Forest Bathing at Hillwood
2025-10-17 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens) Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature as you experience a forest bathing walk in Hillwood’s gardens and grounds.
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.

Hillwood Focus Tour: Plants of Fall
2025-10-17 14:30 - 15:15 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) The fall garden shines as plantings, accented by tens-of-thousands of chrysanthemums, begin to transition from the bright growth of summer to fall colors. Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture, highlights her favorite fall features and first-hand stories of practical gardening lessons. Tickets are distributed at the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center upon opening each day. This forty-five-minute tour is limited to twenty and meets in the visitor center conservatory.

Nature Journaling for Kids
2025-10-17 17:00 - 18:30 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Kids love being out in nature and through journaling they can learn how to connect with nature even more. Join a naturalist to learn how to truly observe nature around you and how to get those observations and thoughts on paper. After a guided session, you will have the opportunity to create a nature journal entry on your own. Nature walks will be apart of this program so participants should be able to walk on natural surface trails, which may have some steep inclines. Ages 8 to 15.

Mothtober Fest at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
2025-10-17 20:30 - 22:30 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks)
Discover the magic of moths at MOTHtober FEST! Experience a unique nighttime adventure celebrating these fascinating nocturnal pollinators with Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin and Ana Ka’ahanui of Capital Nature. Using bed sheets and black lights, we’ll attract, observe, and identify a variety of moths while learning why these, often-overlooked, insects are vital to our ecosystems.

Canal Community Day
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Georgetown Visitor Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (Canal Trust) Spend your weekend with us in the eastern part of the park and make a difference. The C&O Canal National Historical Park follows the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland and is one of the most visited national park sites in the country. The C&O Canal Trust is the park’s official nonprofit partner, committed to supporting the park and local communities through fundraising initiatives, expanding accessibility and broadening support through programs that highlight the park’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage.

Cleanup at Carter Barron
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington DC, 20011, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service, and for our cleanup of the Carter Barron amphitheater. We will remove debris, paint, clear leaf litter, weed, sweep, and trim back invasive plants, helping preserve the amphitheater while it awaits future restoration. This is a unique opportunity to get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the amphitheater and help take care of an important community resource. Event location directions and information will be sent from the event leader 24 hours before the event.

Anacostia Park Care Day
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Anacostia Park Skating Pavillion, 1500 Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, DC, 20020, United States
(DC) (Friends of Anacostia Park) Join Friends of Anacostia Park in supporting a clean and vibrant Park for all who visit! Meet Grounds Lead Mr. Wayne at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, every 3rd Saturday of the Month June – October. The event will run from 10 AM – 12 PM. Projects vary, all supplies are provided. Typical activities include trash and invasive species removal, mulching/watering trees, and beautifying the landscape.

CANCELLED - Forest Bathing at Woodend
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Woodend Nature Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
(MD) (Nature Forward)
Join Forest Bathing guide Ana Ka’ahanui from Capital Nature in a soothing exploration and mindfulness walk through the forests at Woodend. Awaken your senses to Fall, connect to the present moment, and support your mental health and wellbeing.

Invasive Vine Removal in Hyattsville
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Heurich Park, 6001 Ager Rd, Hyattsville, MD, 20782, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join the Hyattsville Tree Stewards and the City of Hyattsville to remove Invasive Vines around the neighborhood. We will meet at Heurich 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 (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) and English ivy (Hedera helix). Please wear long pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes. Instructions and tools will be provided, so just bring yourself and a good attitude! This project is sponsored through a partnership between CCAN and Casey Trees.

Fall Bonsai Show at Meadowlark
2025-10-18 10:00 - 2025-10-19 16:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Discover the art and beauty of bonsai at the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society’s (NVBS) Fall Show, held at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. More than 30 fascinating bonsai trees will be on display where NVBS members will provide demonstrations of bonsai techniques and share their knowledge. This free show takes place in the Visitor Center.

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
2025-10-19 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.

Forest Bathing with Ana at Theodore Roosevelt Island
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington DC, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join naturalist and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Ana Ka’ahanui from Capital Nature, for an introduction to forest bathing among the trees on Theodore Roosevelt Island. “Shinrin-yoku,” or taking in the forest atmosphere with all of your senses, is a way to slow down, unwind and connect to the natural world. Through a series of simple sensory exercises we’ll be experiencing the wonders of nature with this relaxing mindfulness practice.
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is rooted in the ancient Japanese reverence for nature, has caught on all around the world as people everywhere are discovering the joys—and proven mental and physical health benefits—of time spent in nature.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 West
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Reservation 630 West, 3031 Sedgwick Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, 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.

Invasive Plant Removal at Little Forest
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Little Forest Park, Military Road & 28th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20015, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Bethann Siegel and John Burwell 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours prior to the event.

Birdability Week
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-26 | VA
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Birdability Week is an annual occasion to exchange valuable resources and innovative ideas, aiming to foster an inclusive and accommodating environment within the birding community. By encouraging accessibility, embracing diversity, and promoting a warm and open atmosphere, Birdability Week aims to ensure that birding is an enjoyable experience for everybody.
Celebrate the beauty of birds and enjoy a welcoming and inclusive birding experiences in Montgomery Parks. See the registration page for multiple events.

Dyke Marsh Fall Colors Walk
2025-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA, 22307, United States
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Enjoy Dyke Marsh’s fall colors on our walk led by Margaret Chatham and Alan Ford. Fall’s colors are unpredictable, but we might see red sumac leaves and fruits, Virginia creeper vines in red and yellow hues and pokeweed’s purple berries and magenta stems. This walk is limited to 20 people so everyone can hear. Rain date: October 24. Meet at the Haul Road Trail entrance.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2025-10-21 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!
Tuesday morning bird walks at Kenilworth run every week to December 29th.

