All Day

Nature Forward Christmas Bird Count

(MD) (Nature Forward) Nature Forward will conduct its 82nd Annual Christmas Bird Count!  The 15-mile diameter count circle encompasses most of the District and parts of Virginia and Maryland. So, no matter where you live in or around the District, there is a spot for you to count.  Novices and intermediate level birders will be placed with experts, so don’t ...

Meadowside Christmas Bird Count

Meadowside Nature Center 5100 Meadowside Lane

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Join Meadowside Nature Center in its effort to collect data in this long-running wildlife census ...

Free

Christmas Bird Count

(MD) (VA) (DC) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird ...

Free
Ongoing

DMV Parks and Gardens Holiday Lights

It's the season of lights in the Washington DC metro area. Many parks and botanical gardens are hosting beautiful light displays through the new year: Brookside Garden of Lights - Montgomery County MD hosts its annual display at Brookside Gardens through January 5th. Walk among the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds in 50 acres ...

Skating at NGA Sculpture Garden

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington

(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 ...

$10 – $18

“Season’s Greenings” at US Botanic Garden

U.S. Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC

(DC) (United States Botanic Garden) The annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains  circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant ...

Annual Winter Bird Count

Battery Kemble Park 21 Maryland Ave, Rockville

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) DC Bird Alliance is happy to contribute to this global community science effort to help birds and their habitats. Join us at one of our traditional Winter Bird Count hotspots, Battery Kemble. We'll bring the coffee!

Free

Saturday Bird Walk at Woodend

Woodend Nature Sanctuary 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. Second registrant is free.

Free

Volunteer Day at Potomac Overlook

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington

(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 +

Free

Invasive Vine Removal at Catholic University

Catholic Univeristy 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join our partners at Chesapeake Climate Action Network to tackle invasive vines at Catholic University Woods! Start with hands-on training in vine removal, then dive into the forest to remove invasive species like porcelain berry, English ivy, and kudzu. Make a real impact on DC’s urban forest!

Free

Volunteer Day at Dumbarton Oaks Park

Dumbarton Oaks Park Lover's Lane and R Street NW, Washington

(DC) (Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy) Join us for stewardship of Dumbarton Oaks Park, DC's hidden green oasis and part of Rock Creek Park. Activities may include pulling invasive, cleanup, and planting. Contact [email protected] for more information and to RSVP.

Free

Remove Invasive Plants at Gulf Branch

Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park 3608 Military Rd, Arlington

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to restore habitat and increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month. We are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up.

Free

Invasive Removal at Whitehaven

Whitehaven Park 39th St & Manor Place Northwest, Washington

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Rock Creek Weed Warriors Tere and Susi Baranano 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 ...

Free

Rain Garden Planting

6th Presbyterian Church 5413 16th St NW, Washington

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Volunteers will join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a rain garden planting at 6th Presbyterian Church! Main tasks will include planting native plants, mulching, and weeding. The rain garden at 6th Presbyterian Church will retain and filter stormwater runoff, reduce pollutants from entering the Anacostia River, and provide wildlife habitat.

Free

Winter Solstice Lantern Making

Maydale Nature Classroom 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter is full of celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by making lanterns, the holiday season by making nature ornaments, a Groundhog Day celebration, and a Celestial Celebration. Register for one or all of these family fun activities.

$7

Shepherd Parkway Community Cleanup

Shepherd Parkway 555 Newcomb Street SE, Washington

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every second Saturday of the month to restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees, but much work remains to be done. Give back ...

Free

Winter Wreath Workshop

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Create a beautiful winter wreath to take home for your front door after Green Spring staff demonstrate the dazzling possibilities. Greens, forms, ribbon and cones included with the supply fee. Bring pruners and light work gloves if you have them. Ages 16 to Adult.

$74

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard for a train ride on the Holiday Express. Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf or warm yourself by the fire and cook s'mores as you usher in your holidays. Families will enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes. Passes can be picked up at ice cream parlor ...

$15 – $20

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Open House

Gatehouse at Morven Park 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy staff, and friends at the Gatehouse in Morven Park for our annual Open House! This event is open to everyone, whether you’re new to Loudoun Wildlife or a long-time supporter. Come learn about us and our programs, socialize, enjoy some delicious food, check out some new merch, and more! Executive Director Tom Kercheval ...

Invasive Plant Removal at Fort Slocum

Fort Slocum Park 5800 Kansas NW Ave, Washington

(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 for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours before ...

Free

Flying Squirrel Lore

Long Branch Nature Center & Park 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us to learn about these nocturnal rodents in our classroom, then see wild flying squirrels outdoors. Dress for the weather, it can become very cold.

$6

Night Hike at Black Hill

Black Hill Discovery Center 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for a post-sunset stroll where we’ll look and listen for creatures that are most active at night. Hikes are approximately one mile or less. Dress warmly and please, no flashlights. Meet at the gravel parking lot by the boat launch on Black Hill Road.

$6
Capital Nature