(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Barred owls inhabit our stream valley parks. Learn to identify these owls from other native owls while enjoying the campfire. Toast marshmallows over the embers. Canceled in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 4 to Adult.
Classes & Workshops
Events
Calendar of Events
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$10
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1 event,
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(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Looking for a fun way to learn outdoor skills? Come explore how to start a campfire, build a shelter, cook in the wild, and more! Whether you’re brand new to these activities or just want to practice skills you learned years ago, we offer a variety of hands-on classes for all ages. It’s a great way to ...
$14
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2 events,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) The Potomac River is a snail haven, home to almost half of these known species. In this presentation, Aydin Orstan, Ph.D. will report on his recent two-year snail survey, which added three more species to the list: Cipangopaludina cf. japonica, Gillia altilis, and Laevapex fuscus. Aydin will introduce the snails, including the largest native species, Campeloma decisum, with shells up to 1.3 inches ...
Free – $5
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(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) We rely on plants for food, shelter, and many other functions. We learn early that they convert sunlight to energy, but we often remain largely “plant blind”, allowing them to form a backdrop for our lives with little understanding or appreciation. This program will lead us on a journey to consider research and discussions over ... |
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1 event,
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(DC) (Rhizome) Need a reason to get outdoors this winter? Are you wondering what trees do in the cold? This class will explore the biology and identification of trees in winter with botanist and herbalist Holly Poole-Kavana. Class is divided into two sections: 10:30am to noon will be held indoors (in-person) to learn about the characteristics that are useful for ... |
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1 event,
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(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn how to see beauty in the natural world and render it in stunning watercolor paintings, using various watercolor techniques to represent the metallic shell of a beetle, the soft, fuzzy wing of a moth, and the delightful colors of a butterfly. 8 sessions from January 13 to March 3, 2026.
$275 – $310
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1 event,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about orchid care and maintenance? Drop by the Conservatory's Garden Court to talk with George about orchids! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program. |
1 event,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Discover the surprising world of edible vegetables that thrive in the colder months. Join Kathy Jentz, author and gardener, to explore winter culinary plants highlighting hardy, flavorful edibles you may be overlooking this season. Get tips on how to grow, harvest, and enjoy these cool-weather delights right from your own garden. |
3 events,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories have enchanted generations with their whimsical characters, gentle humor, and deep connection to the natural world. Join Kathryn Aalto, historian, teacher, speaker, and New York Times best-selling author as she transports audiences to the real-life Ashdown Forest, the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood, through her book “The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh.”
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(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Drop by the Discovery Center and have some fun! We’ll have easy-to-make seasonal crafts that you can make and take home. Today we’ll be making suncatchers.
$2
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2 events,
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(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) This engaging session is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all levels, designed to enrich your birdwatching experience with a special focus on photography: Wildlife Photography Tips: Learn to capture stunning images of wildlife using cell phones and cameras. Biodiversity Documentation: Discover how to edit and submit photos to platforms like iNaturalist and eBird. Photo Management: Get ...
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(MD) (Nature Forward) Not all herbaceous plants disappear in the winter. Many persist as dried stalks and seed clusters creating lovely, dramatic forms throughout open landscapes. Join a naturalist for an indoor/outdoor introduction to winter weed and wildflower identification at our Woodend Sanctuary. We’ll also investigate seed dispersal strategies and examine plant skeletons for signs of summer insect activity, such ...
$36 – $46
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2 events,
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(DMV) (Capital Nature) Join renowned local naturalist Alonso Abugattas, the Capital Naturalist, for a fascinating talk on trees during the winter months. Evergreens like American Hollies and Eastern Cedars provide life-sustaining food and shelter to birds and other wildlife, and reward us with sightings of refreshing green and red. Deciduous trees reveal stunning winter forms while they gather strength for ...
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(MD) (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center) Half a century ago, scientists believed the last black-footed ferrets—the only ferrets native to North America—had gone extinct. Today, their recovery marks one of the most hopeful conservation stories of the 20th and 21st centuries. In a free Smithsonian webinar, discover how this endangered species rebounded with Paul Marinari, a retired biologist with the Smithsonian’s National ... |
2 events,
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Regional Commission) Join the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) to learn how winter salt impacts our environment, why it’s a growing regional concern, and the simple steps you can take at home—before, during, and after storms—to apply just the right amount of salt to maintain safety in the ...
