It's the season of lights in the Washington DC metro area. Many parks and botanical gardens are hosting beautiful light displays through the new year: Brookside Garden of Lights - Montgomery County MD hosts its annual display at Brookside Gardens through January 5th. Walk among the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds in 50 acres ...
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Enjoy a winter skate at the NGA's iconic ice rink surrounded by sculptures and the National Mall. Purchase skating passes in person. Fees cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions that each begin on the hour. Enjoy a hot cocoa and food at the adjoining Pavilion Cafe. The skating rink will be open through March 2nd ...
(DC) (United States Botanic Garden) The annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant ...
(MD) (VA) (DC) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird ...
(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.
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) 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. Event location, directions, and information will be ...
(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.
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) What do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? 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? Open ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Smokey Bear! Enjoy various activities, a campfire with s’mores, and of course, a noon countdown to ring in the New Year!
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered ...
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) While Americans traditionally ring in the New Year at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures welcome it with the first sunrise of New Year's Day. Join rangers for this unique experience, witnessing the sky transition from dark to light as a new day and a new year dawns. While on top of the Piedmont Overlook, we will ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike with a naturalist in the early morning to view the stunning first sunrise of the year as it crests over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Ages 4 to Adult.
(DC) (National Park Service) Join the National Park Service at Rock Creek Nature Center for the New Year! Make a new year’s wish for yourself or the park while learning more about stars and how humans have connected with them in such unique ways.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Some of the best times to identify birds is when the trees have no leaves and there aren't any obstacles in the way of your view! In this hike we will learn about our resident birds that stay with us year-round. Dress for the weather. We will provide binoculars, but you can bring your own. Families.
(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) What do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? 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? Open ...
(DC) (Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy) Join us for stewardship of Dumbarton Oaks Park, DC's hidden green oasis and part of Rock Creek Park. Activities may include pulling invasive, cleanup, and planting. Contact [email protected] for more information and to RSVP.
(DC) (Tregaron Conservancy) Did you know that the Tregaron Conservancy is a birding "hot spot"? Join birding expert Sam Krause on a walk to look and listen for Tregaron’s winter-time birds. Bring binoculars if you would like. Tregaron has mulched trails and varying terrain; close-toed shoes are recommended.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. 4 to Adult.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. 8 to Adult.
(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.
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Ed and Weed Warrior Kris for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Wheaton Regional Park. Plan to meet the group in front of the miniature train station at 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton. There is ample parking available. (The inclement weather backup date is Monday, January 13). We will focus on non-native, invasive ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the forests, meadows, and wetland habitats of Huntley Meadows Park. Each season brings new feathered residents, for brief or extended stays. Grab your binoculars and join a park naturalist on your next birding adventure! All skill levels welcome. 12 to Adult.
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(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. Held in the Visitor Center auditorium. Ages 18+ This class meets weekly. More Montgomery Parks ...
(MD) (Friends of Sligo Creek) 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. Find more Montgomery Parks nature events here.
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) Join Margaret Chatham of the Potowmack Chapter of VNPS for a modest ramble at Longbranch Park on natural surface trails that go uphill and down, looking at woods and a small meadow. We’ll see evergreen natives, early spring ephemerals, or exotic plants stealing a march on the natives. Plants that are green in the winter each ...
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) It's truly a spectacular sight to see an owl. Join us on a walk with one of our superstar photographers, Sanka Perera, as we try to spot our mysterious feathered friends. The location will be sent to registered guests, only, and attendance is being kept low on purpose. Please do not bring unregistered guests.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for a bird walk at Huntley Meadows Park! This walk is geared toward beginners, but more experienced birders are welcome. Meet in the parking area. Walk leader is John Colpoys. No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or storm. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
(VA) (Capital Photography Center) Join naturalist Matt Felperin for a wildlife photography field shoot at Huntley Meadows Park, one of the more magical natural areas in the region. The winter is especially unique due to a variety of waterfowl species (such as Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, and Hooded Mergansers) that spend the season in the wetlands. Learn how ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Help us with improving Glencarlyn Park. Each Sunday we will have hands-on projects like weed pulling, raking, trail maintenance and trash pick-up. Your hard work will make the park a better place for both people and nature. Ages 12 to 17. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Conservation Trust) Volunteers will come help pull invasive plants on our Terborgh Terrace Garden property. By pulling invasives, the soil can recover and be replanted with native plants that benefit the soil, pollinators, and the humans that get to eat the produce! Los voluntarios vendrán a ayudar a eliminar las plantas invasoras de nuestra propiedad en Terborgh ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take time to set intentions for the next month while engaging in mindfulness practices under the full moon along the Potomac River. A variety of techniques such as breathwork, gentle stretches and purposeful movement will be used. Please bring your own yoga mat or camping chair. Appropriate for all skill levels. Adults. More Fairfax County Parks ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface, immerse yourself in the colors, light, and forms of Claude Monet’s exquisite The Japanese Footbridge to explore the bridge as a metaphor for the thresholds and journeys of our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a presentation on the different species of evergreens the can be found through the mid-Atlantic and right here in Arlington. We'll learn how to identify them by their needles, barks, seeds and other factors. Adults. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese form of exercise perfect for adults seeking stress reduction while strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. The Forms are repetitive patterns that emphasize slow, flowing motions and controlled movements. Classes will help beginners to learn the Forms while providing regular practitioners the guidance of an experienced instructor. Class size limited ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Gardens) Does winter weather have you thinking of your upcoming garden plans? Want to dream up some new projects but don’t know where to start? Grab a warm beverage and join Smithsonian Gardens Horticulturist Sylvia Schmeichel as she shares sources for inspiration as well as some of the tips and tricks that our team uses to come up with ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The grass family is one of the most diverse and globally important plant families, including corn, wheat, bamboo, turf grasses, and many beautiful native grasses! These often-overlooked plants are intricately beautiful upon closer inspection. Come learn about how grasses work and how to identify them. Adults. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered ...
