Echoes of Time in Rock Creek Park
2026-07-31 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Ramble with a ranger for a guided hike on the 1.7-mile Milkhouse Ford trail loop, where you will encounter 5000 years of history, from traces of Indigenous land usage, to Fort DeRussy (which saw action during the Civil War), to the two-room log cabin used by poet Joaquin Miller, and to the historic Milkhouse Ford river crossing.
Meet at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, bring plenty of water, dress for the weather, and be prepared for a fun and enjoyable outing.

Full Moon Hike
2026-07-31 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 food to warm over the fire and we’ll provide marshmallows. The hike will be about a half mile on a natural surface trail. Ages 5 and up.

Introduction to Astronomy
2026-07-31 20:30 - 21:30 | The Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore the fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. Learn about planets, stars, and other astronomical objects, then enjoy an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. Held rain or shine at Turner Farm Park’s Roll-Top Observatory. Ages 8 and up.

Neighborhood Invasive Vine Removal in Hyattsville
2026-08-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Heurich Park, 6001 Ager Rd, Hyattsville, MD, 20782, United States
(MD) (Casey Trees) Join the Hyattsville Tree Stewards and the City of Hyattsville to remove Invasive Vines around the neighborhood. We will meet at Heurich Park and spend 30 minutes doing training. From there we will break into pairs and head to a list of pre-surveyed residences in the area to offer vine removal for residents. We may also drop off flyers at additional residences.
We will focus on non-native invasive vines including porcelainberry and English ivy.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 West
2026-08-01 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 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 native plants to thrive in the understory.

Suitland Parkway Volunteer Day
2026-08-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Suitland Parkway, 2401 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC, 20020, United States
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every first Saturday of the month to restore Suitland Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2018, Ward 8 Woods Park Stewards and volunteers have removed more than 300 tons of trash from the woods of Suitland Parkway and cut vines from more than 1,000 trees. On the first Saturday of each month, we deploy to a different part of the parkway to clean up trash and save trees from being smothered by invasive vines.
Give back to the earth, exercise your body, spend time in nature and meet cool people with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy.

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-08-02 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 a National Park Service volunteer birder 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!

Georgetown by Kayak
2026-08-02 09:30 - 11:00 | Key Bridge Boathouse, 3500 Water Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join a park ranger for a 1.5-hour relaxed kayak tour through the stories of the Georgetown Waterfront — where centuries of change flow beneath your paddle.

Explore the land’s roots as a First Peoples village

Drift by a bustling colonial port and Civil War hub

Learn about the experiences of free and enslaved people

Glide past echoes of industrial might

Witness its transformation into the vibrant park we enjoy today

Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and your paddle power!

Exhibit: America's State Flowers
2026-08-02 10:00 - 17:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Explore the display throughout the Garden that will showcase the state and territory flowers with living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations, and herbarium specimens.
Associated educational programs will be offered throughout the run, including workshops by botanical paper artist Emily Paluska, drop-in demonstrations, online talks, and more.

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
2026-08-03 07:00 - 09:00 | 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 7 a.m. April through September. 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.

Mindful Birding (Virtual)
2026-08-04 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
(VA) (Northern VA Bird Alliance) (Capital Nature)

Join Ana Ka’ahanui, Co-Founder of Capital Nature, to learn how birding helps reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness and deepen our relationship with the natural world.

Birding offers more than the excitement of identifying new species—it can also be a powerful practice for reducing stress, cultivating mindfulness, and deepening our relationship with the natural world. Discover how slowing down and engaging your senses can transform the way you experience birds and their habitats.
Drawing on research about the mental and physical health benefits of birding, as well as practices from forest therapy (“forest bathing”), we’ll explore how birds can help us become more present, attentive, and connected. Learn how mindful birding can foster wonder, resilience, and well-being. A mindful birding walk will be scheduled in the Fall.

Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk
2026-08-05 08:30 - 11:00 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for informal walks through Gelncarlyn Park in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.

Yoga at the Arboretum
2026-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Experience the calming power of nature at an evening yoga class at the National Arboretum. This event is part of FONA’s Wellness Wednesday series, hosted all summer long during summer evening hours.
Certified instructors from Bikram Yoga Works will lead a 60 minute FLEX’T™ yoga class that will help you unlock your fascia to facilitate freedom of movement. During the session, you may choose to engage in intensive practice or take a more relaxed approach to connect with the tranquil surroundings. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike are all welcome.

Exhibit: The Viewing Stone
2026-08-06 10:00 - 16:00 | US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (US National Arboretum) Viewing stone lovers find inspiration in the traditional stones found and displayed in China and Japan. These small natural objects encourage contemplation of larger landscape scenes, objects in nature, and abstract images. Challenge your imagination by comparing the variety of stones on view in this exhibition. Members of the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation, will display viewing stones from their private collections.
On view 10 am – 4:00 pm daily through Sept. 7th.

Ranger Tour at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
2026-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join a Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Ranger for a talk about the park! The talk will cover the history of the park, the waterlillies and lotuses that are grown in the ponds, and the importance of the marshes that are connected to the ponds. Meet the ranger in front of the visitor center where the talk will begin.
Ranger led garden tours are held every week on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM through September 2nd.

Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
2026-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Kingman Island Dock, 575 Oklahoma Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a 1-hour Anacostia River boat tour to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and how it has caused the rebound of the wildlife.

