Nature Almanac
A Year in the Greenbelt
Here is a sampling of what takes place in the Greenbelt throughout the year. Come for a visit to be part of these wondrous activities. Each month offers distinctive and special happenings. And when the full moon hangs over the Greenbeltt, all’s right with the world. East coast Native Indians gave names to each full moon, which we have listed.
January: Wolf Moon
Great horned owls begin nesting – Sledding at LaTourette Park
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods 10-mile Hike
February: Snow Moon
Resident birds beginning to sing: black-capped chickadee, northern cardinal, red-breasted nuthatches
Winter recess programs
Cold Feat 10-k Trail Run, LaTourette
March: Worm Moon
Spring Peepers are singing and breeding – Yoga and T’ai Chi at the Nature Center – all seasons
April: Pink Moon
Woodland wildflowers – bloodroot, spring beauty, trout lily, red trillium, wild ginger – are blooming
High Rock Challenge 10-k Adventure Race
May: Flower Moon
Hummingbirds, warblers, vireos, thrushes, finches and more are abundant
Carousel opens on the first Saturday
June: Strawberry Moon
National Trails Day is first Saturday
Aquatic turtles excavating nests and laying eggs
Train to become a camp counselor or volunteer
Great golfing at LaTourette
July: Buck Moon
Butterflies peak!
Greenbelt Summer Camp begins
Annual Barbecue at the Recreation Center
Catch-and-release fishing in Willowbrook Lake
Mini-camp for little ones
August: Sturgeon Moon
Wild mushroom season starts
The Carousel is open 7 days a week
September: Harvest Moon
Small birds begin migrating south
School visits begin
Guided hikes from the Nature Center – all seasons
October: Hunters’ Moon
Peak of autumn foliage (second week of October)
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods Annual 10-mile Hike
November: Beaver Moon
Leonid meteor showers in constellation Leo: mid-month
Fall Flat 5-k Run along the White Trail
“Turkey Be Gone” Hike day after Thanksgiving from Nature Center
December: Winter Moon
Winter ducks enjoy their season
Trail Run Festival – 50K, 25K, 10K and 5K race
Squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks den-up
Art workshops and more at the Nature Center