First Saturday Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-07-04 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. We will gather in front of the visitor center. The walk will be conducted at a leisurely pace, covering approximately one mile. We look forward to sharing this delightful experience with you!

WELLderness Forest Bathing with Sage
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Explore the gardens, tune into your senses and connect with nature during this guided Forest Bathing walk. The WELLderness series brings members of the community together to engage in activities that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health and well-being.
Sage is a certified Forest Bathing Guide, who has been practicing Nature and Forest Therapy since 2018. His practice has been offered through the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Friends of the National Arboretum, and Nature Worx.

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
2026-07-05 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-12 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.

Flower to Fruit: A Pollinator Journey
2026-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 | U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20515, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join Lilly Andersen, USBG Family Education Specialist, to investigate the differences in plants before and after pollination, including in our beloved state flowers! In this drop-in program, dissect a flower to learn about its different parts and how these components attract and interact with pollinators. Watch a fruit dissection demonstration to see how flowers develop into fruits after pollination.

Exhibit: America's State Flowers
2026-07-08 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-16 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.

Hillwood Japanese-style Garden Tour
2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Experience the serenity and beauty of the Japanese-style garden, just as Marjorie Post and so many of her guests did. Join Michael Rollinson, gardener, as he shares a behind-the-scenes look at the intricately manicured, yet “naturally wild,” Japanese-style garden.
Tickets are distributed at the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center upon opening each day. This thirty-minute tour is limited to fifteen and meets in the visitor center conservatory.

Exhibit: The Viewing Stone
2026-07-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-15 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.

Georgetown by Kayak
2026-07-11 08:00 - 17:00 | 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!

Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Garden
2026-07-11 08:30 - 10:00 | U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20515, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join us outside of public hours for a sensory-friendly morning to celebrate summer at the U.S. Botanic Garden. You can visit a Discovery Cart to learn about the plant science behind chocolate or get hands-on with an interactive pot-a-plant activity.

Neighborhood Invasive Vine Removal in Hyattsville
2026-07-11 09:00 - 12:00 | University Hills Park, 3400 Stanford Street, Hyattsville, MD, 20783, 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 University Hills 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.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-07-14 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!

The Butterfly Experience
2026-07-14 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-17 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.

Arlington Free Tree Application Deadline
2026-07-15 09:00 - 17:00 | MD
(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) Apply to have a tree planted on your property. All private property in Arlington—whether it’s a single-family home, townhouse, condo, or a place of worship—is eligible to have a native tree planted on the property through EcoAction Arlington’s Tree Planting Program. Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Tree Planting cycle. Today is the last day to sign up.

Gentle Yoga at Brookside
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) These series of classes feature foundational yoga poses that are designed to support better breathing, walking, and space orientation. Yoga movements help build muscle, bone density and core strength while improving balance, posture, and flexibility. Mats are not included.
Instructor: Sherry Weber

Ranger Tour at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Summer Evening Hours at USBG
2026-07-16 17:00 - 20:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join us for extended evening hours on the third Thursday of each month. The Conservatory will stay open until 8 p.m. for visitors to explore the USBG plant collection while enjoying live music and refreshments at our four extended evening hour events.
Tonight, enjoy live music by Night Hawk as you explore the Conservatory. In partnership with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, local vendors Vintage Views will have lemonade, botanical non-alcoholic mocktails, and snacks available for purchase. Additionally, local frozen treat vendor Here’s The Scoop will have gourmet ice cream and non-dairy sorbet available for purchase.

Echoes of Time in Rock Creek Park
2026-07-17 09:00 - 10:30 | 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.

Hillwood Japanese-style Garden Tour
2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Experience the serenity and beauty of the Japanese-style garden, just as Marjorie Post and so many of her guests did. Join Michael Rollinson, gardener, as he shares a behind-the-scenes look at the intricately manicured, yet “naturally wild,” Japanese-style garden.
Tickets are distributed at the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center upon opening each day. This thirty-minute tour is limited to twelve and meets in the visitor center conservatory.

Flora and Fauna of Rock Creek Park
2026-07-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Spend Friday mornings and afternoons at Rock Creek Park learning about our wild and wonderful urban oasis! Park Rangers will teach kids (and visitors of all ages) about the fantastic flora and fauna in the park.
The program repeats at 1:30 pm.

Dusk Wetland Walk at Huntley Meadows
2026-07-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, 22306, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join park naturalists for a relaxing stroll through the park’s forest and wetland paths. Look and listen for wildlife settling down or waking up during the transition of day to night. Adults.

National Moth Week
2026-07-18 - 2026-07-26 | MD
National Moth Week is an annual, global event that invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in mothing by sharing photos of moths they find for citizen science. Communities around the globe come together during National Moth Week to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and ecological importance of moths. Join participants of all ages to contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand these fascinating insects.
These contributions help researchers study moth diversity, distribution, and ecology worldwide!

Caring for Caregivers: Forest Bathing
2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Reflection Park Natural Burial Ground, 16621 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, United States
(MD) (Reflection Park) (Capital Nature)
Reflection Park’s Caring for Caregivers series is dedicated to honoring and supporting the incredible individuals who provide compassionate care to those who are nearing the end of life. If you are a death doula, hospice care worker, chaplain, family caregiver, or anyone else committed to accompanying and caring for others during their last days, this program is for you.
Forest bathing is a practice that emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a response to burnout and disconnection in modern life. Known as shinrin-yoku, it is a slow, intentional immersion in the natural world, engaging the senses to arrive more fully in the present moment.
In this next program of our Caring for Caregiver series, we’re delighted to partner with Capital Nature’s Ana Leilani Ka’ahanui, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Virginia Master Naturalist. Guided by Ana, we will move gently through Reflection Park’s woodland trails, pausing to notice what the forest offers, like the light filtering through the canopy, the textures underfoot, and the sounds that fill the silence between our thoughts.

Summer Bird Walk at the Arboretum
2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00 | US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join us for a summer bird walk through the U.S. National Arboretum led by experienced guides from the DC Bird Alliance. The Arboretum’s 451 acres of green space provide a unique ecosystem within the city to find a variety of birds. On this bird walk, you’ll not only spot birds — you’ll also learn about local bird populations, bird behavior, and identification tips!

Secret Lives of Snakes
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Lake Fairfax, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA, 20190, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore the remarkable adaptations and behaviors of these specialized predators through hands-on encounters with non-venomous snake ambassadors. Discover the sophisticated hunting strategies, sensory capabilities and ecological roles that makes this reptiles masters of evolutionary design. Ages 5 to Adult.

Litter Cleanup at Picnic Grove 1
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Creek Picnic Grove #1, 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Blue Planet Scuba for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all.

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
2026-07-18 10:00 - 2026-07-19 18:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (NPS) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Each summer, the Lotus and Water Lily Festival invites visitors to experience the stunning blooms of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens while celebrating the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Anacostia River. This year, the festival embraces a special America 250th theme, highlighting stories that connect our shared national history with the beauty of this treasured landscape. Activities will include drumming, music, art, and nature immersion experiences.
