LA PLATA, Md. — Families are invited to spend the day outdoors exploring nature, picking up free native plants and enjoying live wildlife presentations, yoga and face painting at the 5th annual NatureFest, happening Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata Campus. The event includes a free seedling giveaway, kids’ activities and more than 50 eco-exhibits.
The event will take place on the lawn of the James C. Mitchell Student Resource Center and will feature live performances, educational exhibits, crafts, live animals and programming suitable for all ages. This seedling giveaway is part of the Bona Terra Satellite Community-Led Giveaway, co-hosted by Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and Nurture Natives, and marks their largest seedling giveaway to date in Southern Maryland. Attendees can take home free native plants selected to support local pollinators, improve biodiversity and thrive in regional landscapes.
For full details on the seedlings being offered, visit the Bona Terra Seedling Giveaway Facebook event page: facebook.com/BonaTerraSeedlingGiveaway
Organized by the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center, College of Southern Maryland, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and Keep La Plata Beautiful, NatureFest is a free event packed with educational presentations, hands-on activities and family-friendly entertainment.
Scheduled Event Highlights:
- Native birds of prey presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- “The Last Bivalvian” with the Chesapeake Mermaid at 11 a.m., followed by photos at noon
- Native bee discussion with a wildlife biologist at 11 a.m.
- Oyster Jeopardy at noon
- King’s Kingdom reptile and amphibian showcase at 12:30 p.m.
- Volunteer info session with Calvert Nature Society from 1–2 p.m.
Wellness Activities:
Short yoga sessions will be offered throughout the day by Annah of Yoga & Movement Rx, including:
- Little Bug Yoga (ages 2 and up) at 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
- Yoga Charades (ages 6 and up) at 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
- Musical Yoga at 11:15 a.m.
All-day activities include:
- Nature-themed face painting
- Access to a calm room and sensory table
- Hourly showings of Flight of the Butterflies documentary
- Refreshments and ice cream truck on site
With more than 56,000 native seedlings distributed and 2.2 million native seeds planted, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and Nurture Natives are making a lasting impact on Southern Maryland and beyond. By planting native, you’re not only beautifying your own landscape but also supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, founded in 2023, promotes native plant landscaping and biodiversity throughout Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. Learn more.
Nurture Natives, a youth-led nonprofit founded in 2022, empowers young people to lead environmental action through native plant restoration and education. Learn more.
Advance registration is encouraged to help speed up check-in. For updates, follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/share/1DvarbLyLU.
A full schedule and list of exhibitors is available at neighborhoodcreativeartscenter.org/nature-fest
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
