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To the south of the property, you’ll find Democracy Blvd. On the west and north, the property is bordered by Locust Grove Nature Center, part of Cabin John Regional Park.
In this month’s issue, we will provide more information about the park right next to us, highlight some activities you can enjoy there, and hopefully inspire you to explore the natural beauty that’s just steps away, if you haven’t already.
Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda, Maryland, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled within Cabin John Regional Park, this serene nature center offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of suburban life. The center is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, foxes, and turtles, making it a perfect spot for nature observation and photography.
Locust Grove features several miles of scenic trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along Cabin John Creek. These trails are ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the local ecosystem. The nature center itself hosts educational programs for all ages, focusing on environmental conservation, local wildlife, and hands-on nature experiences.
Families and school groups frequently visit to take part in interactive exhibits and seasonal programs like maple sugaring and guided nature walks. The center also has a native plant garden, which attracts butterflies and pollinators, adding to the area's biodiversity.
Whether you're looking for a quiet walk in the woods, a place to learn about nature, or an opportunity to see wildlife up close, Locust Grove Nature Center is a wonderful destination for outdoor exploration in Montgomery County.
Don’t miss taking in the beautiful natural areas around Locust Grove Nature Center. Please note: trail conditions vary with the seasons and weather.
In the Upper Meadow, look for Monarch butterflies, caterpillars and eggs on the milkweed in summer. Check out the dogbane for iridescent dogbane beetles. Listen for wrens and bluebirds near the bluebird nest boxes. Watch for box turtles crossing the path in the early morning.
In the Lower Meadow, watch for bats hunting in the early evening. Sit under the shade of the 200+ year-old sycamore and imagine what the park looked like when it was part of a large farm. Watch as Cabin John Creek flows briskly by. In the spring, listen for the calls of spring peepers and other frogs from the vernal pools. You might also spot minnows, crayfish, bathing birds, or signs of beaver activity.
Visit with the “giants” as you follow the trails through the mature forest. Towering white oaks and tulip trees dwarf the younger understory trees and shrubs like spicebush and red maple. In the spring, keep an eye out for the ephemeral wildflowers blooming before the tree leaves emerge and block the sun. In the winter, listen for the calls of barred owls in the late afternoon or early evening.
Locust Grove Nature Center is connected to over 10 miles of natural surface trails along the Cabin John Stream Valley corridor. There are options for long-distance hikers and bikers, as well as quarter-mile loop trails for shorter visits. To learn more about the trails and to download a trail map, please visit the Cabin John Regional Park Trails page.
Please note that the trails surrounding the Nature Center are for pedestrians only (no bicycles or motorized vehicles) and may be closed for programs on occasion.
For more information on Locust Grove Nature Center, please visit LocustGroveNature.org.
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