(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Enjoy a winter skate at the NGA's iconic ice rink surrounded by sculptures and the National Mall. Purchase skating passes in person. Fees cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions that each begin on the hour. Enjoy a hot cocoa and food at the adjoining Pavilion Cafe. The skating rink will be open through March 2nd ...
(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) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in our park and need rescuing! Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats for the holidays! Appropriate for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event takes place on December 14th and 15th, 21st through ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Test your Pokémon knowledge in PokéJeopardy and learn how to use a real life Pokédex! Explore the park with our Roving Naturalist, identify a variety of species, complete challenges, and help collect citizen science data for iNaturalist. Ages 5+
(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) (Montgomery Parks) Come out to the Discovery Center and spend some time outdoors! We will explore the trails, play games in the fields and forests, and make the most of what Black Hill has to offer.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) While Americans traditionally ring in the New Year at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures welcome it with the first sunrise of New Year's Day. Join rangers for this unique experience, witnessing the sky transition from dark to light as a new day and a new year dawns. While on top of the Piedmont Overlook, we will ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike with a naturalist in the early morning to view the stunning first sunrise of the year as it crests over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Ages 4 to Adult.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) State Parks throughout Virginia will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. Sky Meadows Park will host four First Hike and related events on January 1st, and Mason Neck State Park will host three hike events. See guided and self-guided hikes throughout the Virginia park system here.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Immerse yourself in the serene wooded landscape just after sunrise on New Year's Day, where the soft light filters through the trees and the sounds of nature come alive. This invigorating hike spans approximately 3.8 miles along a well-maintained packed dirt trail, which features a variety of terrain, including stairs and exposed tree roots that add ...
(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 +
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours before ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Rena Subotnik for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the ...
(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.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(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) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for a bird walk at Huntley Meadows Park! This walk is geared toward beginners, but more experienced birders are welcome. Meet in the parking area. Walk leader is John Colpoys. No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or storm. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours before ...
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every second Saturday of the month to restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees, but much work remains to be done. Give back ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us for a class that’s your intro to camping! Never been before and want to learn some of the basics? Or just want to pick up some new tips and tricks? Come and pitch a tent, make some handy knots, and build a campfire with us while we enjoy some smores! Ages 8+. More NOVA Parks ...
(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 ...
(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) (Casey Trees) Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend as Casey Trees teams up with Friends of Anacostia Park for a fun day of service around the Anacostia Skate Park! We will be mulching some of our newly planted trees (planted by our volunteers last year!) around the park along with other organizations who will be conducting various ...
(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 + ...
(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) (Fairfax County Parks) Identify some of Fairfax County's common invasive plant species. Explore ways to lessen these plants around your home. 8 to Adult. More Fairfax County Parks events can be found here.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(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
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Rena Subotnik for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the ...
(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 ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. More Fairfax County Parks nature events can be found here.
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service and Weed Warrior Leader Ella Engstrom for this invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Identify some of Fairfax County's common invasive plant species. Explore ways to lessen these plants around your home. 8 to Adult. More Fairfax County Parks events can be found here.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining this outing! Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you ...
(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) (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 + ...
(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 ...
