Capital Nature

Wellness Wednesday at the Arboretum
2026-06-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Connect your mind, body, and spirit with nature through guided mindfulness programs on Wednesdays during summer evening hours. Save the date — registrations are coming soon!

Invasive Plant Removal at Powhatan Springs
2026-06-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Powhatan Springs Park, 6020 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22205, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Powhatan Springs Park 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. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Exhibit: The Art of Truman Low
2026-06-24 10:00 - 17:30 | National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth Street & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20560
(DC) (Smithsonian) View the first major retrospective of the acclaimed Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist: Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Lowe’s elegant, minimalist sculptures made of willow branches, feathers, and other organic materials evoke the rivers, streams, and waterfalls of the Wisconsin woodlands where he was raised and the canoes used to traverse them.

Invasive Vine Removal at Branch Ave Park
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Branch Avenue Park, 3350 Erie St SE, Washington, DC, 20020, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN to remove Invasive Vines at Branch Ave Park in DC. 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 vines including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) and English ivy (Hedera helix).
This project is sponsored through a partnership between CCAN and Casey Trees, and is funded in part by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.

Sunrise Kayak Paddle
2026-06-24 05:00 - 07:00 | Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, VA, 22079, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy a relaxing guided sunrise kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks’ Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm morning waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! Expect to see Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. We will begin with a brief paddling instruction overview before heading out. Previous kayak experience suggested, but not required. Ages 12+

Summer Twilight Concert at Brookside
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us each Tuesday evening in June for a series of musical performances set in the beauty of the Gardens! Admission is free, and no registration is required. Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget your chairs, blankets, and picnics (allowed in the Gardens on concert evenings only). Food trucks will also be available for your dining pleasure. No registration required. Tonight’s performers are The Sidleys | Indie Rock / Soul.

Cleanup at Long Branch-Garland Park
2026-06-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park, 8700 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks & Friends of Sligo Creek at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife! Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.

Pollinator Week
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-28
(Pollinator Partnership) Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Popular events include planting for pollinators, hosting garden tours, participating in online bee and butterfly ID workshops. Check out events with Pollinator Partnership and organizations throughout the DMV.

Firefly Festival
2026-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 24th St N, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Come celebrate summer’s natural night lights as we learn about these bioluminescent beetles! Activities include: bug hunts, games, crafts, walks, and talks about fireflies. Bring a picnic blanket as we wait for sunset and the natural lights to come out.

Summer Solstice Kayak Tour at Riverbend
2026-06-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA, 22066, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Soak up the longest day of sunlight on the water. This tour will lead you to elegant sunset views over the Riverbend Park shoreline from the Potomac River. Canceled if inclement water or hazardous river conditions. Single & tandem kayaks are available. Ages 14 to Adult.

WELLderness Yoga at Kenilworth
2026-06-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington DC, 20019, United States
(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) This Kundalini Yoga class follows a structured, intentional sequence designed to awaken energy, balance the nervous system, and support overall well-being. 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.
Kahlil Kuykendall is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher who has been sharing the practice since 2006. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping others manage stress, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves through breath, movement, and mindfulness.

Solstice Sunday at the Zoo
2026-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (National Zoo) Celebrate the start of summer with our free, family‑friendly Science Solstice Sunday, part of the Smithsonian’s annual Solstice Weekend!
Follow animal clues in an interactive scavenger hunt across the Zoo for a chance to win a prize, enjoy special animal demonstrations, and explore hands-on activity stations from Smithsonian scientists, researchers, and experts working around the world to protect wildlife and study nature

Exhibit: Growing Together
2026-06-21 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 18:00 | National Mall, 1750 Independence Avenue Southwest, Wasington DC, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian Gardens) Nine exhibits across Smithsonian Gardens around the National Mall hold history and memories, tell American stories, and carry culture through food growing and seed saving. The exhibition also introduces gardens as places of wellbeing, connection, and innovation—from horticultural therapy to the powerful role trees play in ecosystems and in cities.

The Butterfly Experience
2026-06-21 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.

Summer Solstice Forest Bathing at the Arboretum
2026-06-21 09:00 - 11:00 | U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide for a special Summer Solstice Forest Bathing session at the National Arboretum. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure, and improved attention and mood.
Our forest bathing walks are around two hours long and consist of three ‘invitations’. Each time the guide will prompt you to reflect on a particular aspect of the natural world around you, give you time to wander and meditate throughout the garden collection, then reconvene the group to share reflections.

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
2026-06-21 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.

Native American Folklore Campfire
2026-06-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn 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!

Ward 8 Woods Summer Solstice Hike and Cookout
2026-06-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl, SE, Washington, DC, 20020, United States
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join the Ward 8 Woods community in our annual marque event marking the longest day and shortest day of the year. We’ll take a contemplative walk the George Washington Carver Trail, reflect on our work, and enjoy a cookout with burger, half smokes, veggie burgers, and corn on the cobb.

Shakespeare in the Park
2026-06-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Love, disguise, and redemption collide in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Driven from court by sibling rivalry and ruthless ambition, Orlando and Rosalind escape into the Forest of Arden, where identities blur and hearts awaken. Witty, romantic, and full of heart, As You Like It celebrates love in all its unexpected forms.
Bring a lawn chair, and a picnic and enjoy the bard under the stars.

Ranger Tour at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
2026-06-20 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 at the Visitors Center.

WELLderness Forest Bathing with Sage
2026-06-20 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.

Day of Service on Kingman island
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Kingman Island _RFK Lot 6, United States
(DC) (Living Classrooms) Join the Kingman Island Rangers and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) to remove trash on and near Kingman + Heritage Islands and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail before it makes its way into the Anacostia River. We will provide pickers, gloves, bags and instruction. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Please also bring a reusable water bottle and a bag to keep your belongings in.

Matthew Henson Trail Cleanup
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Matthew Henson State Park Stream Valley Park, Veirs Mill Road east to, Georgia Ave, Aspen Hill, MD, 20906, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife! Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.

Forest Bathing at Locust Grove
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Forest bathing promotes wellness through deepening our connection to natural environments. Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates as “taking in the atmosphere of the forest,””. This 2-hour session, led by certified forest therapy guide Adria S. Zeldin, will guide you through mindfulness-based sensory invitations to help you slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature. Ages 18 and up.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 East
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Reservation 630 East, 2801 Quebec Street Northwest, Washington, 20008
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Weed Warrior leader Rena Subotnik or 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours prior to the event.

Invasive Species Removal + Volunteer Celebration at Langdon Park
2026-06-20 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 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.
At around 10:30, we will stop working and party! Come join us as we celebrate all the hard work volunteers at Langdon Park have accomplished this summer. We will have refreshments, snacks, and fun facts about the park.

Invasive Plant Removal at Zachary Taylor Park
2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Zachary Taylor Park, 2900 N Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Zachary Taylor Park 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. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cleanup at Northwest Branch Stream Valley
2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, 75 Southampton Dr, SIlver Spring, MD, 20903, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks & Neighbors of Northwest Branch at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife! Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.

Jazz in the Garden
2026-06-19 18:00 - 20:30 | National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20565, United States
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Travel across the country through music, exploring our many traditions—from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Every Friday through August 14 (except June 5 and July 3). Pre-show dance classes on May 22 and 29, June 12, and July 24.
Event registration through a lottery. The lottery takes place the week before each event, opening on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and closing Friday at noon. Limited day-of passes will be available starting at 5:00 p.m.