(DC) (National Arboretum) Winter is the best time to enjoy the true mastery of the art of bonsai by observing the “bare bones” of the trees. With no leaves, the structure of a deciduous bonsai reveals how well the artist has created his miniaturized version of nature. The bonsai curator has selected trees from the museum’s permanent collection for a ...
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Let's start the year in community around birds in this beautiful DC hotspot. We'll meet in the parking lot. Please look for the DC Bird Alliance banner. The coordinates to the parking lot are, 38.91305, -76.93966. See you outside!
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend as Casey Trees teams up with Friends of Anacostia Park for a fun day of service around the Anacostia Skate Park! We will be mulching some of our newly planted trees (planted by our volunteers last year!) around the park along with other organizations who will be conducting various ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Also called Provincetown prints, white-line woodcuts are a hybrid of monoprints and Japanese-style multi-block woodcuts. Learn to create your own by cutting a nature print or simple line drawing into a wood block with a knife or gouge, creating the “white lines” when printed. As in traditional woodblock printmaking, you can use your block over and over, ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Blue Planet Scuba for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all. Event location, directions, and ...
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) We're going back to hang out with the eagles and escape all the happenings if only for a few hours. Raptors teach us to be good stewards of our energy. So, a little joy outside watching eagles might be just what you need. We always have birds! Conowingo Dam at Fisherman's Park is one of the ...
(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). More details, including the exact meeting location, will be emailed to all pre-registrants. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore one of the most important parts of nature- TREES! We'll learn how trees can be animal homes, explore different parts of trees through art, and build forest homes for animals. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Become part of a community that celebrates the beauty of literature and the outdoors! Explore a range of books centered around nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues. Our meetings take place every third Tuesday of the month at a Montgomery Parks location, in person only. Please complete our FREE membership registration to stay updated on the meeting ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese form of exercise perfect for adults seeking stress reduction while strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. The Forms are repetitive patterns that emphasize slow, flowing motions and controlled movements. Classes will help beginners to learn the Forms while providing regular practitioners the guidance of an experienced instructor. Class size limited ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days on select Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. More NOVA Parks events can be found here.
(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. Held in the Visitor Center auditorium. Ages 18+ This class meets weekly. More Montgomery Parks ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter brings a different dimension to the gardens that is sometimes overlooked by visitors. Walk and talk with garden expert Kristin Davey, of Brookside Gardens staff, to uncover the “bones of the garden” without the distraction of leaves or flowers. Explore the architectural elements that shape the gardens including woody plants, hardscape and other components of design. ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter brings a different dimension to the gardens that is sometimes overlooked by visitors. Walk and talk with garden expert Kristin Davey, of Brookside Gardens staff, to uncover the “bones of the garden” without the distraction of leaves or flowers. Explore the architectural elements that shape the gardens including woody plants, hardscape and other components of design. ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Bring your little zoogoer for a wild time as we explore animals and nature through creative, drop-in play! 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. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Sarah, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday on the Capital Crescent Trail at the Little Falls Parkway intersection in Chevy Chase. We will meet at the parking lot of the Bethesda Pool. Find more Montgomery Park stewardship and nature events here.
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) It's cold! But we know it's the best time for visiting waterfowl and we might catch some winter ducks at this favorite DMV hotspot. So, throw on your layers and meet us outside! Join us for a bird walk at the only wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research.
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. More Fairfax County Parks nature events can be found here.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) The Winter Waterfowl Count is a citizen science effort organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to track data about winter waterfowl. it will take place Feb 1st and 2nd. This survey complements the Christmas Bird Count, and the data is shared openly with the public. Although we expect many veterans from past years to return, ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Even in the leafless landscapes of winter, there is still plenty of features to explore on our native plants, especially trees! During this presentation, we will discuss how to identify woody plants using buds, stems, lenticels, leaf scars, bark, and more! We will focus on terminology related to these features and then apply them to ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining this outing! Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This isn’t your average walk in the woods. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. We’ll be on and off the trail as we go on a hiking adventure. Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be sure to sign up 24 hours ahead so ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may still be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world! Sign up for this special one day of camp and participate in plenty of winter-themed games, activities, and more as we get out into the park! A perfect intro for any young naturalists interested in our summer camp offerings as well. ...
(DC) (National Zoo) Bring your little zoogoer for a wild time as we explore animals and nature through creative, drop-in play! 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. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Some of the best times to identify birds is when the trees have no leaves and there aren't any obstacles in the way of your view! In this hike we will learn about our resident birds that stay with us year-round. Dress for the weather. We will provide binoculars, but you can bring your own. Families. Find ...
(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) The Winter Waterfowl Count is a citizen science effort organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to track data about winter waterfowl. This survey complements the Christmas Bird Count, and the data is shared openly with the public. Although we expect many veterans from past years to return, we can always use new volunteers. Each volunteer ...
(MD) (Sierra Club) Join us on a 5.3-mile loop trail near Greenbelt, Maryland where we will walk the perimeter trail around Greenbelt Park. The park is run by the National Park Service and boasts the closest campground in proximity to Washington, DC. We will rendezvous in the parking lot of the Sweetgum Picnic Area at 9 am. The hike will ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us as we work to keep our park healthy and beautiful! Assist with invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and other projects as needed. Come dressed for and prepared to work outdoors. Gloves and snippers are recommended, but extras may be provided if needed. Meet at the picnic shelter (located in main parking lot). Ages 9 + ...
