(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Enjoy a winter skate at the NGA's iconic ice rink surrounded by sculptures and the National Mall. Purchase skating passes in person. Fees cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions that each begin on the hour. Enjoy a hot cocoa and food at the adjoining Pavilion Cafe. The skating rink will be open through March 2nd ...
(DC) (National Arboretum) Winter is the best time to enjoy the true mastery of the art of bonsai by observing the “bare bones” of the trees. With no leaves, the structure of a deciduous bonsai reveals how well the artist has created his miniaturized version of nature. The bonsai curator has selected trees from the museum’s permanent collection for a ...
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) It's cold! But we know it's the best time for visiting waterfowl and we might catch some winter ducks at this favorite DMV hotspot. So, throw on your layers and meet us outside! Join us for a bird walk at the only wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. More Fairfax County Parks nature events can be found here.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) The Winter Waterfowl Count is a citizen science effort organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to track data about winter waterfowl. it will take place Feb 1st and 2nd. This survey complements the Christmas Bird Count, and the data is shared openly with the public. Although we expect many veterans from past years to return, ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Even in the leafless landscapes of winter, there is still plenty of features to explore on our native plants, especially trees! During this presentation, we will discuss how to identify woody plants using buds, stems, lenticels, leaf scars, bark, and more! We will focus on terminology related to these features and then apply them to ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining this outing! Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This isn’t your average walk in the woods. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. We’ll be on and off the trail as we go on a hiking adventure. Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be sure to sign up 24 hours ahead so ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may still be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world! Sign up for this special one day of camp and participate in plenty of winter-themed games, activities, and more as we get out into the park! A perfect intro for any young naturalists interested in our summer camp offerings as well. ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Bring your little zoogoer for a wild time as we explore animals and nature through creative, drop-in play! Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Some of the best times to identify birds is when the trees have no leaves and there aren't any obstacles in the way of your view! In this hike we will learn about our resident birds that stay with us year-round. Dress for the weather. We will provide binoculars, but you can bring your own. Families. Find ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) The Winter Waterfowl Count is a citizen science effort organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to track data about winter waterfowl. This survey complements the Christmas Bird Count, and the data is shared openly with the public. Although we expect many veterans from past years to return, we can always use new volunteers. Each volunteer ...
(MD) (Sierra Club) Join us on a 5.3-mile loop trail near Greenbelt, Maryland where we will walk the perimeter trail around Greenbelt Park. The park is run by the National Park Service and boasts the closest campground in proximity to Washington, DC. We will rendezvous in the parking lot of the Sweetgum Picnic Area at 9 am. The hike will ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us as we work to keep our park healthy and beautiful! Assist with invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and other projects as needed. Come dressed for and prepared to work outdoors. Gloves and snippers are recommended, but extras may be provided if needed. Meet at the picnic shelter (located in main parking lot). Ages 9 + ...
(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Are you interested in being a site leader for AWS's annual Earth Day Cleanup? Join us for one of two informational sessions. Earth Day Site Leaders oversee cleanup sites throughout the Anacostia Watershed. Anyone from the community can sign up to be a site leader - so join us this year!
(Audubon) (Cornell Lab) Between February 14–17, the world will come together for the love of birds. During the Great Backyard Bird Count you can spend time in your favorite places watching birds— then identify them, count them, and record them in eBird or Merlin. During this virtual live event, you'll discover how to join a group taking part in the ...
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) Araminta “Minty” Ross, better known as Harriet "Moses" Tubman, was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was known to use bird calls to help guide enslaved persons to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad. An expert birder and naturalist, many of the birds Harriet Tubman mimicked are still thriving in Dorchester County. Our friends ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Help the National Capital Region Invasive Plant Management Team, Rock Creek Park, and Invader Detectives scout for Arum italicum (Italian Arum), corydalis incisa (Incised Fumewort), berberis bealai (Leatherleaf Mahonia)! We will be hiking and recording any presence of these three plants on the Western Ridge Trail. Our goal is to search for and understand the extent ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Welcome to a winter bird walk with Nextgen Birders for Conservation, hosted by Luke High. We will embark upon a 2 hour walk through the park, which runs alongside the Potomac River and will hopefully be home to many waterfowl and the resident eagles in the area.
(DC) (Hillwood) Join plant and interior stylist, author, and artist Hilton Carter in this exciting presentation inspired by his two recent publications, Living Wild (2023) and The Propagation Handbook (2024). Hilton will walk the audience through some of his favorite places he’s plant styled, how he goes about his process, some of his favorite plants, and so much more. He ...
(DC) (Cleveland Park Community Association) Join Danna McCormick, Rock Creek Weed Warrior and DC Master Naturalist as she presents a lively talk on – What is our local ecosystem and how can we support it? What is the difference between native, non-native, and invasive plants? What is the importance of native plants and what changes can we make on our ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of ...
(Audubon) (Cornell Lab) Between February 14–17, the world will come together for the love of birds. During the Great Backyard Bird Count you can spend time in your favorite places watching birds— then identify them, count them, and record them in eBird or Merlin. During this virtual live event, you'll discover how to join a group taking part in the ...
(Audubon) (Cornell Lab) Connect to birds, to nature, and with each other. Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things. Join us, February 14–17, 2025, when the world comes together for the love of birds. How does it work? Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) The negative effects of climate change are well known – but there are positive changes that we can make locally. Designing with native plants to create sustainable landscapes can be instrumental in mitigating threats to wildlife and the environment. Join us for a fascinating day of presentations offering practical strategies to create sustainable and resilient landscapes. You’ll ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 ...
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) and National Links Trust (NLT) for a Habitat Restoration Workday! During this workday you will help AWS with our invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island. We will be meeting at the driving range. This is part of a natural resources management plan for ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service and Rock Creek Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Rena Subotnik for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Kathy Sykes for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, Weed Warrior leader Danna McCormick, and Friends of Peirce Mill for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) This talk will cover the common species in Northern Virginia as well as the diversity and biology of these elusive creatures. Leeanna Pletcher is a Park Naturalist Aide for Arlington County Parks and Recreation where she teaches about amphibians and reptiles. She has studied the population and health of Ambystomid salamanders in vernal pools in ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for our cleanup of the Carter Barron amphitheater. We will remove debris, paint, clear leaf litter, weed, sweep, and trim back invasive plants, helping preserve the amphitheater while it awaits future restoration. This is a unique opportunity to get a 'behind the scenes' look at the ...
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Give back to the earth, exercise your body, spend time in nature and meet cool people with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy. Known as a busy commuter route between central Washington to its eastern suburbs, the Suitland Parkway is also a nature preserve, flanked on each side by over 300 acres of forested hillside. Sadly, the ...
