(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
(DC) (National Park Service) During this ½ mile excursion, young explorers learn the hiking essentials, such as trail safety, what to wear or bring to a hike, and how to Rrecreate Rresponsibly all while looking at nature and respecting nature found in our woodlands. This ranger-led hike is intended to create treasured trail experiences for families interested in planning more ...
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Each year, these incredible birds undertake a remarkable migration from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to warmer winter habitats. Meet rangers stationed at the observation decks at either the Woodmarsh Trail or Great Marsh Trail ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes are organized in all 50 states. Join us at Black Hill Regional Park for a hike starting at the Black Hill Discovery Center. This session is for families ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes are organized in all 50 states. Join us at Black Hill Regional Park for a hike starting at the Black Hill Discovery Center. This session is for adults. ...
(DC) (National Park Service) Join the National Park Service at Rock Creek Nature Center for the New Year! Make a new year’s wish for yourself or the park while learning more about stars and how humans have connected with them in such unique ways.
(DC) (Tregaron Conservancy) Did you know that the Tregaron Conservancy is a birding "hot spot"? Join birding expert Sam Krause on a walk to look and listen for Tregaron’s winter-time birds. Bring binoculars if you would like. Tregaron has mulched trails and varying terrain; close-toed shoes are recommended.
(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 +
(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 ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) On January 4th, Earth will reach perihelion—its closest point to the Sun for the year—a perfect moment to reconnect with the warmth and light that sustain us, even in the depth of winter. Join us for a mindful nature connection experience to rekindle inner radiance, release stress, and embrace the nearness of the Sun through forest bathing, ...
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the forests, meadows, and wetland habitats of Huntley Meadows Park. Each season brings new feathered residents, for brief or extended stays. Grab your binoculars and join a park naturalist on your next birding adventure! All skill levels welcome. 12 to Adult.
(DC) (DC Public Library) Did you know that owls cough up a pellet made of the bones and fur of the animals that they eat? Join us for a hands-on science investigation by dissecting an owl pellet and determining what kinds of animals the owls ate! This activity will be led by a naturalist from the Gulf Branch Nature Center! ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) Join Margaret Chatham of the Potowmack Chapter of VNPS for a modest ramble at Longbranch Park on natural surface trails that go uphill and down, looking at woods and a small meadow. We’ll see evergreen natives, early spring ephemerals, or exotic plants stealing a march on the natives. Plants that are green in the winter each ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 6 to Adult.
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) It's truly a spectacular sight to see an owl. Join us on a walk with one of our superstar photographers, Sanka Perera, as we try to spot our mysterious feathered friends. The location will be sent to registered guests, only, and attendance is being kept low on purpose. Please do not bring unregistered guests.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for an evening nature hike when the leaves aren’t out and the owls may be easier to spot. Give a hoot… literally as we learn about and try to call to our native nocturnal raptors. Dress for the weather. Families. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(VA) (Capital Photography Center) Join naturalist Matt Felperin for a wildlife photography field shoot at Huntley Meadows Park, one of the more magical natural areas in the region. The winter is especially unique due to a variety of waterfowl species (such as Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, and Hooded Mergansers) that spend the season in the wetlands. Learn how ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface, immerse yourself in the colors, light, and forms of Claude Monet’s exquisite The Japanese Footbridge to explore the bridge as a metaphor for the thresholds and journeys of our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a presentation on the different species of evergreens the can be found through the mid-Atlantic and right here in Arlington. We'll learn how to identify them by their needles, barks, seeds and other factors. Adults. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Explore the park at night when the moon is full! We will search for salamanders along Long Branch Creek. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight if you have one! Event will take place rain or moon-shine! Families. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(DC) (MD) (VA) (Capital Nature) Join us for the January edition of iNaturalist Virtual ID Night. The topic this month is: The Wonderful World of Lichens with Natalie Howe. We will have a fascinating presentation by Natalie, and you will then have an opportunity to hone your identification skills using iNaturalist. Cosponsored with The Nature Conservancy (MD/DC Chapter) and Prince ...
(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 ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) "Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem ...
(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. This is the first of 8 sessions from January 16th to March 6th. Find more ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join park naturalists for a relaxing stroll through the park's forest and wetland paths. Look and listen for wildlife settling down or waking up during the transition of day to night. Adults.
