Irvine Nature Explorers

Irvine Nature Center is seeking for 100 participants for a day of trash and debris clean up from nearby roadways. If left alone, this litter would make its way into streams and ultimately into the Chesapeake. We are looking for individuals or groups to help make an impact during Project Clean Stream 2026. Volunteers will help clear trash to improve the quality of the watershed. Come alone or gather a group, and please join us for Project Clean Stream 2026.
For decades, Project Clean Stream has served as a regional effort to gather trash from streams, creeks, rivers, parks and neighborhoods – while raising awareness of environmental stewardship.
Irvine is proud to partner with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.


***ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER HERE. ***
Parents and caregivers, this is a win-win! Give your child a unique night in nature where she can learn, explore, and spread her wings. While she enjoys an evening of discovery and adventure, you get a well-deserved moment to relax and recharge.
Join us for Neat Nocturnal Neighbors. Your child will love hanging with Irvine’s environmental educators for a fun-filled evening learning about Maryland’s nocturnal creatures! We will start with a curious hike in search of animals who are just starting to stir, followed by as pizza dinner, along with nocturnal animal-themed games and art. We will finish up with a campfire and s’mores and an exciting animal encounter. Kids will have a blast while parents get a well-deserved break! This is a drop-off program. Great for ages 6 to 12.
Instructors: Mallory Mylnarek, Animal Care Manager, and Irvine Environmental Educators
Friday, April 24th
5:30 – 8:30PM
Cost: $30/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.- REGISTER HERE.

***ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER HERE.***
Join Peter Wood proprietor of The French Paradox Wines & Spirit Shop and Dr. Clare Walker who leads Irvine’s Native Plant Team, for this fun and flavorful LUNCH & LEARN. Spring blossoms are an important food source for our early emerging spring pollinators, but their delicate floral scents and sweet nectar can also be captured to create delightful beverages. Enjoy an engaging lunch at Irvine Nature Center where you will taste some local spring wildflowers and blossoms transformed into distinctive spirit-free cocktails.
During this seasonal talk, Clare will highlight native flowering shrubs that can be a wonderful, easy-care addition to your own garden. Discover the many species of spring bees that these plants support, while also acting as hosts to several local butterfly species. These shrubs grow berries that attract birds from summer through winter providing four seasons of interest. We will also explore some important spring wildflowers, that may already grow in your yard, that support pollinators and can be harvested for their appealing flavors. As a keen forager as well as naturalist, Clare will provide information on easy methods to safely harvest and taste some local flowers.
If you have attended Pumpkins on the Green or any of Irvine’s Eat, Drink & Learn events, you are likely familiar with Peter Wood’s fabulous creations. As a drink connoisseur, Peter brings a refined knowledge about blending flavor profiles, skillfully balancing notes to create harmonius and complementary tastes. Peter will discuss his signature drink creations for the LUNCH & LEARN, as well as some of his favorite spring refreshments.
Tickets include a catered lunch and spirit-free cocktails.

Presenters: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist and Peter Wood, proprietor of The French Paradox and Spirit Shop Falls Road
Tuesday, April 28th
12:00 – 2:00PM
Irvine’s LUNCH & LEARN series is made possible by underwriting from Springwell Senior Living. We are grateful for their support.

Cost*: $30/members; $40/non-members