Springsong Museum is excited to invite you on two hikes this Fall - each exploring the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River at the future Springsong Museum site.

Ecology Hike with Jorge Bogantes Montero
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 9:30–11:30 AM
Free with registration (limited to 20 participants)
Starting Point: Future Springsong Museum Site
Burnt Mills East Park, 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901

Join Jorge Bogantes Montero, Natural Resources Program Manager at the Anacostia Watershed Society, for a guided ecology hike exploring the natural and ecological features of Burnt Mills East Park and the surrounding area. With deep expertise in conservation and ecological restoration, Jorge will lead participants through local habitats while discussing native plant communities, watershed dynamics, wildlife, and ongoing restoration efforts in the Anacostia River Watershed.

Originally from Costa Rica, Jorge holds a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management and Protection from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in San José. His work spans both Maryland and Washington, DC, where he has been instrumental in revitalizing public parklands and promoting environmental stewardship.

This slower-paced, informative walk is a great opportunity to connect with local aquatic ecology, ask questions about conservation, and learn from a true watershed expert.

Fall in Love with Fall Hike with Gina Ghertner
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:30 - 11:30am
Free with registration (limited to 20 participants)
Starting Point: Future Springsong Museum Site
Burnt Mills East Park, 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901

Springsong Museum invites you to celebrate Rachel Carson’s appreciation for the earth’s natural beauty by exploring the wonders of nature along the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River in Silver Spring this fall. Immerse yourself in the outdoors by using your senses, taking in the bright reds, oranges and yellows of our native oak, tulip, and beech trees and the sound of your feet crunching on the brown leaves below. Join Senior Nature Educator Gina Ghertner on a hike as she shares fascinating facts about local wildlife, native plants, geology, and the unique ecosystem of the Northwest Branch gorge area.

Important details:

Meet at Burnt Mills East (Trader Joe's side): 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901. There is plenty of free parking.
There are no water fountains available, so you may want to bring a water bottle.
The ground can be uneven, parts are on an incline, and there are a few rock scrambles, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoes. Some may want to bring hiking poles.
The hike will be approximately 1 mile, but the trail goes much farther, so if you want to extend your hike, you can do that independently.
Bring your sense of wonder! We will hike at a naturalist's pace, stopping often and taking notice of the world around us.
Autumn’s weather is unpredictable. Dress accordingly for warm, chilly or rainy conditions.

Fall Hikes 2025

Rejuvenate with a Fall Hike!