Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
2025-12-08 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, 22306, United States
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.

Critter Corner at Walk of Lights
2025-12-08 17:30 - 22:00 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, 22182, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Stop by the Critter Corner near the Visitor Center fireplace to meet some fascinating live animals from Potomac Overlook Regional Park’s Nature Center! NOVA Parks’ Roving Naturalist will bring some surprise guests like an owl, a turtle, and maybe a snake. Visit before or after exploring the Winter Walk of Lights to see and learn about some interesting critters!

EcoBook Club
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, 20008, United States
(DC) (DC Public Library) This monthly adult book club discusses books on human ecology, sustainable living, environmental justice and post-fossil fuel futures. Books can be nonfiction, fiction or poetry.

Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House
2025-12-09 09:30 - 13:30, 2025-12-11 09:30 - 13:30 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Let’s explore one of the most important parts of nature-TREES! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn more about trees and the things they do. 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. Parents and guardians must remain with their children.

Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
2025-12-09 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.

Hillwood Tour: Bones of the Winter Garden
2025-12-09 12:30 - 13:00, 2025-12-12 12:30 - 13:00 | Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
(DC) (Hillwood) Explore the bones of Hillwood’s peaceful winter gardens with Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture. Evergreen plants take center stage, deciduous woody plants become architectural, and hardscapes become more important. Winter’s cool light shapes the experience, and we can sense more subtle shades of green and brown. The few flowers in bloom are very special, and the texture of conifer needles and tree bark seem richer in the winter sunlight.
Tickets are distributed at the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center upon opening each day. This thirty-minute tour is limited to twenty and meets in the visitor center conservatory.

Invasive Vine Removal at Publick Playhouse
2025-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, 20784, United States
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN and Community Native Planting Project to remove Invasive Vines at a restoration site near Publick Playhouse. We will start with a brief training on invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing invasives. Half of the group will work on arborized vines and the other half will focus on bush honeysuckle and removing other invasives.

Senior Wellness Walk: Arboretum
2025-12-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Arboretum Community Center, 2412 Rand Pl NE, Washington, DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just around.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through June 2026.

Tiny Tot: Animals in Winter
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at Gulf and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme which incorporates aspects of the park and its wildlife into the programs. Ages 18 to 35 months with adult.

The World of Winter Trees
2025-12-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area, 7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD, 20842, United States
(MD) (Nature Forward) Ever wanted to know what type of tree you were looking at and despaired because there were no leaves? Never fear, help is here! Join Habitat Manager Bradley Simpson for a winter stroll at Sugarloaf Mountain. On this walk, we’ll enjoy December along the trail and learn how to approach identifying trees when their branches are mostly bare.

Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
2025-12-11 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 December 16th.

Reimagining Our Home Gardens (Virtual)
2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:30
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join author Teresa Woodard as she delves into the new American design aesthetic that embraces regional cultures, plants, and growing conditions. Enjoy a visual journey of exceptional designers and their home gardens covering all the regions of the country. You’ll discover new design influences and take home innovative design tips and plant suggestions. Ages 18+.
This is a live, Zoom lecture with audience Q&A. After registering, a link will be emailed to you 24 hours prior to the live webinar. Recordings will be made available to students.

Exhibit: In Full Flight
2025-12-12 10:00 - 20:00 | Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Experience breathtaking bird images by DC Bird Alliance photographers at the new La Galerie on K at the Capital Hilton. See local birds and birds captured during travel by DCBA members.
On view through February.

Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
2025-12-12 12:00 - 12:30
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Join our free online guided meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. Many of the art pieces are inspired by nature. All are welcome! No previous experience is required.

Stellar Star Show at Rock Creek
2025-12-12 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.

Flying Squirrel Lore
2025-12-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Long Branch Nature Center & Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us after dark to learn about these nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather, we will venture out into the cold night to look for wild flying squirrels. Families.

