wide range of wildlife. Retired Countywide Botanist/Forest Ecologist, Carole Bergmann, will introduce participants to this parkland’s seasonal plant abundance in addition to its general natural history on a leisurely hike of up to two miles. We will use natural surface park trails through a variety of plant communities, including both wet and dry meadows, high quality upland woods, early successional areas and riparian bottomlands, but do expect some uphill and downhill, which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring  in nearby woods and wetlands. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. The Towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven.  Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes climbing a steep incline or set of stairs. REGISTER.

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Usher in the merry month of May with a springtime nature stroll on the trails and boardwalk of DC’s Theodore Roosevelt Island! Join long-time field trip leader and author of the award-winning Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island, City of Trees, Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, and several other nature books, for a May Day exploration of this 90-acre island in the Potomac River. The scenic island serves as a fitting memorial to our conservationist and naturalist 26th President – and Nature Forward (then-Audubon Naturalist Society) member. This springtime tree walk will take you deep into the island, where swamp and tidal inlet can be explored by boardwalk as willow, bald cypresses, and cattails frame views of the city beyond it. We’ll see basswoods, sycamores, cottonwoods, silver maples, pawpaws and many other tree species decked out in their freshest greens as we look for herons, ospreys and songbirds. In addition to sharing her knowledge and love of the island’s trees, Melanie will share details of this National Park’s fascinating history. We’ll also do a bit of forest bathing next to a tidal inlet. Expect a flat walk of nearly two miles at a leisurely pace. Our circuit walk will traverse natural surface trails as well as boardwalk, both of which may be muddy and/or slippery. The island lies under the flight path of Reagan National Airport and so frequent planes passing may present challenges for those who are sound sensitive. REGISTER.

Leader: Liz Guertin
Location: Washington, North Carolina (outside Greenville)
Members $390; nonmembers $440
Eastern North Carolina is often known only for the Outer Banks, but the areas west of the barrier islands are rich in plant, bird, and mammal biodiversity. This land is flat as a pancake, but hidden in its lack of topography is a wonderland of the last populations of red wolves, the largest concentration of the world’s largest black bears, the northernmost species of palm tree (palmettos), vast cypress swamps and water tupelo trees, grasslands hosting rare sparrow species and beaver-formed wetlands, swaths of mesmerizing long-leaf pine forest, diverse estuaries, carnivorous plants, and surprise sightings of birds from the south (occasional anhingas and painted buntings), as well as birds from the north, especially as migration is in full swing – opportunities for hundreds of species of birds. There’s so much to see, it’ll be a whirlwind and we won’t set one foot on the Outer Banks.  We’ll call the quaint and historical town of Washington, North Carolina home for the weekend.  We’ll take in a few local eateries (the infamous cheddar biscuits at Mom’s Grill). Program cost covers field activities only; we’ll share information about lodging and food options to all registrants. Note: This trip requires a level of physical fitness to be able to be able to walk up to three (very flat) miles at a relaxed pace. We’ll walk a couple miles at least a couple times over two days. The farthest we’ll drive from Washington, NC is about 45 minutes one-way, so expect a couple hours of driving a day. REGISTER.

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Spring is arguably the best time to explore our local forested areas. These spaces are full of color from spring ephemerals to flowering trees and shrubs. Life is buzzing as various pollinators visit the yummy-looking flowers. Birds are flying about to grab a snack. So much life! Come explore how full of life our forests can be in the springtime through this series of walks. We will explore sites in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, all of which come alive in April and May. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Spring has sprung and the C&O Canal’s Towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the DC-metro area to experience this season’s richness. In order to cover more territory and visit more habitats, we’ll use bikes to explore the stretch from Swain’s Lock to Blockhouse Point, a nearly 9 mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for spring wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, and reptiles and amphibians—all the while keeping an eye and ear open for spring bird activity. Bring your own bike. REGISTER.

Leader: Rita Peralta
Location: Great Falls, VA
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Go beyond the naked eye on this guided nature walk for adults. Learn how to use foldable microscopes to observe the microscopic landscape, revealing the small-scale details that shape ecosystems. REGISTER.

Members: $30; nonmembers $40
Join Forest Bathing guide, Adria Zeldin, in a soothing exploration and mindfulness walk through the forests of Woodend. Awaken your senses, connect to the present moment, and support your mental health and well-being. REGISTER HERE.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $40; nonmembers $56
Spring rains, warming temperatures, and longer hours of daylight ignite a great burst of life in the valleys and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best ways to explore this seasonal richness is on a hike along the renowned Appalachian Trail. Join a naturalist to search for spring blooms, butterflies, and breeding bird activity amongst the rocky terrain of Maryland’s South Mountain. Starting at Gathland State Park near Frederick, Md, our group will hike along the AT for around 1.5 to 2 miles before turning around and retracing our steps. The AT here is rocky and uneven–and there will be some moderately strenuous uphill/downhill. We’ll stop often to observe natural phenomena, but will then pick up the pace to try and cover the distance stated. REGISTER.

