Capital Nature

Ice Skating at Canal Park
2026-02-11 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Canal Park, 200 M Street SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice.
The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.

Birds and Nature in Collage (Virtual)
2026-02-11 13:30 - 16:00
(DC0 (Smithsonian Associates) Use collage, a highly versatile and accessible art form, to bring the bright nature of spring into your artwork. Sketch birds and nature, then combine your drawings with paint and paper, adding textures to create mixed-media art. Construct your narrative as you alter your work with a range of materials and techniques including photo transfers, layered drawings and paintings, and found objects. All skill levels are welcome.
The instructor is Marcie Wolf-Hubbard. This program includes 4 sessions, 2.5 hours each.

How to Participate in Great Backyard Bird Count (Virtual)
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:00
(DMV) (Audubon and Cornell Lab) Embrace the joy of birds by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) taking place February 13-16, 2026. This lively, beginner-friendly webinar will inspire you to deepen your connection with birds while joining a worldwide count.
Join this one-hour live event to discover tips, tricks, and ideas to prepare for the GBBC, a fun and impactful global community science event! GBBC team members will share how to participate with confidence, while special guest and author Julia Zarankin explores beginner birding and the love and joy of backyard birds.

Frog Watch Training (Virtual)
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:30
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) FrogWatch is a nationwide citizen science program that tracks frog populations throughout the United States. Participation is a fun way to learn about amphibians as well as getting to know your local wetlands and frog & toad species. In the workshop you will learn how to identify frog and toad calls and how to document their calling activity at your local site to provide invaluable data on frog and toad populations in your community.
Participants will choose a monitoring site that is easily accessible and close to where they live or work to listen to frogs that are calling throughout the breeding season (February 1st – August 31st).

Orchid Care
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about orchid care and maintenance? Drop by the Conservatory’s Garden Court to talk with George about orchids! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program.

Earthly Love: A Conversation (Virtual)
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
(US) (Yale School of Environment) The Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment, the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, and Orion Magazine present Orion contributors and award-winning authors Ross Gay and Aimee Nezhukumatathil. The event centers on themes of love, community, commitment, responsibility, and communication, exploring the intimacy and promise of humans’ moral, spiritual, and cultural relationships with the natural world – the love of nature and the nature of love.

Deep Dive: Urban Wildlife (Virtual)
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00
(VA) (Arlington Parks) What are Arlington’s common wildlife? What should you do if you encounter wildlife? We’ll answer these questions in an interactive online program. Adults.

Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-16
(DMV) (Audubon and Cornell Lab) Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.

GreenScapes Symposium (Virtual)
2026-02-13 09:00 - 16:00
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This year’s GreenScapes Symposium is focused on: Integrating Ecology, Beauty and Adaptability in Design. Thriving landscapes support wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and respond to environmental challenges require thoughtful design and tested practices. Hear from experts in horticulture, ecology, and design to share solutions that work—from small gardens to large public landscapes. Learn how native keystone plants and layered “soft landings” can support pollinators from canopy to ground, and explore regenerative approaches that blend beauty, function, and biodiversity in every setting.
Through illustrative real-world case studies, you’ll discover how dynamic, naturalistic plantings can adapt and thrive, and how climate-resilient and diverse plant palettes can strengthen ecosystems in both urban and suburban environments.

Exhibit: For the Love of Birds
2026-02-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, 20841, United States
(MD) (Garrett County Arts Council)“For the Love of Birds” is an installation piece that incorporates The National Audubon Society’s climate report: Survival by Degrees: 389 Birds on the Brink and artwork curated by curated by Caroline Blizzard and Julie Turrentine. The art exhibit tells the story of how birds will be affected by climate change, with different habitats illustrated through canvas photography and supported by interpretive signage and glass birds.
Exhibit is open during Discovery Center hours Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from January 10th through March 1st.

Potomac River Cleanup at Sligo Creek
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Sligo Creek Trail, Silver Spring, MD, United States
(MD) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy and Friends of Sligo Creek for a trash-tastic cleanup at Sligo Creek Trail and East-West Highway (Route 410). Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a swimmable and fishable river. Polluted urban runoff is the only growing source of pollution to the river which is why we need your help.
Secure your spot today to take action for your hometown river!

Potomac River Cleanup at Green Meadows
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Green Meadows Park, 6163-6199 Sligo Pkwy, Chillum, MD, 20782, United States
(MD) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy and Friends of Sligo Creek for a trash-tastic cleanup at Green Meadows Park, MD. Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a swimmable and fishable river. Polluted urban runoff is the only growing source of pollution to the river which is why we need your help.
Secure your spot today to take action for your hometown river!

