Capital Nature

DC Bird Alliance Autumn Gala
2025-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Jospehine Butler Center, 2437 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us for the first-ever Autumn Gala! We’ll gather to celebrate community, conservation, and the partners who make our work possible. ✨ What to Expect:

An elegant evening with friends, supporters, and fellow bird lovers
Inspiring stories from our conservation work across all eight wards of DC
Live music, door prizes, great food, cash bar (one drink ticket with each ticket purchase)
Opportunities to support DCBA through our Silent Auction and Sponsorships

Every ticket helps us expand programs that connect people with birds — from youth workshops and Lights Out DC to community bird walks and conservation advocacy. Together, we’re building a vibrrant birding community and protecting the places birds and people call home.

Wonders of DC Trees: Exhibit, Art, and Tree Tour
2025-11-16 13:30 - 15:30 | Woodbridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street NE, Washington, DC, 20018, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join us for an afternoon of crafting, community, art, and learning about DC’s trees! Join Casey Trees, ZCAF, DC’s Urban Forestry Division, Langdon Park Stewards, DC Public Library, and DPR for a family-friendly event exploring the “Wonders of DC Trees” exhibit. Meet artists through ZCAF who turn trees into art or use them for inspiration. Youth can create a “tree” bookmark, and we will share some of our favorite nature/tree selections.
Then, take an easy walk through Langdon Park to learn more about what our city’s trees do for us. The Langdon Park Forest Stewards Stewards will end the event with an introduction to their work in the forest patch and share simple ways you can get involved.

55+ Nature Book Club (Virtual)
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30
(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 locations, mostly in-person. These sessions are interactive, so be sure to limit your distractions from phones.

Bird Walk at Dumbarton Oaks
2025-11-23 08:00 - 10:00 | Dumbarton Oaks Park, Lover's Lane and R Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us for a bird walk at this historic, beautiful park right here in DC. Dumbarton Oaks “… is a milestone in the history of American landscape architecture and a landmark in our social history, as it represents the finest work of Beatrix Farrand, America’s first professional female landscape architect.” (https://dopark.org/about/)

Native Plant Book Club: Abundance
2025-11-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Birch Tree Bookstore, 11 W Market St, Leesburg, VA, 20176, United States
(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) In collaboration with Watermark Woods, Birch Tree Bookstore and Loudoun County Public Library, join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for the next Read! Plant! Grow! book club meeting at Birch Tree Bookstore in Leesburg. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Abundance by Derek Thompson & Ezra Klein. Abundance posits that our problems today are not the results of yesteryear’s villains. Rather, one generation’s solutions have become the next generation’s problems. Rules and regulations designed to solve the problems of the 1970s often prevent urban-density and green-energy projects that would help solve the problems of the 2020s.

Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire
2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA, 22066, United States
(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.

Mistletoe Mingle at USBG
2025-12-05 18:00 - 20:30 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Sip festive botanical cocktails with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden as you enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite! Wander the Conservatory adorned with poinsettias, holiday decor, and beloved D.C. landmarks crafted from plant materials. Outdoors, delight in the G-gauge model trains chugging through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more, as well as living plants whose ancestors lived alongside them!
Enjoy hands-on seasonal activities. Mix and match aromatic spices and dried fruits to craft your own custom mulling spice blend, perfect for warming up the winter nights at home. Your ticket includes one complimentary seasonal cocktail or mocktail. Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Bird Walk at Hains Point
2025-12-06 08:00 - 10:00
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Let’s explore the world of birds at Hains Point – bring your binoculars and curiosity for a morning adventure! This is one of DC’s most peaceful birding gems — wide open views, sweeping water, and the chance to spot winter visitors who only grace our area this time of year. As we stroll along the shoreline, we’ll look and listen for visitors such as Buffleheads, Mergansers and even the now regular Winter visitor, a Yellow-throated Warbler!

EcoBook Club
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, 20008, United States
(DC) (DC Public Library) This monthly adult book club discusses books on human ecology, sustainable living, environmental justice and post-fossil fuel futures. Books can be nonfiction, fiction or poetry.

Flying Squirrel Campfire
2025-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA, 22003, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. Ages 4 to Adult.

55+ Nature Book Club
2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Sligo-Dennis Local Park – Activity Building, 10200 Sligo Creek Parkway, Silver Spring, MD, 20902, United States
(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 locations, mostly in-person. This month’s meeting is a holiday book swap!

