Capital Nature

Natural Resources Survey at Occoquan
2026-03-25 07:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA, 22191, United States
(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: Occoquan Bay NWR, Meadowood Recreation Area and other parks and preserves in eastern Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Each of these publicly-protected sites has a particular blend of habitats representative of Northern Virginia’s special natural character.
A report of each of the weekly, monthly surveys is emailed to participants as well as the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and other managing agencies. Summary reports, checklists and analyses of survey data provide an up-to-date inventory of species and insight into the state of populations.

Cherry Blossoms Photography Workshop
2026-03-27 06:00 - 09:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy premium golden-hour light and exclusive, pre-opening access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! This photography session focuses on all things Cherry Blossoms, including landscapes, close-up/macro shots and wildlife. Meadowlark features both beautifully curated gardens and rich natural areas—an ideal setting for wildlife photography. And of course, you are welcome to focus on any subject that inspires you.
All skill levels and all types of equipment are welcome. Ages 12 +.

Spring Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark
2026-03-27 10:00 - 18:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Welcome spring with a playful scavenger hunt! Embark on a self-guided adventure through the gardens as you search for giant eggs hidden along the paths:

Begin your quest at the Visitor Center, where you’ll receive your egg hunt sheet—your key to unlocking the fun.
Hop along the garden paths. When you discover a giant egg, draw its design on your hunt sheet.
Find them all! Show your completed sheet to our staff and receive an EGG-cellent prize.

After Easter, the fun continues through April 30th. Kids will search the gardens for cheerful signs of spring—flowers, birds, frogs, rabbits, bugs, and more—hidden throughout the landscape.

Nocturnal Animal Hike
2026-03-27 19:30 - 20:30 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. Families.

Bird Outing to Mason Neck
2026-03-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA, 22079, United States
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) NVBA is partnering with Mason Neck State Park to host regular bird outings every fourth Saturday of the month from. Your guide for these events will be John Colpoys, an avid birder and experienced bird guide for NVBA. These events are free to attend and open to anyone! Registration is requested, as it helps us anticipate the number of attendees and communicate if needed. Please see our cancellation policy below.

Forest Bathing at Long Branch
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) In March and April the wild earth is “springing” all around us. Forest bathing provides a unique way of exploring the natural world by focusing our sense to a keen visceral state. This interactive process can be remarkably restorative. The program will conclude with tea and snacks. Dress for the weather (light rain or shine) and the possibility of sitting on the ground or on a log.

Invasive Vine Removal and Bike Ride
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Kingman Island _RFK Lot 6, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join the DC Trail Rangers and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network for Bicyclists Against Invasive Vines event series. On the fourth Saturday of each month we meet up at the Fields at RFK lot 6 at 10am for an ecological ride on the trail. We will be clearing invasive vines from our trees and trail corridors while exploring topics such as plant identification, invasive plant management and local wetland ecology.

Spring Ephemerals Hike
2026-03-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a guided nature walk to discover the beauty of spring ephemerals—those fleeting, early blooming wildflowers that appear before the forest canopy fills in. These native plants make the most of early spring sunlight and play a vital role in supporting pollinators emerging after winter. Come learn how these short-lived blooms help bring the forest to life! Ages 12 +.
