Capital Nature

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) For just a few magical weeks in the Spring, the forest floor is studded with our most beautiful woodland wildflowers, including spring beauties, bluebells, and bloodroot. Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our Master Naturalists who will interpret this spectacular show before it disappears entirely (at least until next spring!).

(DC) (Nature Forward) Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Spring beauties, bloodroot, trout lilies! Even before the last frost, some of our spring wildflowers brave the cold to put on a show. Come take a walk and we’ll discuss the fascinating lifestyle and ecology of these plants. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered adult. Adults.

(DC) (Nature Forward) Whether the weather outside is frightful or not, we’ll find oodles of delight and discovery on the trails of these local parks! This monthly series will explore the progression of winter into spring at several locations throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. From the wetlands of Huntley Meadows, to the farms and forests of Oxon Hill Farm Park, ...

(VA) (Washington Mycological Association) The National Park Service represented by Ranger Edwin J. Rivera, in collaboration with Mycologist Serenella Linares, and naturalists Ana Ka’ahanui & Matt Felperin invite you on a magical hike to witness nighttime sounds, fluorescence, and other wonders of the dark. Bring a reusable water bottle, a charged phone, closed toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

(DC) (Nature Forward) You don’t need to go far by car to enjoy the great outdoors! In this series, we’ll explore the progression of spring one metro stop at a time. As we venture through serene river views, lush stream valleys, and lakeside trails of these metro-accessible parks, we’ll learn about the wildlife and natural history that we encounter along ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) This mushroom walk will begin inside the Long Branch Nature Center with an introduction to identification for beginners. We will learn how fungi grow in the soil and their role in the environment. Then we will walk outside, rain or shine, to observe mushrooms in the forest. Adults. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome to attend ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) It’s time for our slimy skinned, jelly egged creatures to start waking up… maybe. Any warm winter day or evening may cause an awakening of wood frogs and other amphibians as they try to lay eggs and emerge before their predators find them. Join us to find their hiding spots before the predators do. Adults. Find more ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) When the first warm rains of the season come, the amphibian world explodes into activity. Starting in late winter, temporary pools of shallow water, known as vernal pools, come alive with the kickoff of the annual amphibian migration. Since vernal pools dry up with the heat of summer and are not wet year-round, fish populations can’t survive. ...