Holly Day at Temperance Alley
2025-12-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Temperance Alley, 1909 13th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
(DC) (U Street Neighborhood Association) ‘Tis the season to gather in recognition of all end-of-year festivities! Come celebrate the Winter Solstice & help decorate our Holly Tree at Temperance Alley Garden with bird-friendly treats. We’ll sing some carols and stay warm with hot cocoa. Warm drinks and light snacks will be served – BYO thermos if you can in addition to any ornaments, trinkets, or knick knacks you’d like to hang.

Conservation Cafe: DC Environmental Progress (Virtual)
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00
(DC) (Nature Forward) Join Nature Forward for a timely discussion about DC’s environmental progress and how the lack of statehood and ongoing attacks on Home Rule hurt our local environment and communities. We will hear from a distinguished panel of experts and activists on the unique threats to a greener, more equitable city and how residents can meet this challenge.

Pop-Up History at Meridian Hill Park
2026-01-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Meridian Hill Park, 16th Street & W Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Meridian Hill Park, colloquially referred to as Malcolm X Park, is known for its beauty, art, recreation, First Amendment space, and illustrious history. Drop by our pop-up table located near the Joan of Arc statue to learn some quick history of the park, or attend the walking tour at 3 pm when you’ll have the chance to converse further with a park ranger. The formal tour meets by the bathrooms near 15th Street and Euclid St.

Spy Hike
2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Does a cold winter’s day in Washington have you picturing furtive meetings between shadowy characters under overcast skies? Running along Embassy Row, Rock Creek Park has been the site of spy stories and neighbor to many spies. Join a Park Ranger for a 2.5 mile hike through Rock Creek and learn the story of spies in America’s Back Yard.
Meet the Ranger by Peirce Mill Barn.

Wolf Campfire
2026-01-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers).

Cozy Winter Craft Night
2026-01-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Embrace the warmth of creativity this winter at our cozy winter craft night—a relaxing evening just for adults at the nature center. Sip tea or hot cocoa and unwind with nature-inspired crafts and good company. Materials provided. Ages 16 +.

Film: One Sky Project
2026-01-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) This is the full dome feature version of the One Sky Project. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of “Finding Patterns” and developing tools.
This film runs about 45 minutes.

Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire
2026-02-01 18:00 - 20:30 | Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA, 22066, United States
(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. Ages 6 to Adult.

Full Moon Friday
2026-02-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for the magic of the full moon for a hike and campfire on each Friday nearest to the full moon. Feel free to bring your own hotdogs to warm over the fire and we’ll provide marshmallows. The program will be mainly outdoors with a hiking component. All hikes will be on natural surface trails.

Won't You be My Owlentine?
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Love is in the air… and literally for these beautiful birds of prey! See live raptors, learn about their mating habits during breeding season, and have your picture taken with a live bird of prey. Age 6+.

RunJuneteenth Winter Trail Series: Difficult Run
2026-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Fairfax REI, 11950 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
(VA) (RunJuneteenth) The Winter Trail Series is an annual event comprised of a rotating set of trail-running meetups held throughout the DC–Maryland–Virginia region. Powered by REI Co-op, the weekly trail runs will feature trail-shoe demos from several top brands–giving participants the opportunity to test gear directly on different local trails, while also offering a mix of terrain, elevation, and mileage options to keep runners challenged and engaged.
We’ll meet at REI Fairfax.

RunJuneteenth Winter Trail Series: Greenbelt Park
2026-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Washington DC REI, 201 M Street NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(MD) (RunJuneteenth) The Winter Trail Series is an annual event comprised of a rotating set of trail-running meetups held throughout the DC–Maryland–Virginia region. Powered by REI Co-op, the weekly trail runs will feature trail-shoe demos from several top brands–giving participants the opportunity to test gear directly on different local trails, while also offering a mix of terrain, elevation, and mileage options to keep runners challenged and engaged.
We’ll meet at REI DC.

Lunar New Year Festival
2026-02-21 10:00 - 13:00 | National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian) Gallop into 2026, the year of the horse, and celebrate Lunar New Year with us! This year we’re hosting a festival and market pop-up at the nearby Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building (AIB). Experience cultural performances, lion dances, food, makers, and more! Plus, enjoy curator talks and tours at the museum throughout the day.

Wild & Wise: 19th Century Women and the Power of Nature
2026-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Rd, Washington DC, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Step into sturdy boots and grab an imaginary field journal—it’s time to wander back to the 1800s! Long before hashtags and hiking gear, adventurous women were roaming forests, pressing wildflowers, studying birds, and turning curiosity into courage. They weren’t just admiring nature—they were helping spark the Naturalist Movement and laying the groundwork for conservation.
Join us to uncover the stories of these trailblazing women who transformed gardens, fields, and woodlands into spaces of science, creativity, and bold new ideas.
