First Day Adults Hike at Black Hill

Black Hill Discovery Center 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, United States

(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. ...

Free

Wish Upon a Star at Rock Creek

Rock Creek Nature Center 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, United States

(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.

Winter Birds at Tregaron

Tregaron Conservancy 3031 Klingle Road NW, Washington, DC, United States

(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.

Volunteer Day at Potomac Overlook

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, United States

(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

Invasives Removal at Dyke Marsh

Dyke Marsh Alexandria, VA, United States

(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 ...

Free

Warmth Within Winter Forest Bathing

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, United States

(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, ...

$35

Winter Bird Walk at Burke Lake

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA, United States

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. Ages 4 to Adult.

$8

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(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.  

Free

Birding at Huntley

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(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.  

$19

Science Investigation: Owls!

Georgetown Neighborhood Library 3260 R St NW, Washington, DC, United States

(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! ...

Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)

(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, ...

Virginia Winter Greens Walk

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

(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 ...

Capital Nature