What is Nature on Wheels (NOW)?
Nature on Wheels (NOW) is a mobile natural science field station that brings environmental education to schools, libraries, senior centers, festivals, organizations, and parks all over Montgomery County. We offer programs aligned with curriculum standards led by engaging naturalist educators.
Programming focuses on community science, career exploration, and community service, often involving a short hike or fieldwork activity nearby.
NOW is a modified RV which offers:
- Educational resources
- Digital screens for displaying educational content
- Equipment for hands-on science in the field
- Pop-out presentation stage
- Pop-up tent
- Tables and benches
- Sound system
What type of programs does NOW offer?
- Public programs, including pop-up events and guided hikes. NOW targets areas that don’t have a nature center nearby.
- Festivals and large events. NOW can table at festivals by offering interactive activities walk-up style for all ages.
- Private educational programs can be booked by the hour.
- Programs are fun experiences for schools, libraries, senior centers, businesses, or other organizations. See our program menu.
All programs can be tailored to suit the age and type of audience, from schools to scouts to libraries and senior centers.
NOW Pricing
Standard pricing is for outdoor programs offered at the vehicle.
Indoor pricing is for stationary programs brought indoors for inclement weather or for sites that don’t have suitable outdoor natural space.
Festival pricing is for walk-up programs at festivals. Contact us if interested. To compare, a typical field trip bus cost for MCPS is $300.
Nature on Wheels Fee Schedule
| Program and Rental Time | Standard | Indoor | Festival |
|---|---|---|---|
| First hour | $250 | $220 | TBD |
| Second hour | $200 | $60 | TBD |
| Additional hours | $100 | $60 | TBD |
| Idle hours | $50 | $50 | TBD |
How to Reserve Nature on Wheels (NOW)
Reserve the NOW using the NOW Request Form. You will need an ActiveMontgomery account email to complete the form. Requests must be received at least 4 weeks before your requested dates and depend on staff availability.
The Nature on Wheels facilitator will contact you after you submit your request to discuss the most appropriate accommodations for your location and your group.
Most programs are best suited to children of similar ages, but some programs can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of ages.
Program Menu
Amazing Adaptations
How do plants and animals adapt to their surroundings? We will use a variety of examples, games, and some special ambassadors to help you learn about our neighbors. The program can be tailored for very young as well as older audiences. Year-round. Ages 3 to 100. Can be offered indoors.
Birding 101
We’ll teach you the basics of bird identification and then lead you on a birding hike at your site or a park nearby. For a special treat we can meet at a conservation or stream valley park and have a chance to see a greater diversity of birds. Year-round. All ages.
BioBlitz
A BioBlitz is a fast way to document the biodiversity in a specific area and contribute to a massive dataset to help scientific researchers! We offer a tutorial on iNaturalist or Seek by iNaturalist and then send you to record your findings using your smartphone or camera. Our naturalists will help you make identifications, walk you through uploading observations and help you enjoy nature through the lens of science. STEM. Recommended February to November. Adult’s groups only at this time.
Community Science
Does your group have a hypothesis or research question? We will teach you how to conduct a field study unique to your site or a nearby park! The NOW can provide tools and training to help you practice natural resource sampling techniques like conducting surveys on transects, reading dichotomous identification keys, filling out field data sheets, and collecting and doing preliminary data analysis. Year-round. Ages 10 to 100.
Invertebrate Exploration
From the basics of what makes invertebrates unique to their essential roles they play in our ecosystems, we’ll explore invertebrates in the world around us. Outdoors from March to October, or indoors year-round. Ages 2 to 100.
Nativescapes / Native Plants
This program can focus on what native habitats need to support wildlife and a healthy ecosystem. Alternatively, we can also educate you on creating and maintaining beautiful and functional native gardens to restore native ecosystems. Ages 5 to 100. March to October.
Wonders of the Watershed
Where does water come from? Where does it go? What happens between the source and the sink? Depending on your group’s age, we can explore age-appropriate concepts related to water behavior and watershed issues in our region. Year-round. It can be offered indoors. Ages 2 to 100.