(5-8 yrs.) Each Tuesday morning in this four-week nature series for homeschool, explore a new theme: winter birds, animal tracks, tree ID and pond life under ice. Hands-on activities, outdoor exploration and take-home naturalist journals. Registration covers all four sessions (Jan 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2).

(9-13 yrs.) In this four-week series for homeschool kids a field naturalist will explore a different topic each week including watershed science, wildlife tracking, forest ecology and citizen science. Students will receive field notebooks for real data collection and outdoor investigation. Registration cover materials and all four sessions (Jan 13, 20, 27 and Feb 3).

(5-12 yrs.) Race like a fox, hibernate like a bear, hunt like an owl and store food like a squirrel in the Animal Olympics. Hands-on activity stations show kids how animals survive winter by testing their own senses and strengths against the wild. A perfect way to spend an out-of-school holiday.

(4-Adult) Join a naturalist to discover the secret lives of nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and foxes with a hands-on presentation. Roast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores by a campfire. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Minimum age to attend program is 4 yrs. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

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

(10-Adult) Learn to read bark texture, twig arrangement, leaf scars, buds and lingering berries to identify Lake Accotink's most common trees when the leaves are gone. A hands-on walk with pocket guides are provided. Perfect for aspiring naturalists and lifelong walkers.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.

(4-Adult) Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(5-Adult) Learn all about building a campfire. Practice starting a fire without matches and stay for a demonstration.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying the beauty of the lakefront. Gain a better understanding of not only how to fish, but also how we can better connect with the natural world while participating in recreational activities, such as fishing. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(5-Adult) Enjoy the beauty of the lakefront at sunset while learning the basics of fishing with a naturalist. Many fish like to come up to eat when the water cools after a hot day, making it a great time to fish with family members and enjoy each other’s company. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-17 yrs.) A four-week Sunday series for neurodivergent teens who want to spend time in the woods on their own terms. Hands-on skills each week: fire building, tracking, tool use, and shelter craft. Small group, predictable structure, sensory-friendly. Registration covers all four sessions (Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21).

(5-Adult) Meet Lake Accotink's live reptile ambassadors and discover how these misunderstood animals survive winter. Kids and adults will hear stories and leave with a new respect for the cold-blooded neighbors hiding in plain sight.

(6-12 yrs.) This nocturnal wildlife and local lore program features a craft, a twilight walk into the forest, trick or treating, animal activity stations and campfire with scary stories and s'mores. Campfire takes place during the last half hour of the program. Costumes are encouraged.

Fulfills most badge requirements.

(8-Adult) As the sun sets over Lake Accotink, grab a lantern and join a naturalist for a slow walk through the winter woods. We'll listen for owls, watch for shooting stars, and share stories and folklore about creatures of the night. Dress warm. Hot cocoa provided at the trailhead. Family-friendly and unforgettable.

(Adults) An adults-only nature night by lantern light. Sip hot cocoa, listen for owls, watch the winter constellations, and dig into naturalist storytelling with a park ranger. No kids, no pressure, just cold air, warm drinks and good conversation about the wild world around us.

(5-14 yrs.) A gentle, small-group meet-and-greet with Lake Accotink's live animal ambassadors, designed for neurodivergent kids. Dim lights, hushed voices, structured turn-taking, and no crowds. Kids can observe, ask, or touch (their choice) at their own comfort level. Caregivers stay throughout.

(5-14 yrs.) A calm, low-stimulation nature walk designed for neurodivergent kids and their families. Small group size, quiet trails, optional sensory kits (noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, tactile objects) and a flexible pace. Led by a naturalist trained in inclusive programming. Caregivers welcome and encouraged to attend.

(4-Adult) Step into the spooky-cool side of nature and meet friendly live reptiles and amphibians up close. Families will explore hands-on discovery stations and uncover the amazing “superpowers” these misunderstood creatures use to survive. Costumes welcome.

(13-17 yrs.) A three-week field lab for homeschool teens who want serious naturalist skills in a small group setting with high expectations. Weekly focus areas include field observation and journaling, species ID and dichotomous keys, and independent field project. Registration covers all three sessions (Feb 11, 18 and 25).

(6-Adult) Bats, snakes, spiders, opossums, vultures—winter's least-loved wildlife are actually its unsung heroes. Meet live animal ambassadors, hear the science of why we misunderstand them, and leave with a new appreciation for the creatures that keep our ecosystems humming even in the cold months.

(6-Adult) Winter is when the forest tells its secrets. Fresh snow, soft mud and bare branches reveal who has been passing through. Join a naturalist to decode tracks, scat, chews and scrapes along the lake trail. Bring your inner detective. Boots and layers recommended. Great for curious kids and adults alike.

(5-12) Bring the kids for a naturalist-led program that offers animal encounters, tracking games, and craft stations built around winter wildlife. Casual, warm and hands-on. Come and go as your schedule allows.

(6-12 yrs.) A weekly homeschool drop-in for kids. Each Wednesday afternoon features a rotating naturalist topic and open outdoor exploration. No series commitment required - participants can come one week or every week. Bring a snack. Come one week or come every week.

(5-Adult) Create a magical evening experience with a guided lantern walk around the lake. Participants will carry battery operated lanterns or LED candles while learning about winter wildlife, nocturnal animals and seasonal changes in the ecosystem. The program will include brief educational stops, opportunities for quiet reflection by the water and a hot cocoa station.

(10-Adult) Learn to build a fire without matches, construct a debris shelter, signal for rescue and stay warm when the temperature drops. Hands-on outdoor skills with a naturalist. Dress for weather. Great for scouts, families, and outdoor lovers