Wild Walks and Talks

AGES | 13 and up
FEE | $12 Members | $34 Non-members

REGISTRATION 

 Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Class includes admission to 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 cancelled 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, February 26 | 1 PM – 3 PM
Winter Wonders
with Ladew Education Team
Join the Ladew Education Team for a winter hike on the Nature Walk trail. We will discuss the “magic” of maple sugaring, hunt for the first blooms of skunk cabbage, and observe signs of winter wildlife.

Register

Saturday, April 18 | 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Fantastic Fungi and Foraging
with Nick Spero, Natural History Society of Maryland
Enjoy a spring walk with Nick Spero as we forage for newly emerging edibles and learn about the fantastic world of fungi and foraging. Nick is a biologist and lifelong forager who teaches for the Natural History Society of Maryland.

Register

Thursday, April 23 | 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Spring Bird Migration
with Ecologist John Canoles, Eco-Science Professionals
This time of year, many species of birds are returning to our area to breed or are passing through on their way to more northern breeding grounds.  Spring can be a great time to see a variety of species including colorful warblers, flycatchers and vireos.  Join us for a bird walk to learn more about the spring migration and hopefully catch a glimpse of some beautiful migrants.

Register

Monday, April 27 | 9:30 AM – 12 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 to discover the miniature world of lichens. Loops will be provided for closer looks.

Register

Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM – 12 PM
Nature Journaling: Where Art Meets Science
with Peggy Eppig, Conservation Educator – Lancaster Conservancy
The art and science of field sketching and biological illustration combine beautifully in the craft of nature journaling. Join naturalist and nature journalist Peggy Eppig in the gardens for a session in sketching techniques that capture scientific and interpretive data. Learn how to set up a phenology journal that tracks seasonal changes in the natural world. We will also explore the history of field art and nature journals and how the past is important in understanding climate change impacts we face today.

Bring your favorite sketchpad or artist’s journal. Some materials will be provided but bring a selection of your own drawing/painting materials you like to work with or would like to learn how to use.

Register

Tuesday, June 2 | 9:30 AM – 12 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.

Register

Tuesday, June 2 | 6 PM – 7 PM
Ask the Artist
with Justin Roberts, 2026 Sculptor-in-Residence
Explore the “The Network” exhibit alongside sculptor-in-residence, Justin Roberts. Justin will share his vision, process, and offer insights from behind the scenes that will bring the exhibit to life.

Register

Thursday, June 25 | 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.

Register

Tuesday, July 21 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
An Evening with the Birds
with Ecologist John Canoles, Eco-Science Professionals
By mid-summer most of our resident birds have raised at least one brood of young and may be raising a second.  The woods are busy with activity as parent birds are busy raising and teaching the young birds to fend for themselves.  Join us to see some local species, like Carolina wrens, tufted titmice, chipping sparrows and goldfinches, in action and learn some fun facts about their life histories. 

Register

Friday, August 28 | 6:30 PM –9:00 PM
Night Hike
with Ladew Environmental Educators
Exploring Ladew at night is a special treat! Join Ladew Environmental Educators as they guide you through the meadow and forested Nature Walk trails to experience the sights and sounds of nocturnal wildlife waking up for their nighttime adventures.

Register

Tuesday, September 22 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Fall Bird Migration
with Ecologist John Canoles, Eco-Science Professionals
In early fall, many of our local breeding birds begin to head south and northern breeders are passing through.  Many species have shed their bold breeding plumage in favor of more discreet colorings, so much so that they often appear to be different species.  Some other species will be returning to our area to spend the winter after breeding in far northern regions.  Join us for trip around the Nature Walk trail to see some of these species and learn more about how birds molt and strategies they use during migration and in preparation for winter..

Register

Saturday, October 3 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Foraging and Fungi
with Sarah Oktavec Chillson, FunGal Foraging  
A fun day with a Fun Gal! Sarah Oktavec Chillson invites you to explore our Nature Walk trail on a hunt for fall fungi. Sarah will share all her wisdom about foraging for mushrooms and keep you laughing with fun stories along the way.

Register