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Climate breakdown is already having significant effects on the natural environment, including serious impacts on bird populations. Bill Young will present an overview about how birds are likely to be affected in the future and which ones are likely to be best or least able to deal with the impending changes. The course is intended ...
$20 – $25
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1 event,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Researchers utilize a biochemical technique called clearing and staining to create skeletal images of vertebrates. This makes biological specimens transparent while simultaneously highlighting specific structures. Dr. Noah Bressman blends this scientific technique, photography, and digital effects to highlight the beauty within fish anatomy. He will discuss how he makes his unique neon skeletons, major ...
Free – $5
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2 events,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Carnivorous plants like those in the genus Utricularia have evolved fascinating adaptations to capture prey and thrive in challenging environments. Join Executive Director Dr. Susan Pell in conversation with student researchers Jamie Lubov and Alex Risdal as they share their studies of this extraordinary group of plants! These discoveries open a window into an interconnected plant ...
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Regional Commission) This session is tailored for HOA and other community association residents, board members, community managers, and maintenance team members. Gain best practices and information for efficient winter salt use, contractor coordination, and strategies to reduce environmental damage while maintaining profitability and setting winter maintenance expectations. |
2 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) You can learn a lot from an animal’s skull and bones…you just need to know what to look for! In this brand-new offering, dissect an owl pellet to uncover and construct the skeleton inside, explore the features of different skulls and learn how to identify their species, measure the bite and grip forces these animals can exert, ...
$15
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(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Examine the sophisticated structural engineering found in animal constructions from beaver dams to bird nests and insect colonies. Discover how these natural building techniques inspire modern architectural innovations and sustainable design solutions. This interactive program explores the intersection of biological systems and human engineering through hands-on biomimicry investigations. Ages 5 to Adult.
$9
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1 event,
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us on for our first Alliance Afternoon of 2026! We'll will kick off the meeting by conducting chapter business, followed by celebrations of the Christmas Bird Count and the 2026 Photo Contest Calendar. The featured presentation will be given by guest speaker John Mittermeier of the American Bird Conservancy, who will speak on the Search for ...
$20 – $25
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0 events,
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1 event,
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(VA) (Arlington Parks) Our ponds may be frozen, but they're still full of life. Come learn about our winter pond dwellers, and find out where the critters you don't see in winter have gone. Families. |
2 events,
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(VA) (Arlington Parks) This online talk will cover the common species of salamanders in Northern Virginia as well as the diversity and biology of these elusive amphibians. Adults.
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(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn the fundamentals of floral arranging as this class covers essential base mechanics, sourcing flowers, working with seasonal blooms, and photographing your work. Study design principles and techniques to build successful, balanced arrangements that reflect your personal style. These core skills are designed to help grow your confidence and give you a strong foundation to approach arranging. ...
$160 – $195
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3 events,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Connect with horticultural experts as they present tips and techniques related to their field of expertise. On this occasion, George will be in the Conservatory Garden Court showing how to repot orchids. Stop by to strengthen or stretch your skill set!
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(VA) (Arlington Parks) The rocks don't sleep in winter! Virginia hosts some incredible geological features like caves, gorges, and waterfalls. These geological features in turn host unusual species and natural communities. Come learn about these special parts of our natural heritage! |
1 event,
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(US) (Winter Salt Week) Want to make a difference? Let’s talk practical ways to mobilize your community, collaborate with local leaders, and champion policies that support smarter winter maintenance. Winter Salt Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. Winter salt use damages infrastructure and threatens the health of lakes, streams, and drinking water. ... |
5 events,
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(MD) (Capital Photography Center) Join us on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with Kim Kelly as we explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary has over 32,000 acres of diverse habitats attracting waterfowl and other birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Winter months can be awesome for photographing birds and wildlife in the DMV area. At this time of year, the eagles are ...
$109
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(MD) (Izaak Walton League) Join us to learn how to stay safe while protecting the environment during the winter months. Learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts. During the event we will hear from regional expert speakers, monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg for road salt pollution, and ... |
