Capital Nature

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 West
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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, 2026-01-04 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, 2026-01-06 16:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-03 12:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-01 12:00 - 20:00 | 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.

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
2026-01-10 11:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-06 11:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-02 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.

Exhibit: For the Love of Birds
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.

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.

Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
2026-01-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-01-05 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: In Full Flight
2026-01-09 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.

Exploring the World of Plants (Virtual)
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:30 | VA
(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) We rely on plants for food, shelter, and many other functions. We learn early that they convert sunlight to energy, but we often remain largely “plant blind”, allowing them to form a backdrop for our lives with little understanding or appreciation. This program will lead us on a journey to consider research and discussions over the last fifty years that have sometimes tried to assign plants human qualities, but have also discovered many things plants do that redefine what they are.
Charles Smith is an ecologist and native of Arlington, VA with 33 years of experience in natural resource inventory, planning, management and monitoring.

Snails of the Potomac River (Virtual)
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) The Potomac River is a snail haven, home to almost half of these known species. In this presentation, Aydin Orstan, Ph.D. will report on his recent two-year snail survey, which added three more species to the list: Cipangopaludina cf. japonica, Gillia altilis, and Laevapex fuscus. Aydin will introduce the snails, including the largest native species, Campeloma decisum, with shells up to 1.3 inches long. In addition to information about snails, tips about kayaking safely in the river, and good spots to see snails will also be shared.

The Joy of Observing Insects (Virtual)
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | VA
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Insects are the most abundant animals on the planet—representing about 80% of all animal species on Earth. They are also the least observed. Naturalist Eric R. Eaton is on a mission to inspire you to watch more bugs and share what people can do to keep these critters thriving. He will highlight the basic tools for watching insects with all five senses, suggests best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden.
Eaton’s new field guide, Bugwatching: The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects, is available for purchase.

Senior Wellness Walk at Arboretum
2026-01-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Arboretum Community Center, 2412 Rand Pl NE, Washington, DC, 20002, 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.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through June 2026.

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
2026-01-05 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.

Apply for a Free Tree in DC
2026-01-05 - 2026-01-30 | VA
(DC) (Casey Trees) Get Free Trees to accentuate your home with a beautiful shade tree at no cost. To register, submit an application with Casey Trees and one of their professional Urban Foresters will be in touch to start your process.

Sign-Up for Free Trees in Arlington
2026-01-05 - 2026-01-14 | VA
(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) Apply to have a tree planted on your property. All private property in Arlington is eligible to have a native tree planted on the property through EcoAction Arlington’s Tree Planting Program. Applications are open until January 14th, 2026!

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
2026-01-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA, 22307, United States
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2026-01-03 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.

Bird Walk at Hains Point
2026-01-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Hains Point, Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
(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!

New Year’s Day Sound Bath & Birdsong
2026-01-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Willow Street Yoga, 6930 Carroll Avenue, Takoma, MD, 20912, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Begin 2026 with calm and clarity. A New Year’s Day sound bath inspired by birdsong to help you reset, renew, and rise with purpose.

First Day Hike
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Start the new year off right: outdoors for a wintery hike with naturalist Kerry Wixted. We’ll be on the lookout for winter birds and mammal signs and practicing our winter botany skills along the way. We will start hiking in a slightly hilly area filled with beech trees, then wind down to the former Annapolis reservoir. Our group will be small with a leisurely pace for three or four miles, and will be full of shared observations. Family-friendly for ages 10+.
