LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County invites residents and visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on, nature-inspired educational activities at the St. Clement’s Island Museum and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum on the second Saturday of each month in 2025. Launched to foster curiosity and a deeper connection with the outdoors, these programs draw inspiration from the “Forest School” model popular in Denmark and Sweden, emphasizing tactile, open-ended exploration with no right or wrong way to participate. Designed for both children and adults, the series offers a unique way to experience Southern Maryland’s natural and historical landscapes while promoting relaxation and learning.
The activities, included in regular museum admission, will take place at St. Clement’s Island Museum at 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point. The first events are scheduled for October 11, 2025, at St. Clement’s, where participants can build and decorate bat boxes while learning about the ecological role of bats, and November 8, 2025, at Piney Point, featuring a DIY ornament workshop themed around holiday decorations. Both sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with no registration required, though calling ahead to confirm attendance helps ensure sufficient materials.
The St. Clement’s Island Museum, located on a 50-acre island accessible by a short boat ride from Colton’s Point, offers a serene setting for exploring Maryland’s colonial history and natural beauty. The October 11 “Batty for Bats” event will teach attendees about the region’s bat species, such as the little brown bat, which help control insect populations. Participants will construct bat boxes, providing habitats for these nocturnal mammals, which have faced population declines due to habitat loss. The museum’s waterfront location along the Potomac River enhances the experience, with views of migratory birds and tidal marshes.
At Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the November 8 “Deck the Halls” workshop will allow visitors to craft holiday ornaments using natural materials, reflecting the area’s maritime heritage. The museum, home to Maryland’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1836, sits on a historic site that once served as a U-boat lookout during World War II. The event offers a creative outlet while connecting participants to Piney Point’s coastal environment, where ospreys and blue crabs are common sights. Both museums, operated by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, provide interactive exhibits year-round, making these monthly activities a natural extension of their educational mission.
Regular admission to St. Clement’s Island Museum is $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-18, and free for children 5 and under. Piney Point Lighthouse Museum charges $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, students, and military, and free for children 5 and under. These fees cover access to the museums’ exhibits, grounds, and the scheduled activities. Programs proceed rain or shine unless safety concerns, such as lightning or extreme heat, arise. Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather updates, as St. Mary’s County experiences variable coastal conditions, with average September temperatures around 75 degrees and occasional storms.
While registration is not mandatory, contacting the museums ensures adequate supplies. For St. Clement’s, call 301-769-2222, and for Piney Point, call 301-994-1471. Olivia Flack, the Museum Division’s coordinator, is available at Olivia.Flack@stmaryscountymd.gov for inquiries about group programs or additional details. The division also manages other historic sites, including the Old Jail Museum, U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center, and Drayden African American Schoolhouse, each offering unique educational opportunities tied to St. Mary’s County’s heritage.
These monthly programs offer a low-cost way for families and individuals to engage with nature and history. The “Forest School” approach, adapted for Southern Maryland’s coastal environment, encourages creativity and environmental stewardship, whether building bat boxes or crafting ornaments from pinecones. With activities planned throughout 2025, the series promises to deepen community ties to St. Mary’s natural and cultural landmarks.
