Wild Walks and Talks Programs for 2025
AGES | 13 and up
TIME | 9:30 AM – 12 pm (unless otherwise noted)
FEE | $10 Members | $30 Non-members
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required. Class includes admission to the formal gardens, Nature Walk, and the seasonal Native Butterfly House (during the open season), and access to the Ladew Café and Gift Shop.
Inclement weather policy: Classes will be held in light rain. In the event of forecasted severe weather, classes will be canceled in advance by email. We will do our best to reschedule. In the event we cannot reschedule the class or you are unable to make the rain date, we will issue a refund or transfer you to another class of interest.
Questions: Contact Rachelle Fowler at 410.557.9570 x225 or rfowler@ladewgardens.com
Thursday, April 17 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Spring Bird Count with Ecologist John Canoles of Eco-Science Professionals
Ecologist John Canoles will lead us through the meadows and forested Nature Walk trail to experience the spring migration. Hopes will be high to catch glimpses of migrating warblers and resident birds preparing for summer..
Monday, April 28 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
For the Love of Lichens with Dr. Natalie Howe, Ecologist and Professor
Lichens are fascinating! You have seen them on trees, buildings, and benches, but did you know they are multiple organisms working in symbiosis? Join Dr. Natalie Howe for a walk through our gardens and Nature Walk to discover the magical world of lichens.
Saturday, May 17 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Foraging and Fungi with Sarah Oktavec Chillson, FunGal Foraging
Is it a weed, or is it food? Join Sarah Oktavec Chillson on an adventure through the gardens and Nature Walk in search of edible plants and fungi found in the spring.
Tuesday, June 3 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The Trees of Ladew with Vanessa Beauchamp, Towson University Professor
Vanessa will lead us on an exploration of the trees at Ladew. Learn how to correctly identify various species of trees and discover other fun facts along the way.
Saturday, June 14 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Ladew Rocks with Martin Schmidt, Author of the book, Maryland’s Geology
Geologist Martin Schmidt will offer a peek into history as he discusses the geology that create the foundation of the Ladew property. He will also explore the geologic makeup of the historic buildings and of the rocks used in the garden’s hardscaping.
Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
An Evening with the Birds with Ecologist John Canoles, Eco-Science Professionals
Explore the Nature Walk on this Twilight Tuesday with Ecologist John Canoles to catch a glimpse of the summer resident birds before they tuck themselves in for the evening.
Saturday, July 26 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Garden Critters of Ladew with Rachelle Fowler, Ladew Environmental Educator
Join Rachelle as she introduces you to some of the wildlife that finds sanctuary in our gardens. Live animal encounters may include insects, reptiles (yes, that means snakes), amphibians, and birds.
Friday, August 8 | ** 7:00 PM –9:30 PM **
Night Hike with Ladew Environmental Educators
Nighttime at Ladew can be a busy place! Ladew Environmental Educators will guide you through the meadow and forested Nature Walk trails to experience some night vision activities, as well as the activities of nocturnal wildlife waking up for their evening adventures.
Tuesday, August 26 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
"Monarchs, Meadows, and the Milkweed Community" with Rachelle Fowler, Ladew Environmental Educator
Monarchs have now been put on multiple endangered species lists, and planting more Milkweed can help! But there is also an entire community that comes along with planting milkweed. Join us in the meadows of Ladew to observe the community of insects that thrive around Milkweed.
Tuesday, September 16 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Fall Migration Bird Count with Ecologist John Canoles, Eco-Science Professionals
Join us for a walk along the Nature Walk trail to catalog the fall bird activity on the property. John Canoles will help to identify confusing fall warblers. We also hope to see some raptors and other fall migrating species.
Saturday, October 4 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Fantastic Fungi with Nick Spero, Natural History Society of Maryland
Enjoy a fall walk with Nick Spero as we search for and learn about magical world of fungi. Nick is a biologist and longtime forager who teaches for the Natural History Society of Maryland.