(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 ...
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 ...
(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) (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 ...
(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 +
(DC) (National Zoo) Explore the how animals stay warm throughout winter with creative, drop-in play at the Zoo! Investigate cold climates through sensory play and learn how animals adapt to the cold through art activities such as creating your own beaver lodge. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with ...
(VA) This winter solstice, join us to reconnect with nature and yourself through a peaceful, stress-relieving forest bathing experience at Winkler Botanical Preserve! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the natural world. Slow down, relax, and join certified forest bathing guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature for a guided ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service and Weed Warrior Leader Ella Engstrom 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 ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Sarah, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday on the Capital Crescent Trail at the Little Falls Parkway intersection in Chevy Chase. We will meet at the parking lot of the Bethesda Pool. Find more Montgomery Park stewardship and nature events here.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) This winter solstice, join us to reconnect with nature and yourself through a peaceful, stress-relieving forest bathing experience at Winkler Botanical Preserve! Experience forest bathing to connect more deeply with nature, release stress, and enjoy winter in the park! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the ...
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Help protect native plants by pulling and clipping invasive plants. We will train volunteers to identify the five or so target plants. Register to join us in any of these sessions. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. December 7 and 21 January 4 and 18 ...
(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.
(DC) (National Park Service) In celebration of the winter solstice, come to this unique Stellar Star Show to understand what exactly is happening in the universe on this unique day and how cultures throughout history have made sense of this phenomenon. Recommended for ages 5 & up.
(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 ...
(DC) (Casey Trees) Let's celebrate the Winter Solstice! Join us for reflective nature time, crafts, tea and snacks that give thanks to our trees as they enter the winter months. We will gather on this transition day and acknowledge it as the shortest day of the year, and the darkest. Learn about the work we do to protect our trees, ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let’s honor the year’s shortest day around the campfire! We’ll roast marshmallows, enjoy S’mores, and create luminaries to take home to celebrate. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check BrooksideNature.org for day-of event status. Ages 3+
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods and community residents for the 4th Annual Winter Solstice Hike and Vigil.
(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.
