Exploring Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville MD
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
-John Keats
These starting verses of Endymion portray the power of nature. It always holds ‘bower quiet for us’ to retreat when we are feeling blue. The Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, MD, has the same effect on its visitors.
The nature center presents many adventurous avenues for kids of all ages and naturalists alike. They include nature trails, discovery rooms, exhibits, and more.
Let’s have a look at everything it offers.
Location
The Meadowside Nature Center is an expansive area dotted by hilly terrains, lush green woods, and sweet meadows. Within the 500 acres of land are indoor and outdoor exhibits, small ponds (Sunfish Pond and Study Pond), and a 54-acre Lake Bernard Frank that flows alongside the natural park.
The foliage and plantation in this area serve as natural habitats for local wildlife. It includes birds, bees, and small critters. The center is free for the general public, depending on the displays.
What’s the exact location?
It is part of the Rock Creek Regional Park that’s managed by Montgomery County Parks. The exact address is 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855.
Visiting hours:
Open from Tuesday to Saturday (9 am-5 pm).
Note: You will have to register for paid educational programs beforehand.
Blast from the Past
Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville, MD, doubles up as a museum for the indigenous civilization.
For over 40 years, visitors went there to get a glimpse of those bygone days via the Legacy of People and Legacy of Land exhibits.
The main features included a dress and play areas where children can wear period clothing while partaking in cooking and recreational activities. They have relics from the iconic Muncaster Mill in Rockville, MD.
The Land exhibit allowed kids to explore crawl spaces, caves, and the natural landscape before the town developed.
There are tons of other engaging activities and amusing fixture that kept kids busy for an hour or two.
In addition to this, they have curiosity corners that overlook the animals outside. The discovery rooms are filled with books, board games, and activity stations to engage youngsters.
Note:
The ‘Legacy’ exhibits closed down in April to make room for more immersive exhibits. The team is still hush-hush about what’s in store for curious visitors after the remodeling.
Close Encounter with Wildlife
The Meadowside Nature Center is home to more than 170 species. The exhibits include waterfowl, breeding pine, woodpeckers, wood ducks, etc. They also have a raptor walkaway area that you can explore at the back of the main grounds. If your children are old enough, they can witness the feeding sessions from afar.
They’ve also got a play space that features eagle’s nest, perching stumps, hands-on playing zones, interactive sounds of nature wall. Adding to this are the 8-miles of kid-friendly trails. These trails are a reminder to let your little one enjoy the little joys that nature brings us.
What’s More?
Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville, MD, is a certified Green Center for Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). The collaboration allows them to welcome school trips for classes.
The educational programs cover everything from wildlife, ecosystems, to encouraging eco-friendly habits. They are currently conducting and sharing online activities for children staying at home.
In a Nutshell
In the end, Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville M.D, is the ideal spot for nature lovers. You can come here to trek and explore the natural habitats of local fauna directly after your next dentist appointment at StarBrite Dental. Also, the activity areas give young visitors a hands-on experience to interact with past and present wildlife.
