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Schedule of Events

WILLOW GROVE FARM
NATURE EDUCATION CENTER
OPEN ON SATURDAYS
The Willow Grove Nature Education Center, located at Willow Grove Farm, is open for public visitation every Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The public is invited to visit the Nature Education Center & view the native reptiles & amphibians housed there, visit the Children’s Nature Resource Room, and enjoy the other exhibits at the Center.
Visitors can observe & learn about some of the native turtles, frogs & snakes that call Cromwell Valley home. The Nature Resource Room has games, puzzles and hands-on natural objects for children to enjoy while learning about the natural history of the Park.
Stop by and see how we are working to develop the Center into a facility that highlights the Natural & Cultural History of Cromwell Valley Park.

Sunday, August 22 at 1 PM to 2:30 PM
WHERE DOES OUR FOOD COME FROM? - Come on down to the farm to learn the truth about our food and get a first-hand look at our food system in action. This hands on program is designed to teach young children about the importance of farms and gardens that produce the food we eat. Ages 5 to 7 with adult. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Ed. Center

Sunday, August 22 from 2 PM to 3:30 PM
CHICKEN OUT - Discovering Chickens at Cromwell Valley CSA - Join the CSA farm staff for an exciting look at our flock of rare-breed chickens. Enjoy a hands-on experience with these incredible birds, learn about chicken behavior, our intensive grazing method, eggs and, for the kids (even for those that are kids at heart!), play a fun chicken game! All ages . Reservations required. For more info visit www.cvcsa.org. Please contact the CVCSA directly to reserve your spot - info@cvcsa.org.$3 CSA shareholders/$5 non-shareholders. Willow Grove Picnic Area

Friday, August 27 at 1:30 to 3 PM
MARVELOUS MIGRATING MONARCHS - We’ll capture, tag and release monarchs as they head south for the winter. If the Monarchs don’t cooperate, we’ll settle for any of our beautiful butterflies. Ages 7 to 12. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Ed. Center

Saturday Morning Bird Walks
THE BIRDERS BOX
Fall Lineup
Join a volunteer from 8 AM to 10 AM for Bird Walks
on September 11th & 28th
and October 2nd, 16th, & 30th.
No reservations required. FREE!
Willow Grove Farm

Saturday, September 4 at 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Monarch Butterfly MONARCH TAGGING FOR EDUCATORS - It’s Monarch Migration season! Learn about the monarch migration and participate in Monarch Watch’s tag and release program for use in the classroom. Reservation required. FREE FOR TEACHERS! Willow Grove Children's Garden

Saturday, September 4 at 10 AM to 5 PM and
Sunday, September 5 at 12 Noon to 5 PM
Rain Dates: September 26 & 27

ARTS IN THE PARK
The Cromwell Valley Park Council is pleased to host the Towson ARTS Collective “Arts in the Park” days showcasing local fine artists, fine crafters, literary art, music, wine, food, and classic cars. The event will take place on the front lawn of the Sherwood House. $5 per car donation. Sherwood Farm

Saturday, September 11 at 10 AM to 11:30 AM
SEED SAVING - Why buy vegetable seeds every year when you can save them from this year’s crop? Learn how and when to collect seeds for next season. Includes tips for drying, freezing, storing & testing for germination. Ages 12+. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30 PM to 8 PM
DOWN ON THE FARM - Outrageous Organics – Join the Cromwell Valley CSA staff for an exciting tour of the farm and have a blast playing games to learn about organic agriculture. Ages 5 - 10 yrs with parent. Reservations required. $3 CSA Shareholders/$5 non-shareholders. Willow Grove Picnic Area

Wednesdays, Starting Sept. 15 at 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Calling all 4th thru 6th graders!

JOIN THE AFTER SCHOOL HAWK CLUB!

We will meet on 9/15, 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10 & 11/17 from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Give your child the opportunity to expand their imaginations and knowledge as they explore the wonders of nature while learning what we can do to help protect our Earth. Make sure your child dresses for the weather and is wearing shoes to hike in. This is a drop off program - parents need not attend. Reservations required. $15 members/$20 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, September 18 at 1 PM to 2 PM
FAMILY STORY TIME - In the Woods: Who’s Been Here? - A story time designed for both parents & kids. Enjoy listening to a story and interacting with a live animal. Use teamwork in a challenge or game and work together on a craft. Ages 3+. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Wednesdays, Starting Sept. 22 at 10 AM to 11 AM
NATURE, MOM & ME!