Training Walk for Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA, 20175, United States
(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) If you are a beginning birder or you have never participated in a Christmas Bird Count, then this is the walk for you. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to look for birds at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, and learn everything you need to know about participating in a count. Bring binoculars and meet at the Visitor Center.

Gulf Branch Invasive Plant Removal
2025-12-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park, 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Gulf Branch 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.

Invasive Plant Removal at Piney Branch
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Piney Branch Oasis, 3499 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, 20010, United States
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Weed Warrior leader Liz Crafford 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.

Documenting Biodiversity
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Martin Luther King Jr. Library, G Street Northwest 901, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us to find out how you can capture, edit, manage, and submit wildlife photos in a manner that will be useful for science! Wildlife is everywhere in DC—and no one sees it more closely than our partners at City Wildlife, whose teams care for thousands of injured and orphaned animals each year. Local photographers also play a key role by documenting wildlife and sharing images on community science platforms like iNaturalist and eBird.
In this in-depth, free workshop led by Dr. Brian Wee, Science Lead for the DC Bird Alliance and City Wildlife, you will learn about field photography techniques for birds and small invertebrates, organizing photos, geotagging, best submission practices, and other tips. The workshop will also consider ethical considerations of observation.

Habitat Restoration Workday at Kingman
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Driving Range Parking Lot of the Langston Golf Course, 2556 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC, 20002, United States
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join AWS and National Links Trust for a workday that will help us with our invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. By participating in this project you will not only have the opportunity to learn about invasive plants and the ecology of the Anacostia River, you will help us to improve the habitat for wildlife and the water quality of the Anacostia River.
NOTE: we will NOT be meeting at the Golf Course parking lot located at 2600 Benning Rd NE. We will be meeting at the driving range.

Shepherd Parkway Community Cleanup
2025-12-13 10:30 - 13:30 | Shepherd Parkway, 555 Newcomb Street SE, Washington, DC, 20032, United States
(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every second Saturday of the month to restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees, but much work remains to be done.
Give back to the earth, exercise your body, spend time in nature and meet cool people with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy.

Search for Santa's Critters
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Join this festive scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats in time for the holidays! This event is appropriate for families and children of all ages.

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake
2025-12-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA, 22039, United States
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard the Holiday Express! Climb on for a train ride, spin around the Carolers Carousel, play a round of Gingerbread Man Golf or cozy up by the fire to make s’mores. Celebrate the season with family fun, a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes.

Wildlife Sanctuary Presentation
2025-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA, 22307, United States
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Are you intrigued by observing wildlife in your own yard? Do you want to contribute to the environmental health of our planet?
If so come learn about the Wildlife Sanctuary program and how you can transform your yard to create habitat, attract beneficial wildlife, and get your yard certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll learn about habitat best practices and receive tips to help you select native trees and plants that suit the conditions in your yard. A FREE redbud seedling will be available as a gift from the Wildlife Sanctuary program to those who register early!

Evergreen Tree Identification Hike
2025-12-13 14:30 - 16:00 | Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20902, United States
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter is the time when our evergreens shine! Maybe you know that every evergreen tree isn’t a pine, but is it a cypress? A juniper? A cedar? Join us on a hike through Wheaton Regional Park to take a closer look at evergreens.

Winter Concert and Bonfire
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Woodend Nature Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
(MD) (Nature Forward) Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun at Woodend Sanctuary! This family-friendly event will feature holiday music by acapella group Nerds in Harmony alongside a bonfire where participants can make their own holiday goodies and interact with Woodend Sanctuary’s Nature Playspace.

Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-14 - 2026-01-05 | Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, United States
(DMV) (Audubon) (Montgomery Parks) Get ready to brave the cold for a great cause! Join Meadowside Nature Center’s team for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide effort taking place from December 14 through January 5. You’ll join tens of thousands of volunteers across the nation in this long-running wildlife census, collecting critical data that helps assess the health of bird populations and informs conservation actions. Registered participants will receive an email in early December with the exact meeting location and other important details. The program is held at Meadowside Nature Center and throughout the metro region.