Hillwood Focus Tour: Fall Trees
2025-10-21 11:30 - 12:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Experience the serene colors, sights, and stories of the fall trees at Hillwood. Join Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture, as she spotlights the seasonal foliage. 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.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Bash
2025-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Get in the Halloween spirit by carving or painting a pumpkin with your friends at Potomac Overlook! We’ll provide tools, paint, and of course, a pumpkin for some holiday fun. You’ll also enjoy candy, a Halloween craft, and visits from several of our spooky nocturnal critters from the nature center!

Wingspan Game Night
2025-10-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join our NextGen group as they bring together bird enthusiasts, board gamers, and cider lovers for a Wingspan Game Night at Lost Boy Cider.
We’ll have 4–5 game boxes on hand (enough for 20–25 players), so whether you’re a seasoned Wingspan-er or just curious to learn, there’s a spot for you at the table. New players are absolutely welcome—Wingspan is easy to learn and fun for all skill levels.Not in the mood to play? No problem! Swing by to enjoy a cider, cheer on the players, and connect with fellow community members.

Co-Existing with Beavers (Virtual)
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Love Beavers? We at Friends of Huntley Meadows Park sure do. We have them to thank for much of our wonderful park, and you can learn more about them! Join FODM for Alison Zak’s presentation on beavers (Castor canadenis). Zak will provide a brief history of human interactions with beavers over time, an overview of beaver ecology and behavior and an exploration of the benefits that beavers and the wetlands they create provide to the health of our watersheds, landscapes and communities. She will also review effective and non-lethal methods for managing beaver-caused challenges like tree damage and flooding.
Zak is the founder and executive director of the Fairfax-based Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund. She has studied human-wildlife conflict and worked as an environmental educator.

Meteor Shower Kayak Paddle
2025-10-23 01:00 - 02:30 | Fountainhead Regional Park, 10875 Hampton Rd, Fairfax Station, VA, 22039, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join Matt Felperin, NOVA Parks’ Roving Naturalist, for a special paddle under the stars during the Orionid Meteor Shower. Learn more about this natural phenomenon while you search for constellations and satellites. Begin with a brief paddling overview before heading out to take in the night sky. Program includes experienced guide, kayak rental, paddle, and Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Previous kayaking experience is suggested but not required. Ages 16 and up.

Gentle Yoga at Brookside
2025-10-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This 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. This class will be held weekly in the Japanese Tea House, located in the Gude Garden, through October. Ages 18+

Anacostia River Boat Arts Tour
2025-10-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Anacostia Park Boat Ramp, 1500 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society and the Phillips Collection for a boat tour of the Anacostia River in collaboration with pioneering DC Artist, Rik Freeman as he shares about his exhibition, Wade in the Waters. Rik will present on-land before we embark on the boat 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.

Tree Walk through History
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St SE, Washington DC, 20003, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Casey Trees and the Historic Congressional Cemetery as we partner for a sunset “Tree Walk Through History.” The tour will feature selected old-growth trees, along with two dozen distinct species planted by Casey Trees over the past two decades. The signature tree collection will be preserved, cared for, and eventually tagged with their scientific and common names to earn official Arbnet Arboretum Accreditation for the cemetery grounds.
The tour will be co-led by Liam Ulasevich, Arborist and Director of Tree Operations at Casey, A.J. Orlikoff, Interim Executive Director at Congressional Cemetery; and Sharon Metcalf, HCC arboretum partnership coordinator.

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
2025-10-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join an instructor-led gentle flow yoga class on Carlyle House’s picturesque Magnolia Terrace. Start by building heat with sun salutations, then progress to balance, deep stretching and finally relaxation. Please bring water, a towel, and yoga mat.

Halloween Weekend at Bull Run
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-26 | Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA, 20121, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) For Bull Run registered campers Halloween activities abound!
Movie Night: Spooky Buddies
Friday, 7-9pm
Watch the family-friendly movie of the week! Freshly popped popcorn will be available for purchase at the camp store while open. Location: Picnic shelter across from the camp store.
Pumpkin Painting
Saturday, 10–11am
Bring your creativity for some pumpkin fun! Purchase a real pumpkin at the camp store for $5 and paint your masterpiece, or use the provided paper pumpkin template to paint for free. Location: Activity shelter across from the camp store
And More! Make sure you are registered for the weekend.

Exhibit: Little Beasts
2025-10-24 10:00 - 17:00 | National Gallery of Art, 6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, 20565, United States
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Experience the wonder of nature through the eyes of artists. During the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries, advancements in scientific technology, trade, and colonial expansion allowed naturalists to study previously unknown and overlooked insects, animals, and other beestjes, or “little beasts.”

A delight for all ages, this exhibition features nearly 75 of these paintings, prints, and drawings in a unique presentation alongside specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Learn about the rich exchange between artists and naturalists that sparked a fascination with earth’s living creatures, big and small.
This exhibit and film ongoing through November 2025.

Sunrise in the Gardens
2025-10-25 07:00 - 19:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Sunrise is the perfect time for a peaceful walk, birding, or nature photography. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will open at 7am for guests to enjoy nature in the early morning hours.

Invasive Plants Removal at Potomac Overlook
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:30 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Regional Master Naturalists) Do you like working outside? Join community volunteers in protecting the local environment from non-native invasive plants and replacing them with native plants. This is a continuing project typically held every Saturday to reclaim Potomac Overlook Regional Park from non-native invasive plants. Be sure to come dressed for work, wear long pants, long sleeves, and perhaps a hat. You may also want to bring along your own water bottle, but bottled water and snacks will be provided. Ages 9 to Adult.
