First Reaction to the Robinson Nature Center--Wow!

I got out to do my first visit to the newly opened Robinson Nature Center and it won't be my last.  While there are still some parts of the Center yet to be built it is already one of those places everyone should take the time to visit. 

Still to be developed is an amphitheater for bird demonstrations and a butterfly garden.  The displays of life like animals is on the bottom floor.

Check out the exciting programs that will be conducted by Recreation and Parks which include the following:

Discovery Days
3-7 yrs / 1st and 3rd Sat, starting Sep 17 / 10-10:30 AM /
Free with paid admission
Every weekend holds a new natural discovery for your little one with the Robinson Nature Center’s “Discovery Days” program. This is a half-hour, drop-in activity (no preregistration required) that introduces your child to Maryland plants and animals through stories, puppet shows, games or craft activities. Themes and activities vary by week. Program is available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 12 children each Saturday. Programs will be held on the following Saturdays in the fall season: Sep 17, Oct 1, Oct 15, Nov 5 and Nov 19.

Backyard Bird Feeding for Beginners
5 yrs+ / Oct 1 / $6
This family program is designed to engage young and old alike in one of the most popular outdoor hobbies ever, backyard bird feeding. Come out to the nature center to discover basic bird identification (ID), proper foods for birds during the year, how to distribute food and various feeders to use. Walk outside on the trail and to our wildlife viewing station for bird ID. Each family will receive a bird feeder to take home.
RP4805.501 9-10:30 AM Sa

Hooked on Herpetology
8 yrs+ / Oct 7 / $5
Turn over a rock and you never know what you might find. Join Sue Muller to learn how you and your family can contribute to a statewide search for amphibians and reptiles that will help create the Maryland “Herp Atlas.” Sue will cover search techniques, herp identification and a sneak peak at what has already been found in the first year of the project, including two new species for the County.
RP4807.501 7-10 PM F

Full Moon Walk at Robinson
7 yrs+ / Oct 8 / $8
You’ve never experienced the dark like this before! Learn about the senses that nocturnal animals use, and see how well your own senses compare as you wind your way through the woods at Robinson Nature Center. Dress warmly. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RP4804.501 7:45-9:15 PM Sa

Nature Sketching for Beginners
10–14 yrs / 3 wks, session dates below / $65
View nature in a new artistic way with the experience of Holly Highfill, the highly talented artist who painted the murals throughout the nature center. This class includes sketching lessons using natural objects from both the nature center’s collection and those found by participants outside. A variety of mediums are used, including pencil, charcoal and color. All materials are provided. Class runs for three Saturday sessions.
RP4806.501 Oct 8, 15, 22 10-11:30 AM Sa

Fall Nature Walk at Robinson
All ages / Oct 16 / $6
Fall is a transition time for wildlife; birds are migrating south and leaves are turning colors. Join us on the trail to learn how flora and fauna at the Robinson Nature Center change with the seasons. Water and juice are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear shoes for hiking.
RP4808.501 1-3 PM Su

The Universe through Little Eyes
3-5 yrs / 2nd and 4th Sat, starting Oct 22 / $3 with paid admission
Give your young one a night time experience during the day! From the comfort of the Robinson Nature Center’s NatureSphere, a digital planetarium and dome-style movie theater, your child is introduced to planets, constellations and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RP4802.501 Oct 22 10-10:30 AM Sa
RP4802.502 Nov 12 10-10:30 AM Sa
RP4802.503 Nov 26 10-10:30 AM Sa

Space – the Final Frontier
5 yrs+ / 2nd and 4th Sat, starting Oct 22 / $3 with paid admission
Space holds many mysteries that you can access right here in Howard County. From the comfort of the Robinson Nature Center’s NatureSphere, a digital planetarium and dome-style movie theater, see the night sky without the interference of street lights and discover planets and constellations with which we share the final frontier.
RP4801.501 Oct 22 1-2 PM Sa
RP4801.502 Nov 12 1-2 PM Sa
RP4801.503 Nov 26 1-2 PM Sa

First Friday NatureSphere Nights
5 yrs+ / Nov 4 / $6
Experience the wonders of space in the comfort of Robinson Nature Center’s NatureSphere, a digital planetarium and dome-style movie theater. On the first Friday of each month, join us as we explore our universe – from planets, to constellations, to black holes.
RP4800.501 6:30-7:30 PM F
RP4800.502 8-9 PM F

The trail at the center is approximately 1 mile of rugged, wooded terrain.  

 It includes a stream crossing, passes along the Middle Patuxent River and guides visitors to the old mill race and ruins of the Simpsonville Mill.