Capital Nature

Invasive Plant Removal at Kenilworth
2026-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Kenilworth Park, 4000 Deane Avenue NE, Wasington DC, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Join us at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens to remove woody invasive shrubs and vines in the park to protect native ecosystems.
Park at the parking lot on Deane Ave NE near Kenilworth Track, then walk to the dirt path that leads to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to meet a representative from the NPS Invasive Plant Management Team. No skills or prior knowledge are required for these events. Volunteers who sign up will receive an email with further details about the event 48 hours prior to its start.

First Sunday Bird Walk at Kenilworth
2026-02-01 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 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!

Owl Prowl & Cocoa
2026-01-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for an evening nature hike when the leaves aren’t on the trees, making owls easier to spot. Give a hoot… literally as we learn about and try to call to our native nocturnal raptors. Families.

Film: One Sky Project
2026-01-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) This is the full dome feature version of the One Sky Project. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of “Finding Patterns” and developing tools.
This film runs about 45 minutes.

Searching for Birds of Prey
2026-01-31 13:30 - 15:00 | DC
(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Super Salamander Healing Lab
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30 | Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA, 22150, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Discover the amazing superpower of salamanders-they can regrow entire limbs. In this fun STEM workshop, students became nature detectives and medical inventors to create super bandages inspired by these incredible creatures. Ages 11 to 14.

Winter Stream Life
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA, 20151, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore Walney Creek with a naturalist to meet some of the small creek critters (macroinvertebrates) that call it home. Learn why so many different types of macroinvertebrates are active in winter streams. The naturalist will demonstrate winter collecting and participants can help pick, sort and learn to identify these magnificent critters. Ages 8 to Adult.

Ice Skating at Canal Park
2026-01-31 12:00 - 22:00 | Canal Park, 200 M Street SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice.
The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2026-01-31 10:00 - 17:30 | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) Artificial lights have become such common nighttime fixtures that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution go beyond our diminishing view of the stars, but the solutions can have an immediate impact.
Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?
On view through December 2026.

DMV Winter Salt Week Open House
2026-01-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Izaak Walton League Headquarters, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, United States
(MD) (Izaak Walton League) Join us to learn how to stay safe while protecting the environment during the winter months. Learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts. During the event we will hear from regional expert speakers, monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg for road salt pollution, and learn how much salt is needed to keep us safe during the winter while keeping environmental health in mind.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 East
2026-01-31 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 Plant Removal at Normanstone
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Normanstone Trail, 2841 Normanstone Drive NW, 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.

A Stargazer's Garden
2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd, United States
(VA) Fairfax County Parks) Discover the cosmic magic where sky meets soil. Explore constellations in the night sky and learn how stars have influenced gardening traditions from around the world. Then, bring the stars down to Earth by creating your own glow-in-the-dark constellation craft to take home. Ages 6 to Adult.

Introduction to iNaturalist
2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) iNaturalist is an awesome tool to document and learn about the natural world around us. Come learn how to use the phone/tablet app and explore observations on the website, then put it into practice with a walk outside! Teens ages 12+ are welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Winter Wildlife Detectives
2026-01-31 10:00 - 10:30 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the chilly season. Join us to track, explore, and reveal the wild winter stories hiding just beneath our feet!

Wonderful Woodpeckers
2026-01-31 09:30 - 11:30 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA, 22003, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Woodpeckers are keystone species which help many other forest animals by excavating holes in trees. Learn about our six local species, their lifestyles and adaptations. The two sessions include a hike, natural history information, drawing tips, journal page ideas and making a whimsical woodpecker creation. Ages 16 +.
This is Session 2 of a two-part program.

Exploring Blackwater Wildlife Refuge through Photography
2026-01-31 06:30 - 09:30 | DC
(MD) (Capital Photography Center) Join us on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with Kim Kelly as we explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary has over 32,000 acres of diverse habitats attracting waterfowl and other birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Winter months can be awesome for photographing birds and wildlife in the DMV area. At this time of year, the eagles are plentiful as pairs match up and begin nest building.
We will be honing our skills at photographing birds and other potential wildlife as we move around the refuge.

Junior Naturalist Hike in Rock Creek Park
2026-01-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ – 1 ½ miles through the Rock Creek Valley. Recommended ages 8+.

Animal Tea Party
2026-01-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA, 20171, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join us for a cozy tea party on the farm. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, help us decorate for the party and read a story. We will enjoy drinks and cookies in a special environmentally friendly tea set and meet one of our animals. Ages 4 to 7.

Stellar Star Show at Rock Creek
2026-01-30 14:00 - 14:30 | Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, 20015, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Come and enjoy a ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show will be a 30-minute ranger-led program about the planets and the night sky.

Salt Monitoring 101 (Virtual)
2026-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 | DC
(US) (Winter Salt Week) Want to make a difference? Let’s talk practical ways to mobilize your community, collaborate with local leaders, and champion policies that support smarter winter maintenance.
Winter Salt Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. Winter salt use damages infrastructure and threatens the health of lakes, streams, and drinking water. An informed public can support the adoption of best practices in snow and ice control and advocate for the protection of freshwater resources.

Junior Naturalist Winter Day Camp
2026-01-30 09:00 - 16:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world! In this special one-day camp, participate in a variety of winter-themed games, activities, and more as you enjoy the park! This day camp is a perfect introduction for any young naturalist interested in Camp Overlook’s summer camp offerings. Ages 7 to 9.

Capturing Winter Scenes (Virtual)
2026-01-29 18:30 - 21:30 | DC
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Bundle up, go outside, and take photos that stand apart from the pack. The low sun angles bring long shadows, snow and ice provide uniqueness, and leaves don’t obscure the character of trees. Before you head out, discuss potential exposure, focusing and battery issues, and gear concerns. Exploring classic winter scenes such as ice-skating rinks, sledding, local winter events, winterberries, and backyard birding, strategize the optimal technique in each scenario, including panning and outdoor macro. Two sessions from January 29 ​to February 5, 2026​

Unique Geological Features of Virginia (Virtual)
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | DC
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The rocks don’t sleep in winter! Virginia hosts some incredible geological features like caves, gorges, and waterfalls. These geological features in turn host unusual species and natural communities. Come learn about these special parts of our natural heritage!

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
2026-01-29 11:00 - 21:00 | National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20565, United States
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, leaving a 15-minute break for ice maintenance.

Project Feederwatch
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome. This project meets weekly on Thursdays through February. Ages 5+.
We will not be meeting on December 25 and 26. We will also not be meeting on January 1 and 2.

Demonstration: Repotting Orchids
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Connect with horticultural experts as they present tips and techniques related to their field of expertise. On this occasion, George will be in the Conservatory Garden Court showing how to repot orchids. Stop by to strengthen or stretch your skill set!

Little Critters Nature Play
2026-01-29 09:30 - 13:30 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Celebrate the seasons with us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the beautiful plants that grow in gardens year-round. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.

The Art of Floral Design (Virtual)
2026-01-28 19:30 - 21:00 | DC
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn the fundamentals of floral arranging as this class covers essential base mechanics, sourcing flowers, working with seasonal blooms, and photographing your work. Study design principles and techniques to build successful, balanced arrangements that reflect your personal style. These core skills are designed to help grow your confidence and give you a strong foundation to approach arranging. 6 sessions from January 28 ​to March 4, 2026​

Deep Dive: Salamanders of Virginia (Virtual)
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | DC
(VA) (Arlington Parks) This online talk will cover the common species of salamanders in Northern Virginia as well as the diversity and biology of these elusive amphibians. Adults.