Leader: Kit Sheffield
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Picnic Area
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Spring is a time of dynamic change along the forest floor. For the wildflowers, it’s a race against time to bloom and reproduce before the tree canopy leafs out and blocks out the sunlight. At higher elevations, this spring blossoming occurs later, so we have set this exploration for early May. We will cover about two miles on the park’s West Side trails, spending most of our time on the Deerfield Nature Trail loop. Catoctin’s trails are natural surface trails and there will be some elevation change and cross one small stream on the way. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring  in nearby woods and wetlands. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. The Towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven.  Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes climbing a steep incline or set of stairs. REGISTER.

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
There are very few mature forests in our urban space that boast a healthy array of plant species throughout all forest layers. Buck Lodge Community Park is one such area despite being a small MNCPPC property flanked by the 495/95 interchange, a middle school, a new elementary school, two neighborhood developments, and powerlines. Chestnut oak, Allegheny chinquapin, mountain laurel, pinxterbloom azalea, blueberries, huckleberries, pink lady’s slippers, and many more plants, thrive in this acidic, gravel-based soil. It is also home to one of the globally rare Magnolia Bog ecosystems that only exist in the upper coastal plains of Maryland and Virginia. Come explore this unique space with Nature Forward’s Habitat Manager, Bradley Simpson. The main trail is flat and paved and parking is plentiful at the site. There are no restrooms on site. REGISTER.

Leader: Lorena Saavedra Smith
Members $33; nonmembers $46
This is an inward-facing, reflective workshop at Woodend Nature Sanctuary where nature serves as a mirror. The aspiration is to support participants in cultivating emotional grounding and embodied belonging by exploring their inner relationship with the land. Through poetry, guided mindfulness, and reflective writing practices grounded in ecopsychology, participants slow down, listen inwardly, and use language and presence to reconnect their inner landscape with the living land that holds them. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars. REGISTER.

Leader: Mark Garland
Location: Cape May, NJ
Members $140; nonmembers $190
Cape May explodes with vernal vibrance during  May, especially in the few days around the new and full moons, when the most extreme tidal fluctuations occur.  This is when thousands of horseshoe crabs crawl onto the Delaware Bay beaches to spawn, with huge flocks of shorebirds gathered to feast on the eggs.  The new moon occurs on May 16 this year, so our visit comes right afterwards, when food should be most abundant and shorebird activity should be at peak.  Additionally, this is a season when beach nesting birds are active, some songbirds are setting up territories while others are passing through in migration, frogs are in full song, and on sunny days a good variety of butterflies may be seen.  During breaks, the town of Cape May has great appeal, as it’s been designated a National Historic Landmark for its many restored Victorian buildings.  Program cost covers field activities only; we’ll share information about lodging options to all registrants. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Spring Migration is an event to celebrate – not just for birds, but also for fish! On this Wednesday before World Fish Migration Day, come join Senior Naturalist Genevieve Wall on a walk through the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. This section of the Potomac River is both tidal and freshwater: a combination that makes it home to fluctuating populations of fish species throughout the year as anadromous fish make their way upriver to spawn. Bald eagles and osprey nest along the riverbank, and rely on the seasonal pulse of fish to feed their young. On our walk, we will learn about tidal freshwater ecosystems, and enjoy lush late spring along the Potomac, with all the wildlife (birds, turtles, beavers, and more!) we hope to encounter. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Our route includes paved, natural surface, and board walk surfaces, which may be muddy and puddly depending on recent weather conditions. REGISTER.

Leader: Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
We’ll be looking for early butterflies and dragonflies, especially one particular species of dragonfly (the Cobra Clubtail) that can be found emerging at this time of year. And of course we won’t be able to ignore all the birds and wildflowers that will be around too at this beautiful time of year at Pennyfield Lock along the C&O Canal! REGISTER.

Leader: Mark England
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Do you hear what I hear? The various songs and calls of birds can help enthusiasts find and ID species, especially when the landscape is fully leafed out. But for beginning and mid-level birders, interpreting this wide variety of voices can be confusing and frustrating. Our leader will help you to learn to listen for and begin to recognize some of the species breeding in our region. He’ll also discuss the upsides/downsides of using Voice ID apps. This walk is intentionally scheduled after the migratory pulse of through-species in order to focus on local breeders – both resident and migratory. The walk will split field time between the Blue Mash Nature Trail and nearby Rachel Carson Conservation Park. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring  in nearby woods and wetlands. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. The Towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven.  Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes climbing a steep incline or set of stairs. REGISTER.

