Box Turtles  Photo: Irvine Nature Center

The continuous series, Baltimore Has Class, focuses on the wide array of institutions, venues and programs offering art or craft classes and instructional education through crafting to Charm City’s youth.

The Irvine Nature Center, native to Baltimore since 1975 and newly housed at its current location in Owings Mills since September 2008, is an environmental educational facility that provides urban dwellers an opportunity to regard nature while contemplating its impact on us and vice versa. The backdrop of Baltimore County’s Caves Valley provides visitors with a varied experience of grassy paths, wooded trails and wetlands to explore. Thanks to the work of the center’s non-profit organization, its many donors and volunteers, the grounds and exhibits are open to the public free of charge.

It is, however, the numerous programs and events held throughout the year that make this sprawling site a crafter’s destination. From Summer Camps to Pre-School and Family Programs, the Calendar is full of classes and workshops which utilize art and craft-making to teach children the wonders of the world we inhabit. Hands-on projects such as Papermaking, Box Turtle Art and Nature Gingerbread Houses are just a few of the diverse offerings the Center presents.

Most programs are fee-based, generally include the cost of supplies and in some cases, even a snack. The Pre-School Program runs from September through May and conveniently offers rolling admission, allowing parents who missed the initial enrollment period to sign their 3-5 year olds up for the remaining months. In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for the launch of their new and improved website featuring expanded content which is sure to lure your family back to nature.

Irvine Nature Center
11201 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
443-738-9200

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week