Capital Nature

Teacher's Night at USBG
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join us at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory for the 19th annual D.C. Teachers’ Night. Connect with D.C. area environmental education organizations and find ways to get your students learning about the natural world and how to bring the environment into the classroom! Learn from an amazing community about field trip experiences, professional development opportunities, and resources.
The event is free, however registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. Certificates of Participation available for PDUs.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2026-02-26 10:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-23 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.

Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
2026-02-26 10:00 - 17:30 | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) Celebrate the vast and varied insect world through the pages of early natural history books from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Dazzling Diversity provides a glimpse into the wealth of recorded scientific knowledge in these books, and the continuing relevance of historical science to contemporary biodiversity research. It offers a snapshot of different classes of insects and their habitats, while showcasing the careful artistry of scientific illustration.
On view through May 11th, 2026.

Climate DC: Board Game Night
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Board Room, 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
(DC) (Climate DC) Tired of the cold and looking for something to do inside? Or have the Olympics woken up a competitive spirit in you?Join Climate DC for our February event – Board Game Night. Take the night to relax, have fun, and get to know fellow climate enthusiasts over some nature and climate-inspired games.

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
2026-02-25 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.

Discover Orchids
2026-02-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20560
(DC) (Smithsonian) Stop by the Smithsonian Gardens Discovery Station and explore the connective power of orchids! Take a closer look at the amazing traits that orchids share, uncover the history of vanilla, and get inspired by the Smithsonian Gardens’ orchid collection. Our knowledgeable volunteers are happy to answer your orchid care questions.
Find the Discovery Station in the exhibition The Connective Power of Orchids during the following times through April 26, 2026.

Mondays: 1–4 p.m.
Tuesdays–Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4p.m.

Pup Stroll Day at Meadowlark
2026-02-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) GREAT NEWS! Now garden guests may enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with their favorite canines every Wednesday for Pup Stroll Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens. (Only service dogs are permitted on other days.) Please note: Garden admission ends at 6:30pm.

Invasive Vine Removal at Bladensburg
2026-02-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, 20784, United States
(MD) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from Chesapeake Climate Action Network and the Community Native Planting Project to remove Invasive Vines. We will start with a brief training on invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing invasives.

National Native Seed Conference (Virtual)
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-26 | Washington DC
(US) (Institute for Applied Ecology)The 2026 National Native Seed Conference is dedicated to the science, practice, and policy of producing and effectively using native seed. Join us for this two-day virtual conference designed to:

Provide opportunities for attendees to explore new ideas
Share success stories and lessons learned
Connect and collaborate with colleagues across the country

DC EcoWomen Book Club
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Teaism Penn Quarter, 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC, 20004, United States
(DC) (DC EcoWomen) DC EcoWomen invites you to our February Eco Book Club, a welcoming space to connect with fellow environmentally minded women and allies over a meaningful environmental read.
Our selected book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World byRobin Wall Kimmerer, explores themes of reciprocity, gift economies, gratitude, and our relationship with the natural world. Through storytelling and Indigenous ecological wisdom, the book invites us to reimagine sustainability, community, and what it means to live in balance with the Earth. Whether you finish every chapter or just want to listen and learn, you’re welcome to join the conversation.

Your Yard or Balcony Can Be a Pollinator Garden
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Oakton Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Rd, Oakton, 22124, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) You don’t need a large yard to make a big impact for wildlife. Join Laurie Dodd to learn how planting native plants can support pollinators while creating a beautiful, low-maintenance garden—whether you’re working with a backyard, patio, or balcony. This talk introduces easy-to-grow native plants that thrive in a variety of habitats and benefit bees, butterflies, and more.

Protecting Our Watershed
2026-02-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 South Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join Arlington Park Naturalist Itzamar Duran Cruz to learn about local conservation efforts through an exploration of ongoing projects in our watershed. Discover how our community is protecting natural resources and how you can get involved in making a difference. 55+ program.

Winter Walk at Meadowlark
2026-02-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy free garden admission and a guided walk around Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ 95 acres on Tuesdays. Each 75-minute walk will be over uneven, hilly terrain, have a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion and a few interesting facts from our docent along the way. Ages 18 +
This is a drop-in program.

Little Critters Nature Play
2026-02-24 09:30 - 13:30 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the different plants and animals that live in the Amazon rainforest. 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.

Botanical Gardens of the World (Virtual)
2026-02-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Washington DC
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as varied as Singapore, the Arizona desert, and the American Midwest. In vibrant visuals he explores how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom:
February 8 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
February 15 Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona
February 22 Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis

Maple Sugar Walk
2026-02-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Hike with a naturalist to the maple tree grove and learn how sugar maple sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup! This is an indoor and outdoor program on natural surface trails. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check Brooksidenature.org for day-of event status.

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
2026-02-22 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.

Your Yard or Balcony Can Be a Pollinator Garden
2026-02-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA, 22003, United States

Frog Frenzy
2026-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) What’s that sound? Wood frogs abound! These woodland amphibians are a welcoming sign that spring is just around the corner. See (and hear) some of these ribbeting animals at Potomac Overlook’s frog pond, and learn about a fascinating adaptation that helps them survive the cold winter. Ages 5 +

Floral Design Workshop
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Inspired by Hillwood’s newest exhibition On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting, create an arrangement that can stand the test of time—featuring blooms that can be dried such as roses, thistle, and hydrangea—in this onsite floral workshop. All materials are included and subject to availability.

Winter Stream Ecology Hike
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Bundle up and join us for a winter nature hike full of frosty discoveries! Ever wonder what fish do when streams freeze over? How life keeps moving under the ice? On this guided walk, we’ll explore stream ecology in winter and uncover how aquatic life—especially fish—adapts to survive the freezing temperatures, slower currents, and reduced food supply. Teens 16+ welcome with a registered adult.

Lunar New Year Festival
2026-02-21 10:00 - 13:00 | National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian) Gallop into 2026, the year of the horse, and celebrate Lunar New Year with us! This year we’re hosting a festival and market pop-up at the nearby Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building (AIB). Experience cultural performances, lion dances, food, makers, and more! Plus, enjoy curator talks and tours at the museum throughout the day.

Invasive Plant Removal at 630 East
2026-02-21 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 Carter Barron
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington DC, 20011, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy 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.

Volunteer Day at Dumbarton Oaks Park
2026-02-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Dumbarton Oaks Park, Lover's Lane and R Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
(DC) (Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy) Join the Conservancy for a day of service and stewardship at beautiful Dumbarton Oaks Park.

Weed Warrior Workday at Sligo Creek
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisors Greg and Kathryn for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Unit 4 (between Forest Glen Road and University Blvd in Silver Spring). We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata), wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), English ivy (Hedera helix), Japanese barberry (Berberisthunbergii), and bush honeysuckle (mainly Lonicera maackii). Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also present and beneficial, so we will avoid those.
More details, including the exact meeting location, will be emailed to all pre-registrants.

Black Hill Hike Club
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD, 20841, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) The first rule of Hike Club – have fun! Improve your fitness, make new friends, and experience trails and scenery we don’t often make time to immerse ourselves in. We welcome all ages, though young children must be able to walk at least 3 miles or be carried. Most trails are not stroller accessible and are easy to moderate in difficulty.

Bird Walk at Kingman
2026-02-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Kingman Island, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join DC Bird Alliance for a winter bird walk through Kingman and Heritage Islands!