Leader: Rick Borchelt
Thursday, May 28 (7-9 pm) at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Saturday, May 30 – time and location TBD. Rain date May 31.
Lecture only: members $24; nonmembers $32
Lecture and field trip: members $48; nonmembers $68
Swallowtails are some of our most iconic and — as a group — best known butterflies. Some are easily recognized, but several others form a complicated mimicry ring (with a few other non-swallowtail butterflies) centered on the black and blue colors of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail. Still others show ongoing active speciation that has created a confusing taxonomic mess we increasingly think of as the “eastern tiger swallowtail complex.” Join us for an evening of discussion of the life histories and identification of our nine (and counting!!) mid-Atlantic swallowtails, followed by a Saturday field trip to see some of these species in the field. REGISTER.

Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars. REGISTER.

Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $33; nonmembers $46
We will learn about the identification, evolutionary history, and myriad reproductive strategies of ferns on a walk through Rachel Carson Conservation Park’s network of trails. Our walk will cover less than three miles on mostly natural surface trails that have some gentle slope to them. The trails are mostly shaded but the first and last ¼ mile will be through open meadow. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars. REGISTER.

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Spring is arguably the best time to explore our local forested areas. These spaces are full of color from spring ephemerals to flowering trees and shrubs. Life is buzzing as various pollinators visit the yummy-looking flowers. Birds are flying about to grab a snack. So much life! Come explore how full of life our forests can be in the springtime through this series of walks. We will explore sites in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, all of which come alive in April and May. REGISTER.

Class: Thursday, June 11 (9 am-3 pm) – Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Field Trip: Sunday, June 14 (9 am-12 pm) – Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Glendening Nature Preserve
Leader: Clare Walker
Class and field trip: $75, nonmember $95
Class only: member $40, nonmember $56
You may have tried to identify wildflowers using iNaturalist or other point and click apps.  However, these apps often fail (confidently giving the wrong species) or give only an identification to family.  In this class we will cover the knowledge needed to take the next step to confidently identify our local plant species. This workshop will cover the botanical terms needed to understand a simple guide with lots of fun hands-on exploration.  Then we will work through the identification process step by step using both wildflower guides and the best current apps for the Mid-Atlantic. We will take the knowledge outside to practice all these skills on plants around Woodend. The class will also discuss some of the best locations in the area to see wildflowers and the importance of their ecology. Half the process of identification is recognizing the habitat where each species of wildflower is found and their growth forms. Class requires a copy of Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb. The book is available in Nature Forward’s bookstore but any edition will work as all are identical. On Sunday, we’ll practice your new identification skills in the diverse habitats of meadow, woods and wetlands found at Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary. REGISTER.

Leader: Liz Guertin
Location: Pine Barrens, NJ
Members $270; nonmembers $320
Covering a quarter of the state of New Jersey, the sandy, coastal Pine Barrens are a world set apart from the endless city corridor between New York and Philadelphia. When established in 1978, the Pinelands National Reserve encompassed 1.1 million acres and remains the “largest tract of wild land along the Middle Atlantic Seaboard.” (quote by President Jimmy Carter). Navigating the dizzying maze of sugar sand roads offers the chance to see plants you can’t see anywhere else, hundreds of breeding bird species, and the remnants of American history. In this two-day whirlwind, we’ll go deep into an Atlantic white cedar swamps and your leader’s favorite ghost forest. We’ll explore one of the world’s few pygmy forests, visit the best heron rookery (where heron species breed in colonies) in the entire mid-Atlantic, and explore the beauty of carnivorous plants and unique summer wildflower species. Woven into our exploration, we’ll step back in time to think about the significance of the Pines on the Revolutionary War, its role as an industrial hub in early America, and as a culture set apart from the mainstream. We’ll take in a local favorite eatery or two (and PIE). Program cost covers field activities only; we’ll share information about lodging and food options to all registrants. Note: This trip requires a level of physical fitness to be able to be able to walk up to two (very flat) miles at a relaxed pace. We’ll walk a couple miles at least a couple times over two days. The Pinelands are quite spread out, so while our agenda attempts to keep driving times reasonable, there will be about 75 minutes of driving per day. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Come join Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton at Governor Bridge Natural Area. We’ll be looking for dragonflies and damselflies of course, but also warblers, frogs, butterflies, plants, and anything else that catches our eye at this cool group of ponds in a wooded area on the coastal plain. REGISTER.