Sign up for all 6 classes - 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27 & 11/3. In each class, you and your pre-schooler will investigate a different topic through hands-on activities, stories, crafts and hikes. Be sure to dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Ages 3 - 6 with parent. Reservations required. $15 members/$20 non-members for all 6 sessions. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Wednesdays, Starting Sept. 22 at 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Calling all 1st thru 3rd graders!

JOIN THE AFTER SCHOOL F.O.X. CLUB!

We will meet on 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3 & 11/17 from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. We will explore a different nature or farm theme with a brief lesson, hands-on games or crafts, and outdoor exploration. Parents are welcome to share in the fun & exploration, but not required to attend unless your youngster needs a little extra help. Children should dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Reservations required. $15 members/$20 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Fri., Sept. 24 at 5 PM to Sat., Sept. 25 at 10 AM
FALL FAMILY CAMPOUT - Introduce your family to the camping experience close to home. Program will include an evening campfire and night hike. Families should provide own camping gear, BUT if you need a tent, REI has donated 4-four person tents for your use (call to reserve). BYO supper and breakfast will be provided. Rain date is Sat. 9/25 to Sun. 9/26. Reservations required. All ages. $15 members/ $20 non-members families. Willow Grove Family Campsite

Saturday, September 25 at 1 PM to 2 :30 PM
MONARCH TAGGING – It’s Monarch Migration season! Help us catch and tag Monarch butterflies and send them on their journey to Mexico. Learn the Monarch’s story: poison, disguise and international travel. A great citizen science activity. Families - ages 5+. Reservation required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Children’s Garden

Saturday, October 2 at 7 PM to 8:30 PM
FALL NIGHT HIKE & CAMPFIRE - Enjoy a crisp autumn evening under the stars at CVP. Join us for a night hike to explore the Park after sunset and have s’mores over a campfire. Feel free to bring your favorite campfire treat! Ages 6+. Reservations required. $3 member/$5 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center & Hawk Watch Site

Sunday, October 3 at 3 PM to 5 PM
COOKING CLASS - Easy, Healthy Meals - Join a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and learn some simple, nutritious and DELICIOUS meals to add to your repertoire. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland and boring. Go home with recipes and lots of yummy new things to create in your kitchen. Ages 16+. Reservations required. $10 CSA Shareholders / $15 non-shareholders. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, Oct. 9 & Sunday, Oct. 10
12 Noon to 4 PM each day
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Come join us for family fun “Down on the Farm”
Children’s Crafts, Hayrides, Pony rides, Farm Animals, Apple Butter, Music, Food, Sweets, Rope Making, Beekeepers, Cider Pressing, Tractor Exhibit, Local 4-H Clubs and MORE!
Reservations NOT required. Donation is $5 per car. Willow Grove Farm

Saturday, October 16 at 10 AM to 12 Noon
TRAIL DAY - Groups & individuals are invited to work with the CVP Trail Club to maintain & improve trails in the Park. Help clear trails & prevent erosion to keep our trails in tiptop condition. Ages 13+. Reservations NOT required. Sherwood Farm

Saturday, October 23 at 10 AM to 12 Noon
MAKE A SCARECROW - We’ll supply the straw. You bring a set of old clothes (kids’ overalls or a bunny suit work great!), pantyhose and maybe a hat to stuff without straw to make a decorative scarecrow. All ages. Reservations required. $3 members/$5 non-members per project. Willow Grove Barn

