Rachel Carson's Wonder, Wisdom, and Local legacy (Virtual)
2026-08-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Rachel Carson was a world-renowned writer and biologist who is considered by many as the mother of the modern environmental movement. She lived her adult life in Maryland, first as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins and then moving to Montgomery County for closer proximity to her civil service work in College Park and Washington, DC. This talk by Springsong founder Rebecca Henson will provide an overview of Carson’s life and written works, discussing her courage, ecological philosophy, and clear-eyed wonder in the natural world around us, including the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, Rock Creek Park, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Urban Foraging, Cider Tasting and Cyanotype Printing
2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:00, 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.

The Butterfly Experience
2026-08-27 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-30 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 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.

Late Roses and Wildflowers of Bon Air
2026-08-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Bon Air Park, 850 N Lexington St, Arlington, VA, 22205, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Late summer is a great time to explore wildflowers and garden flowers in our park. Come see what a summer of sunshine and rainstorms has produced. Learn about the history of Bon Air Park and its flowers. Teens 16+ welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Exhibit: The Viewing Stone
2026-08-27 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.

Youth Mountain Bike Ride
2026-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus, 20872, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This is a no rider left behind group ride – think “party pace. ”There will likely be some “session-ing” and skills instruction along the way. This is a perfect way to meet other riders and build skills on your bike. We have a limited number of bikes and helmets available free of charge in case you don’t have one (we will ask to hold something as collateral during the program – cell phone/credit card/etc.). Ages 6+ Must know how to ride a bicycle.

Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
2026-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Diamond Teague Pier, 1520 First St. SE, 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.

Birding Through the Lens (Virtual)
2026-08-27 18:30 - 20:30
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) You don’t need to be a professional photographer—or own professional equipment—to discover how photography can make you a better birder. Join Northern Virginia Bird Alliance as we kick off Birding Through the Lens, our new bird and nature photography program, with an introductory online workshop led by local naturalist and wildlife photographer Matt Felperin.
Discover how photography can sharpen your observation skills and help you identify, study, and appreciate birds more deeply.

Sturgeon Full Moon
2026-08-28 00:00 - 01:00
August’s full Moon will crest on Friday, August 28, reaching peak illumination at 12:18 am. The full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac have different origins, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred.
The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the giant lake and river sturgeons, a native freshwater fish readily caught during this part of summer and an important food staple for Native Americans. At one time, the lake sturgeon was quite abundant in late summer, though they are rarer today. These prehistoric-looking fish have been traced back to around 136 million years ago, and many people call them “living fossils.” Females require around 20 years to start reproducing, and they can reproduce only every 4 years. However, they can live up to 150 years!

Capital Area Natural Resource Management Symposium
2026-08-28 08:30 - 17:00 | Reservoir Center, 301 Water Street SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(DC) (Reservoir Center) Join local natural resource managers and environmental professionals for this annual meeting to share and meet others in the region with similar scopes of work. During the day there will be a series of attendee-submitted talks focused on local natural resource management restoration projects, socioecological work, and applied policy.

Hidden History of the Georgetown Waterfront
2026-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Georgetown Waterfront Park, 3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join us for a ranger-led program that dives deep into the fascinating story of the Georgetown Waterfront. Explore how this vibrant area has transformed over the centuries, shaping the heart of the city as we know it today. Bring your curiosity and get ready to experience history with views of the Potomac as your backdrop. This is a perfect event for history buffs, families, and anyone looking to connect with the stories that built our city!

Ranger Tour at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
2026-08-28 10:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-02 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.

Salsa Garden Party at the Arboretum
2026-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join FONA for a Salsa Party in the Washington Youth Garden! Explore the garden and enjoy delicious salsa made from freshly harvested tomatoes. Salsa instructors will offer a free beginner salsa dance lesson accompanied by salsa music with sounds from La Gozadera DMV sponsored by Latino Outdoors. We’ll also have local food trucks serving up authentic Mexican food and ice cream. Gather your family and friends for a joyful evening of community connection!

This event marks the last day to experience extended summer evening hours at the Arboretum. Come eat, dance, and celebrate the end of summer with us!

Weed Warrior Workday at Sligo Creek
2026-08-29 08:00 - 10:00 | Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks & Friends of Sligo Creek at a volunteer park cleanup & weed warrior workday! Help beautify your community green spaces and save the trees! Ages 16 +

Underground Railroad Guided Hike
2026-08-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Hike covers 2 miles on a natural surface hiking trail. Ages 7 +

Invasive Plant Removal at Piney Branch
2026-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Piney Branch Oasis, 3499 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, 20010, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader, Keith Krosinsky 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.

Exhibit: America's State Flowers
2026-08-29 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.

Late Skate at Anacostia Park
2026-08-29 12:00 - 22:00 | Anacostia Park Skating Pavillion, 1500 Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, DC, 20020, United States
(DC) (Friends of Anacostia Park) Come get your skate on! Join Friends of Anacostia Park, the National Park Service, and our community partners for a day of music, recreation and kinship in DC’s most storied skating venue.

Nocturnal Animals Campfire
2026-08-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers).

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.

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 | 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.

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

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!