Little Critters Nature Play
2026-02-14 09:30 - 13:30 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn how fungi and lichens are an important part of nature. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.

Invasive Plants Removal at Dyke Marsh
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA, 22307, 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. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. We will supply instructions, examples and trash bags.

Invasive Vine Removal at Riverdale
2026-02-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Browning’s Grove Park, 5909 Nicholson Street, Riverdale, 20737, United States
(MD) (Casey Trees) Join Chesapeake Climate Action Network volunteer leaders from the Riverdale Park Green Team to remove Invasive Vines around the East Riverdale neighborhood. This event will be a fun mix of door-to-door canvassing and invasive vine removal.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2026-02-14 10:00 - 17:30 | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) Artificial lights have become such common nighttime fixtures that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution go beyond our diminishing view of the stars, but the solutions can have an immediate impact.
Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?
On view through December 2026.

Shepherd Parkway Community Cleanup
2026-02-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Shepherd Parkway, 555 Newcomb Street SE, Washington, DC, 20032, United States
(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 to the earth, exercise your body, spend time in nature and meet cool people with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy.

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
2026-02-14 11:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-15 11:00 - 23:00 | National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20565, United States
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, leaving a 15-minute break for ice maintenance.

Nature Folklore
2026-02-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a storytelling adventure rooted in nature and connection. Discover how landscapes, plants and animals have inspired folktales from different traditions. Enjoy heartwarming stories about kindness, friendship and togetherness, then collaborate to craft your own nature-inspired tale to take home. Ages 8 to Adult.

The Science of Sleep and Hibernation
2026-02-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Winkler Botanical Preserve, 5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria, VA, 22311, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Ever wonder how some native furry friends survive the chilly winter weather outside? Register the whole family and learn the difference between hibernation vs. brumation and the science behind why and how animals sleep safely in the cold. You’ll make and take home a rabbit friend and learn how to help them get ready to hibernate. Ages 5+.

Valentine's Stargazing Stroll
2026-02-14 16:00 - 17:30 | Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA, 22150, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Share the wonder of winter stars with someone special during our romantic Valentine’s stargazing adventure. This enchanting evening stroll combines astronomy education with Valentine’s Day Magic. Create lasting memories as families explore the night sky together, learning about the cosmos while enjoying quality time under the stars. This evening adventure concludes with hot cocoa and Valentine’s treats. Ages 8 to Adult.

Couples Evening at the Nature Center
2026-02-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA, 22003, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy a peaceful adults only visit to the nature center for Valentine’s Day. Meet animals and learn about their dating and mating habits. A fun activity and a special treat complete your nature-themed holiday celebration. Each attendee must register individually. Adults.

A Gentle Walk with Birds & Nature
2026-02-15 09:00 - 10:30
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join DC Bird Alliance for a very special bird walk in Rock Creek Park that invites us to discover — or rediscover — what it means to be a birder. Together with Susan West Montgomery, certified forest bathing guide, we’ll slow down, cultivate curiosity, and experience birds and nature more fully. This walk blends gentle bird observation with the practice of forest bathing, which invites participants to use all of their senses to take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. We’ll move at a relaxed pace, observe our surroundings, and reflect. No prior birding experience is needed, just openness and curiosity.

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.

Winter Soul Stroll
2026-02-15 09:30 - 12:00 | Kingman Island _RFK Lot 6, United States
(DC) (Goombay DC) This urban hike blends storytelling, interactive art & photography as we learn the value of DC’s green spaces and waterways that keep our river ecosystems healthy.

Mushroom DNA Lab Day
2026-02-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Mount Rainier Nature Center, 4701 31st Pl, Mount Rainier, MD, 20712, United States
(MD) (Mycological Association of Washington DC) Join us at Mount Rainier Nature Center to bring your mushroom samples at 10:00 am or at 1:00 pm to ask questions about our process or anything fungi. The experts are excited to answer your questions!
If you are bringing samples to us, please ensure that the samples have been properly documented on iNaturalist, and that each of your samples has a unique iNaturalist observation number by the time of your arrival.

Winter Woods Hike and Craft
2026-02-15 11:00 - 12:30 | Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA, 22039, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike through the winter woods to learn some useful tips for identifying winter trees. Afterwards, appreciate season’s beauty with a fun winter-themed craft. Ages 4 to Adult.

Botanical Gardens of the World (Virtual)
2026-02-15 16:00 - 17:30
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as varied as Singapore, the Arizona desert, and the American Midwest. In vibrant visuals he explores how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom:
February 8 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
February 15 Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona
February 22 Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