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet (Virtual)
2026-08-06 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
(VA) (Northern VA Bird Alliance)
At a time when the news for birds – for the planet – has rarely seemed more grim, there is reason for hope. We’ve restored faltering bird populations in the past, bringing back once nearly extinct raptors and waterfowl. And despite the odds today, all around the world, people are actually reviving bird populations, providing a roadmap for wider recovery. In his newest book, The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet, best-selling author and researcher Scott Weidensaul shows why we should never underestimate the resiliency of birds, and why creating a world that works for birds will work for everything, including us. This is a dose of optimism we all need.

The Butterfly Experience
2026-08-07 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) A world of wonder takes flight as Montgomery Parks’ popular Butterfly Experience returns to Brookside Gardens. Visitors will be surrounded by hundreds of brilliant butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia as they flutter among vibrant, lush tropical blooms. This intimate experience offers rare, up-close encounters while trained staff and volunteers highlight the stages of metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens.
Butterfly Experience runs through September 7th.

Youth Wildlife Photography Workshop
2026-08-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Aquatic Resources Education Center, 1900 Anacostia Drive, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join DC Bird Alliance for a FREE Youth Wildlife Photography Workshop series designed for young people interested in creativity, nature, and storytelling. Participants will explore some of DC’s most beautiful green spaces while learning the fundamentals of wildlife photography from DCBA’s own seasoned professional photographers. Ages 14 and up.
All equipment is provided, so no prior experience or gear is needed. Lunch will be provided.

Invasive Species Removal at Langdon Park
2026-08-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Langdon Park Recreation Center, 2901 20th St NE, Washington DC, 20018, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join CCAN, The Langdon Park Forest Stewards, and Casey Trees to get outside and remove invasive plants! Take part in the exciting Assisted Natural Regeneration efforts happening to restore the forest at Langdon Park in NE DC. We will meet at the parking lot of the Langdon Park Rec Cente. We will start with a brief training on non-native invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing invasives. We will focus on non-native invasive plants like Bush (Amur) Honeysuckle, English Ivy, and Porcelain Berry.

Invasive Plants Removal at Potomac Overlook
2026-08-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) (NOVA Parks) Join us at Potomac Overlook to Improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.
If you have your own garden gloves and tools, please bring them along. If not, they will be given to you. Training and additional tools will be provided.

Georgetown Waterfront Labyrinth Walk
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Georgetown Waterfront Park, 3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (NPS) Join us for a guided walk of the labyrinth in the Georgetown Waterfront Park.  The labyrinth is a calming place for tourists, residents and visitors of all types to connect with nature, themselves and each other, all amidst the bustle of urban Washington, DC. This free event is coordinated by the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Bilingual Family Nature Walk
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Blaidensburg, MD, United States
(MD) (Nature Forward)
Join Latino Outdoors and Nature Forward for a free family walk through Bladensburg Waterfront Park. We’ll explore the river and the woods in search of birds, flowers, animals, and much more!
📍 Bladensburg Waterfront Park (4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710) accessible by bus and car
🥾 Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen
🍎 We’ll provide snacks
Únete a Latino Outdoors y Nature Forward para disfrutar de un paseo familiar gratuito por el Bladensburg Waterfront Park. ¡Recorreremos el río y el bosque en busca de aves, flores, animales y mucho más!
📍 Bladensburg Waterfront Park (4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710) accesible en autobús y en coche
🥾 Trae agua, calzado adecuado para caminar, y protector solar
🍎 Proporcionaremos para picar

Cleanup at Carter Barron Amphitheatre
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington DC, 20011, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a cleanup of the Carter Barron Amphitheater. We will remove debris, paint, clear leaf litter, weed, sweep, and trim back invasive plants, helping preserve the amphitheater while it awaits future restoration. This is a unique opportunity to get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the amphitheater and help take care of an important community resource.

Invasive Removal at Broad Branch
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 | MD
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and 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.

Shepherd Parkway Community Cleanup
2026-08-08 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 Cream Making at Peirce Mill
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Friends of Peirce Mill) Come learn about old-fashioned ice cream, made famous by Dolly Madison, Quaker friend of Betsy Peirce, and invented by Augustus Jackson, who was the White House chef from 1817 until 1837. We’ll show how ice cream was made in the early 19th century–and talk about why it was such a rare and special treat.
Kids can watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, learn about the brine that freezes the cream, and take a turn cranking the handle to make old-fashioned ice cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with a modern adaptation will be available to take away. After the demonstration, we’ll have free ice cream treats for the kids! Rain Date: Sunday, August 9

Art of Floral Design at Hillwood
2026-08-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) The Hillwood cutting garden in August is lush with blooms. A variety of colors and textures fill the garden beds. Dahlias, zinnias, celosia, sunflowers, gomphrena, salvia, and herbs are just some of the delights to select for your floral creations. In this workshop, we will create a rustic and casual floral design using blooms from local flower farms in the D.C. region.
All materials are included. Payment is required in advance due to materials fees and is non-refundable.

Mothing by Moonlight
2026-08-08 20:30 - 23:45 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks)
Join us in the park after dark to look for moths. We’ll set up a mothing station designed to attract these beautiful yet secretive nocturnal animals. Our insect enthusiasts will be on hand to help us identify what we find as we collect data for an ongoing study.
