The Butterfly Experience
2026-08-30 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-05 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-06 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 West
2026-08-30 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.

Urban Foraging, Cider Tasting and Cyanotype Printing
2026-08-30 15:00 - 17:00 | ANXO Cidery, 711 Kennedy St. NW, Washington, DC, 20011, United States
(DC) Join forager, author and instructor April Thompson at ANXO, DC’s award-winning cidery, for a workshop blending urban foraging, botanical art and cider tasting. Begin with an introduction to foraging, then explore Brightwood on a short walk to discover edible plants growing in unexpected places. April will share tips for identifying, preparing and using your finds.
Enjoy a welcome pour of limited-edition cider made with locally grown fruit; additional drinks and foraged foods will be available for purchase. Back at ANXO, learn cyanotyping (solar printing), one of the earliest photographic processes, and create a botanical print using plants gathered along the way. If weather prevents printing, you’ll receive materials to finish at home.

Early Morning Pontoon Cruise
2026-08-31 08:30 - 10:30 | Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, 20841, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Wildlife are busy in the early morning hours and the lighting is great for photos. Join us for an early morning pontoon tour for some birding and photography, or just a lovely morning cruise on Little Seneca Lake. Meet at the pontoon boat dock, by the boat rentals.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-09-01 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-09-15 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!

55+ Kayaking for Beginners
2026-09-02 14:30 - 16:30 | Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, 20841, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Kayaking is even more fun that it looks, plus it has numerous health and physical benefits! Come learn how to paddle on flat water in recreational solo kayaks on Little Seneca Lake. Learn basic strokes, entries and exits, boat control, and more, taught by certified American Canoe Association instructors. You may get wet, so dress accordingly. All necessary equipment provided, and adaptive equipment will be available for those needing assistance getting in and out of the kayak.

Ranger Tour at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
2026-09-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-07 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.

Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
2026-09-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Anacostia Park Boat Ramp, 1500 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(MD) (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.

Music In the Meadow at the Arboretum
2026-09-04 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) End summer on a high note at FONA’s Music in the Meadow Concert featuring the Daisy Road band. Experience an exhilarating live performance celebrating the National Herb Garden’s Rock (‘N Roll) Garden exhibit. Daisy Road’s eclectic mix of rock, soul, and funk music will celebrate the vibrant world of herbs that rock, as well as those that inspire us to rock.
Bring your picnic blanket, try out a local food truck, and sing along to classic tunes the whole family will enjoy!

Saturday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-09-05 08:30 - 10:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-09-06 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!

Last Day: The Butterfly Experience
2026-09-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-09-08 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!
Every week on Tuesday at 8:30 AM through December 29th.

Native Garden Tour at Hillwood
2026-09-08 14:30 - 15:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Explore the Collections and Research Center native garden featuring a bio-retention pond with garden section manager and coordinator Cicily Arnsworth. 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.

Wild Rice Seed Collection in Kingman Lake
2026-09-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Driving Range Parking Lot of the Langston Golf Course, 2556 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Volunteers will help the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) to collect bags containing wild rice (Zizania aquatica) by waders from the wetlands by Langston Golf Course! We will bring out cutting tools to retrieve the bags of wild rice. Once the bags are collected, we will bring them back to shore and empty the seeds into buckets.
For over 15 years, AWS has been collecting wild rice seed as part of our wetland restoration efforts in the tidal Anacostia River. The seed collected in the bags will be used for propagation in the Anacostia River in the spring of 2027 through mudballing (seeding) and the production of seedlings that will be transplanted in the river once they reach a suitable size.

Jazz in the Gardens at Hillwood
2026-09-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Join us for the sixth summer of Jazz in the Gardens in the spectacular setting of Hillwood’s gardens! Experience the dynamic sound of Carr/Keys, a collaboration between two masters of the craft: tenor saxophonist Paul Carr and alto saxophonist Marshall Keys. Their group merges the essence of straight-ahead jazz with the spirit of soul, creating a sound that resonates with both seasoned jazz lovers and new audiences.

Anacostia River Discovery Canoe Tour
2026-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Blaidensburg, MD, United States
(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for an Anacostia River Discovery Series boat tour on the Anacostia River 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 in the Anacostia River.

Guided Forest Bathing at Hillwood
2026-09-11 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature as you experience a forest bathing walk in Hillwood’s gardens and grounds with certified forest bathing guide Ana Ka’ahanui. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (which translates to “absorbing the forest atmosphere”), forest bathing is a research-based activity designed to promote health and well-being through immersion in natural settings.
Participants will be guided on a soothing stroll through the spring gardens at a slow pace. They will be invited to participate in gentle activities designed to engage their senses and tune into the sounds, smells, textures, and sights of nature around them. ​

Birding at Kingman Island
2026-09-12 07:30 - 09:30 | Driving Range Parking Lot of the Langston Golf Course, 2556 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), National Links Trust, DC Bird Alliance, and Dan Rauch from DC’s Department of Energy and Environment, for a morning at Langston Golf Course on Kingman Island, looking for some of the Anacostia River’s amazing birds. All birding skills welcomed! Great for new and experienced birders.
Any observations made using the free iNaturalist application during the walking tour will count towards observations made as part of the 10th Anacostia River Bioblitz!

Invasive Species Removal at Langdon Park
2026-09-12 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.

Anacostia River Bioblitz
2026-09-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, College Park, MD, 20740, United States
(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) The Anacostia River watershed is home to an incredible number of species, and it takes a village to get out there and document them! Using iNaturalist, participants will help us document its biodiversity and learn about the identification and ecology of some of the river’s fascinating species.
Watch the video at the bottom of this page to learn more about how to use iNaturalist. We will track observations on our iNaturalist collection project page.

Federal Plant Collections in the District
2026-09-15 13:00 - 15:00 | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join the Botanical Society of Washington with the National Arboretum for a panel discussion that brings together collections curators and communicators from the National Arboretum, U.S. Botanic Garden, U.S. Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, and Smithsonian Botany and Gardens. These experts will explore the unique challenges and opportunities they experience in their roles as keepers of federally funded plant collections and highlight the unique place each organization holds in our nation’s capital.

Stream Team Leader Training (Virtual)
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:00 | MD
(DC) (MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy for a virtual training for our Stream Team Leader program. Stream Team Leaders are dedicated volunteers that work with the Conservancy to host their own trash cleanups and stormwater engagement events, increasing stewardship actions within their communities and throughout Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, MD. The training will take place on zoom. A link will be sent to all registered participants on the day of the training.

Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Diamond Teague Pier, 1520 First St. SE, Washington, DC, 20003, 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.

Springsong Living Landscapes Hike
2026-09-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Springsong Museum Future Site, 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, United States
(MD) (Springsong Museum) Nourish your sense of wonder during a morning forest bathing walk in the Northwest Branch gorge adjacent to the Springsong Museum site. We will walk slowly and pause often as we explore the upland woods and streamside of cascading Northwest Branch. Forest bathing is a practice that began in Japan in the 1980s and celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature in a way that aligns with Rachel Carson’s views of the world. During our walk we will tune in to each of our senses as we open our hearts to the beauty of spring in the gorge.
Walk leader Melanie Choukas-Bradley is a certified nature and forest therapy guide who has participated in forest bathing walks with shinrin-yoku guides in Japan. She is the author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons and several other nature books.
