Events Archive: 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Upcoming Events
May 2026
NatureFest 2026
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
June 2026
Bug Fest - North Beach Nature Center
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
Plant Share/Swap
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.
Free National Webinar- September 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
Cape Conservation Corps - Native Plant Sale
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.
October 2026
Free National Webinar- October 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2026
Free National Webinar- November 2026
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!