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Let's start the year in community around birds in this beautiful DC hotspot. We'll meet in the parking lot. Please look for the DC Bird Alliance banner. The coordinates to the parking lot are, 38.91305, -76.93966. See you outside!
(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. January 4 and 18 February 1 and 15 ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Recognizing tree species in winter can be challenging, but there are tricks such as learning about bark, buds,, branch arrangement and habitat. The area we will visit has an extraordinary number of tree species in varied habitats. Marney is a long-time member of MNPS who has a love of trees in all seasons. Leader: Marney ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) We will learn about eels in Arlington and how they have journeyed from the Sargasso Sea. Then, we will look for eels in Four Mile Run. Dress for the weather. Families. Find our more about Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) We're going back to hang out with the eagles and escape all the happenings if only for a few hours. Raptors teach us to be good stewards of our energy. So, a little joy outside watching eagles might be just what you need. We always have birds! Conowingo Dam at Fisherman's Park is one of the ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Become part of a community that celebrates the beauty of literature and the outdoors! Explore a range of books centered around nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues. Our meetings take place every third Tuesday of the month at a Montgomery Parks location, in person only. Please complete our FREE membership registration to stay updated on the meeting ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter brings a different dimension to the gardens that is sometimes overlooked by visitors. Walk and talk with garden expert Kristin Davey, of Brookside Gardens staff, to uncover the “bones of the garden” without the distraction of leaves or flowers. Explore the architectural elements that shape the gardens including woody plants, hardscape and other components of design. ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter brings a different dimension to the gardens that is sometimes overlooked by visitors. Walk and talk with garden expert Kristin Davey, of Brookside Gardens staff, to uncover the “bones of the garden” without the distraction of leaves or flowers. Explore the architectural elements that shape the gardens including woody plants, hardscape and other components of design. ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Learn to identify some of our evergreen plants. We’ll explore the meadows and forest in search of the ferns, herbaceous plants, and trees that are green in the winter. Co-sponsored by Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Nature Society and Calvert County Division of Natural Resources. Leader: Karyn Molines
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Come enjoy a little creative time in the wild through poetry and drawing outdoors! Join naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler as we combine writing exercises and basic drawing skills to create a field page filled with images and words describing the Huntley wetlands and woods. Families are welcome! All drawing materials will be provided. 10 to ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Hike with a naturalist in search of woodpeckers in Wheaton Regional Park. We’ll listen for calls and look for signs that woodpeckers have been busy! Binoculars provided. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check BrooksideNature.org for day-of event status. Ages 18+. Find more Montgomery Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Escape the cold winter weather and transport yourself to the tropics. Explore our glasshouse and learn about their history as well as the plants in our collection and their warm native environments. Create your own mini glasshouse with seeds to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program. 5 to Adult. More ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Trees are amazing, even in the winter when there are no leaves, and each species has cool stories to tell. Come take a hike with us to learn about these frozen treasures of our forest. We won't need leaves to tell them apart when trees can be identified by bark, buds, and hidden colors. Adults. Teens age ...
The W Connection, a national widows support network, is hosting Ana Ka'ahanui for their monthly wellness webinar. Ana will discuss nature connection and the practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.
(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. ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Where did our wildlife go? Turtles can’t fly south… can they? What about butterflies, worms and beetles? Come take a walk with a naturalist in search of signs of where they are during the cold of winter and how they survive being outside all winter long. Ages 6 to 10. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship ...
(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) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) All trees do not look alike in winter! We'll learn the basics of plant identification using winter keys and field guides, then take a hike to use our knowledge (so make sure you bring outdoor weather clothes). This program is designed for those with little or no experience and will focus on twigs, buds, and ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) In the heart of winter, find solace and connect more deeply with the unique resilience of trees that this season reveals. This mindful nature connection experience with a certified forest bathing guide, Ilana Rubin, will help you discover the subtle yet profound beauty of silhouetted tree trunks, textured bark, and the buds that already hold the promise ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore Walney Creek with a naturalist to meet some of the small creek critters (macroinvertebrates) that call it home. Learn why so many different types of macroinvertebrates are active in winter streams. The naturalist will demonstrate winter collecting and participants can help pick, sort and learn to identify these magnificent critters. Ages 8 to Adult. More ...
