Events

Events Archive: 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Upcoming Events

May 2026

May
30

NatureFest 2026

Saturday, May 30th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
College of Southern Maryland, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD, 20646 Map

Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Youth Engagement Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Hands-On/How-To Workshop Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

NatureFest is back at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus. We had 800+ attendees last year and are excited to welcome even more this year. As always, it's free for the whole family

A peek into what's waiting this year:

-Live shows by the Chesapeake Bay Mermaid
-Live animal shows (raptors and more!)
-The Extraordinary Caterpillar movie in Room CE 101. Show times:
10:15 am
11:30 am
12:45 pm
2:00 pm

-Arts & crafts led by NCAC art teachers
-Astronomy, marine science, native plants & wildlife exhibits
-TWO live bands performing all day
-Nature scavenger hunt
-30+ local nonprofits, educators, and conservation organizations

Whether you're 2 or 92, there is something for everyone at NatureFest. Come get your hands dirty, meet your community, and fall in love with the natural world around us

Register Read More

June 2026

Jun
27

Bug Fest - North Beach Nature Center

Saturday, June 27th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
North Beach Nature Center at Wetlands Overlook Park

Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking

Get ready for a buzzing good time at BUGFEST - a fun-filled day celebrating all things creepy, crawly, and cool. Participants can enter a free raffle on-site for a chance to win a bug hotel!

What’s happening?
UMD Insect Zoo 
Bug Olympics 
Airbrush Tattoos 
Plant a Pot with Master Gardeners 
Make and take mason bee hotel 
Ages: 6–12 years

Learn from experts: Bartlett Tree Experts, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Calvert County Natural Resources, Master Gardeners

Supplies generously sponsored by: Bartlett Tree Experts

Bugfest is perfect for curious kids who love nature, bugs, and hands-on fun. Bring the family and join us for a day that’s sure to bee unforgettable!

September 2026

Sep
12

Plant Share/Swap

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Deale Library, 5940 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD, 20751 Map

Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Seed/Plant Share Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

A collaboration between Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Deale Library, and Southern Maryland Native Plant People. Native plants will be shared with participants. A table with information regarding the benefits of native plants, Wild Ones membership information and plant lists for native plant conditions and garden design. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay members will be available to answer questions and provide other guidance for including native plants in residential gardens. 

Sep
16

Free National Webinar- September 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

Sep
26

Cape Conservation Corps - Native Plant Sale

Saturday, September 26th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Cape Clubhouse Field, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD, 20646 Map

Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Seed/Plant Sale Free Public Parking

Event hosted by Cape St. Claire Improvement Association. Visit the Read More link for more information from the host. 

Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay members will be on hand to provide information on native plants with an outreach/display table during the plant sale. 

Read More

October 2026

Oct
21

Free National Webinar- October 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

November 2026

Nov
18

Free National Webinar- November 2026

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, November 18th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon!