Capital Nature

Nocturnal Animal Hike
2026-01-16 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Junior Naturalist Hike in Rock Creek
2026-01-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ – 1 ½ miles through the Rock Creek Valley. Recommended ages 8+.

Cool Weather Culinary Plants (Virtual)
2026-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Discover the surprising world of edible vegetables that thrive in the colder months. Join Kathy Jentz, author and gardener, to explore winter culinary plants highlighting hardy, flavorful edibles you may be overlooking this season. Get tips on how to grow, harvest, and enjoy these cool-weather delights right from your own garden.

Exhibit: For the Love of Birds
2026-01-16 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-11 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-10 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.

Conservation Cafe: DC Environmental Progress (Virtual)
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
(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.

The Natural World on the Microscale (Virtual)
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Step into the invisible world that curiosity and cutting‑edge imaging make visible. In this talk, Dr. Tagide deCarvalho will share the stories and techniques behind her striking microscopy images—revealing how modern optical and electron microscopes open windows into cells, viruses, and other hidden structures of life.
Expect a presentation that blends science, storytelling, and visual wonder—perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like a “curious nerd” eager to see the world in new ways.

Project Feederwatch
2026-01-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us 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. This project meets weekly on Thursdays through February. Ages 5+.
We will not be meeting on December 25 and 26. We will also not be meeting on January 1 and 2.

Orchid Care
2026-01-15 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.

Winter 2026 Volunteer Seed Packing & Free Movie
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:30 | MLK Public Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (Slow Food DC) Volunteer to join us for 90 minutes to help repackage bulk vegetable and flower seeds so they can be donated to the DC community. The seeds have been purchased or received as donations in bulk packs, and they need to be separated out into small seed packs (5-10 seeds each) that meet the needs individual gardeners in the DMV this season. Once repackaged, the seeds will be donated through Free Seed Libraries and community events in the city as the part of the Share a Seed Program.

Wednesday Nature Walkabout
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The natural world is constantly changing… yearly, monthly, daily and even hourly. The only way to see it all is to go out on a regular basis and explore. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, join a naturalist to briefly meet one of our nature center critters (living or preserved) then go for a walk to see what is out and about this time of year. Learn about the creatures you can see in winter, and focus on healthy walking. Ages 15+.

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
2026-01-14 11:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-10 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.

Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
2026-01-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St NE, Washington, DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just around. Seniors will enjoy outdoor neighborhood walking as a group while listening to oldies but goodies to keep active and help stay fit.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through June 2026.

Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
2026-01-14 10:00 - 17:30 | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) Celebrate the vast and varied insect world through the pages of early natural history books from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Dazzling Diversity provides a glimpse into the wealth of recorded scientific knowledge in these books, and the continuing relevance of historical science to contemporary biodiversity research. It offers a snapshot of different classes of insects and their habitats, while showcasing the careful artistry of scientific illustration.
On view through May 11th, 2026.

Paint Nature's Creatures in Watercolor (Virtual)
2026-01-13 10:30 - 13:30 | VA
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn how to see beauty in the natural world and render it in stunning watercolor paintings, using various watercolor techniques to represent the metallic shell of a beetle, the soft, fuzzy wing of a moth, and the delightful colors of a butterfly. 8 sessions from January 13 ​to March 3, 2026​.

Exhibit: In Full Flight
2026-01-13 10:00 - 20:00 | Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Experience breathtaking bird images by DC Bird Alliance photographers at the new La Galerie on K at the Capital Hilton. See local birds and birds captured during travel by DCBA members.
On view through February.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-01-13 08:30 - 10:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID.
The walk will be conducted at a leisurely pace, covering approximately one mile. We will gather in front of the visitor center, and the duration of the walk will typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on our observations. We look forward to sharing this delightful experience with you!

Community Tree Survey Training (Virtual)
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
(DMV) (Casey Trees) Do you enjoy taking walks around your neighborhood? Have you noticed invasive vines like English Ivy growing on trees? Do you want to do something easy and fun that helps preserve your local tree canopy? Then this training is perfect for YOU! We want to create the largest and most comprehensive invasive vines survey that the DMV has ever seen, and we need boots on the ground to make it happen!
Learn how to identify and log the trees you see, and pledge to spend a few hours this winter walking around and collecting data. Once we have the data, we can organize and send volunteers to cut these vines all year long.

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
2026-01-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, 22306, United States
(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.

Winter Tree Identification
2026-01-11 10:30 - 14:30 | Rhizome, 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC, 20012, United States
(DC) (Rhizome) Need a reason to get outdoors this winter? Are you wondering what trees do in the cold? This class will explore the biology and identification of trees in winter with botanist and herbalist Holly Poole-Kavana.
Class is divided into two sections: 10:30am to noon will be held indoors (in-person) to learn about the characteristics that are useful for winter tree ID. We’ll look at samples and photographs during this portion, then move outdoors to apply the skills to wild and cultivated trees from 12:30 to 2:30. The focus will be on trees that are common in the DC area, with the hope that participants will later be able to identify some of the same trees around the city and watch them transition into spring.
In case of heavy rain this event will be cancelled. Sliding scale admission.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2026-01-11 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.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 West
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Reservation 630 West, 3031 Sedgwick Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Rock Creek Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes 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. This event is part of an area-wide volunteer-powered effort to help rescue our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species.

Road Trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
2026-01-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD, 21613-9536, United States
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) Escape the city and spend a day in nature with the DC Bird Alliance and Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation as we take a special road trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore—one of the most spectacular birding destinations on the Atlantic Flyway. Winter at Blackwater brings breathtaking flocks of waterfowl, soaring raptors, wintering songbirds, and unforgettable marsh landscapes.
Roundtrip transportation provided by PG Parks.

Seed Cleaning at Earth Sangha
2026-01-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Earth Sangha, 51011 Backlick Rd, Annandale, VA, 22203, United States
(VA) (Earth Sangha) Help Earth Sangha clean and prepare native seeds for spring planting. Seed cleaning will take place every Sunday through the winter.

Flying Squirrel Lore
2026-01-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us after dark to learn about these nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather, we will venture out into the cold night to look for wild flying squirrels. Families.

Ice Skating at Canal Park
2026-01-10 12:00 - 22:00 | 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.

Little Critters Nature Play
2026-01-10 09:30 - 13:30 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. 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.

Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
2026-01-09 12:00 - 12:30 | VA
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Join our free online guided meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. Many of the art pieces are inspired by nature. All are welcome! No previous experience is required.
