Capital Nature

(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.

(VA) (Fairfax County) 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.

(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.  

(MD) (Nature Forward) Late fall and early winter offers a wealth of interesting plant material perfect for pencil drawing. Learn the basics of drawing botanical subjects in pencil with Nature Forward member Jen Brown this fall. First we will cover basic pencil handling techniques and how to depict light and shadow in graphite. Then we will work on ways to ...

(MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Artist Sophia McCrocklin’s larger-than-life botanical fiber sculptures explore art’s crucial role in enhancing human relationships with the environment. By spotlighting the grandeur of leaves, seed pods, and ferns from Rock Creek Park’s understory, McCrocklin documents the beauty and reverence of the species at the frontline of climate change. The exhibit is available to view during Writer's ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy the autumn colors on a guided walk around Meadowlark's 95 acres.  Each one-hour walk will be over hilly terrain, have a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion and a few interesting facts from our docent along the way. This is a drop-in activity.  No reservations are required. Ages 18+.

(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) (Arlington Parks) Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for informal walks through Glencarlyn Park in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Adults.

(MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Artist Sophia McCrocklin’s larger-than-life botanical fiber sculptures explore art’s crucial role in enhancing human relationships with the environment. By spotlighting the grandeur of leaves, seed pods, and ferns from Rock Creek Park’s understory, McCrocklin documents the beauty and reverence of the species at the frontline of climate change. The exhibit is available to view during Writer's ...

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly  opportunity, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings.  Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us at Locust Grove Nature Center for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome.

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us at Locust Grove Nature Center for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome. Ages ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Tour beautiful Colvin Run by candlelight. Discover how different a 200-year old mill looks at night and visit the miller’s house decorated for the holidays. Learn how families of the mill spent the winter months and enjoy some holiday treats. Space is limited.

(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) We're teaming up with our friends at PG Parks and with expert birder and award-winning photographer, Matt Felperin, to capture the Bald Eagles of Conowingo Dam. Here's your chance to see dozens -- even more -- Bald Eagles! Conowingo Dam at Fisherman's Park is one of the largest congregations of migrating Bald Eagles in the Mid-Atlantic. Time-permitting, we'll ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join expert naturalists on a leisurely walk through the habitats at Woodend. Explore the wonders of trees, meadows, streams, insects, birds, and everything Woodend has to offer!

(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 ...

(DC) (National Museum of Asian Art) In this workshop, you'll learn to write poetry based on visual art by using paintings in the exhibition Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes. Learn ekphrastic poetry techniques from poet Ariana Benson, including the use of vivid sensory language, fabulation of narrative within and beyond the frame, and lyric persona as a means of ...

(VA) (Kindred Nature and NOVA Parks) Release stress and step into serenity with a guided forest bathing experience, discovering calm in the shift to early winter at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! 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 ...

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Sip hot cocoa and join a naturalist for a special winter wonder wetland tour after dark. We will look for signs and listen for sounds of beavers, owls, deer and other nocturnal winter animals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mug to help us reduce waste. Ages 4 to Adult.  

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Tour beautiful Colvin Run by candlelight. Discover how different a 200-year old mill looks at night and visit the miller’s house decorated for the holidays. Learn how families of the mill spent the winter months and enjoy some holiday treats. Space is limited.