Saturday, October 30 at 1 PM to 2 PM
CREEPY CRAWLY HALLOWEEN CUISINE! - Come explore the world of insects through all five senses. Yes, that’s right, even TASTE! Test your palate with some yummy recipes which make use of a few of the 1,417 species of EDIBLE INSECTS...if you dare! All ages. Reservations required. $3 members/$5non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, November 6 at 10:30 AM to 12 Noon
FALL FOLIAGE HIKE - Enjoy the crisp fall weather with a naturalist led hike focusing on tree identification and why/how leaves change color. Families - ages 6+. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, November 6 at 1 PM to 2 PM
FAMILY STORY TIME - The Mole Who Went in Search of Who Done It - A story time designed for both parents & kids. Enjoy listening to a story and interacting with a live animal. Use teamwork in a challenge or game and work together on a craft. Ages 3+. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, November 13 at 10:30 AM to 12 Noon
ADULTS ONLY CHOCOLATE - Learn how to make homemade chocolate dipped nuts, dried fruits, & other confections to give as holiday gifts. Ages 18+. Reservations required. $3 members/$5 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, November 20 at 10 AM to 4 PM
WEEKEND NATURE QUEST - Enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt in and around the Willow Grove Nature Education Center. Pick up your guide book at the nature center, and don’t forget to return to claim your prize when you are done! Families - all ages. Reservations NOT required. FREE! Start at the Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Sunday, November 21 at 1 PM to 2:30PM
MAMMAL MANIA - Come celebrate the wonders and diversity of our fellow warm-blooded friends. We’ll play games, meet live critters, and explore some mammal habitats at CVP! Families-all ages. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, December 4 at 10 AM to 1 PM
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Find all of your holiday excitement on one farm. Come help decorate the Sherwood House for the holidays & stop by Talmar for your tree & poinsettia! Seasonal crafts, cookie decorating, refreshments, music, and visit with SANTA! Reservations required. All ages. $2 per person. Sherwood House

Saturday, December 11 at 1 PM to 2 PM
FAMILY STORY TIME - The Mitten - A story time designed for both parents & kids. Enjoy listening to a story and interacting with a live animal. Use teamwork in a challenge or game and work together on a craft. Ages 3+. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, December 11 at 4 PM to 5:30 PM
OWL PROWL - Learn about the natural history of owls, discover which owls live in the park, and listen to their calls. Then hike some trails as we look and listen for these nighttime predators. Reservations required. Ages 8+. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Wednesday, December 15 at 2 PM to 3:30 PM
HOMESCHOOLERS - MAKE A NATURAL ORNAMENT - Design and make your own ornament from our collection of cones and seeds and nature’s extras. Ages 6+ - parents must attend & assist. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members per project. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, December 18 at 10 AM to 11:30 AM
AMAZING ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS! - Adaptations help animals survive and some of them do so in crazy ways! Some have funny hairstyles, some wrestle, some sing, and some do dances! Come and learn about some very interesting animal adaptations and how they aid in survival. You will meet some to these animals and play games. All ages. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Saturday, December 18 at 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
MAKE A NATURAL ORNAMENT - Design and make your own ornament from our collection of cones and seeds and nature’s extras. Ages 6+ - parents must attend & assist. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members per project. Willow Grove Nature Education Center


BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CROMWELL VALLEY PARK COUNCIL AND ENJOY MONEY SAVING BENEFITS ON DESIGNATED PROGRAMS!

View printable membership form (PDF document)

Reservations are required for all programs, unless otherwise specified. Payment must be made within 5 business days of your reservation or the reservation will be yielded to the waiting list. All payments are donations and non-refundable unless CVP cancels the program. To make your reservations, please call the Park Office: 410.887.2503, TDD: 410.877.5319, or Email us at info@cromwellvalleypark.org. All events are rain or shine unless a rain date is specified. Program leaders will call registered participants only in the event of cancellation at least 1 hour before program start. Make checks payable to: Cromwell Valley Park Council (CVPC). Mailing Address: Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, MD 21234.

These programs are designed for individuals and families. They are not designed to provide childcare. Therefore, parents are encouraged to discuss attendance expectations with their children. Park staff cannot detain youth wishing to leave at any time. If you would like to arrange a program for a group or an organization, please contact the Park Office between 9 AM & 2 PM Monday thru Friday. Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Should you require special accommodations (i.e., language interpreter, large print, etc.) please give as much notice as possible by calling the Park Office, 410.887.2503, or the Therapeutic Office at 410.887.5370.