(5-Adult) Hike through the fall foliage and identify trees. Find that perfect autumn leaf and make a craft keepsake.

(5-Adult) Celebrate international bat week at Riverbend Park. Learn about the fascinating lives of these flying mammals as you participate in an educational scavenger hunt through the woods. Conclude the evening with a naturally crafted bat decoration to take home.

(16-Adult) Get to know our local songbirds through field sketches and studies. Includes a presentation on natural history, drawing tips, and a short bird hike.

(All Ages) Come stay and play at our Nature Center on select Fridays of every month. Spend time together as a family reading books, making crafts, playing games, exploring natural objects with a microscope, doing puzzles, digging in the sandbox and many more play opportunities. Enjoy a short presentation or read-aloud story by a naturalist every hour. Each month the space will transform into a different theme and activities will be refreshed so there will always be something new to discover. A staff member will be in the building if you have any questions or need assistance, but this event is designed as self-guided play time accompanied by a parent or guardian. You are not required to stay for the entire length of time. Once you receive a wristband you may come and go as you please.

(6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Take a hike through the woods to listen and look for signs of nocturnal animals that may be flying overhead or stirring beneath our feet. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(4-Adult) Join us for a spooktacular evening to celebrate the wildlife most commonly associated with Halloween. Take a guided hike down the Follow the Hollows trail in search of bats, toads, salamanders, spiders and owls and learn about how these animals became a symbol of spooky season. End the evening by the warm cozy fire, accompanied by s’mores.

(7-14 yrs.) Adapted from our popular adult foraging class, this program teaches the basics of sustainable foraging but geared towards a younger audience. Join a naturalist on a hike to learn how to identify plants that are edible and/or medicinal and conclude the class with a delicious, foraged creation made with seasonal plants.

(4-Adult) Learn about the prehistoric sharks, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates that roamed Riverbend Park millions of years ago. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs on a short hike, search for fossilized shark teeth in an archeological dig, and complete a dino-themed craft to celebrate our park’s rich history.

(12-Adult) Learn about the healing power of plants. Discover the herbal remedies and wild edibles of Virginia and how to gather these plants safely and sustainably. Conclude the class with a make-and-take.

(6-Adult) Learn ancient techniques of how to start a fire, go on a short hike and brush up on basic plant ID, and try your hand at archery with a primitive bow and arrow.

(6-Adult) Fish from the river bank and learn about the fish's world. S'mores provided. Borrow our fishing rods or bring your own, tackle and bait provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.