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) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in our park and need rescuing! Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats for the holidays! Appropriate for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event takes place on December 14th and 15th, 21st through ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Test your Pokémon knowledge in PokéJeopardy and learn how to use a real life Pokédex! Explore the park with our Roving Naturalist, identify a variety of species, complete challenges, and help collect citizen science data for iNaturalist. Ages 5+
(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) Come out to the Discovery Center and spend some time outdoors! We will explore the trails, play games in the fields and forests, and make the most of what Black Hill has to offer.
(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 ...
(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 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.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) State Parks throughout Virginia will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. Sky Meadows Park will host four First Hike and related events on January 1st, and Mason Neck State Park will host three hike events. See guided and self-guided hikes throughout the Virginia park system here.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Immerse yourself in the serene wooded landscape just after sunrise on New Year's Day, where the soft light filters through the trees and the sounds of nature come alive. This invigorating hike spans approximately 3.8 miles along a well-maintained packed dirt trail, which features a variety of terrain, including stairs and exposed tree roots that add ...
(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) (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 +
(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) (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.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a special presentation by the Wildlife Rescue League as we read the book “Lost in the Woods” and learn about the woodland animals checking in on a baby deer. Is this baby deer lost? His wildlife friends want to know. Together we'll all learn how to be safe. Ages 0 to 5.
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Get your head in the game! Join fellow bird, beer, & board games enthusiasts for our monthly Wingspan Wednesday hang at Valor Brewpub.
(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) (DC Public Library) Did you know that owls cough up a pellet made of the bones and fur of the animals that they eat? Join us for a hands-on science investigation by dissecting an owl pellet and determining what kinds of animals the owls ate! This activity will be led by a naturalist from the Gulf Branch Nature Center! ...
(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) Join the Potowmack Chapter of VNPS and Charles Smith as he continues his annual presentation tradition to discuss Assisted Migration. Moving species to new areas to offset climate change is being much discussed and promoted. Who decides what species to move, to where and why? Join this discussion of how species are chosen to be ...
(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 ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 6 to Adult.
(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.
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Casey Trees as we care for trees and control invasive species at the Langdon Park Forest Patch! Help clip back invasive species, remove vines, add mulch, and protect young trees within the forest patch. Participants will receive a short, hands-on training on site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will split up into groups and ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to restore habitat and increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month. We are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up.
(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.
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Celia for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Little Falls Stream Valley Unit 1. We will meet in the park’s parking lot. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines, especially English ivy (Hedera helix) and porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) that are climbing on mature trees. Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also ...
(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) (DC Public Library) This bimonthly adult book club discusses books on human ecology, sustainable living, environmental justice and post-fossil fuel futures. Books can be nonfiction, fiction or poetry. This month we will be discussing Flight Behavior, a novel by Barbara Kingsolver.
(Northern VA Bird Alliance) Join this free webinar on efforts to reduce the spread of invasive plants, which is a hot topic in the current Virginia General Assembly session. The speaker, Jim Hurley, will discuss the pending legislation on invasive plants, as well as proposed budget amendments that would provide more funding to combat invasives. He'll also provide advice on ...
(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) (Arlington Parks) Explore the park at night when the moon is full! We will search for salamanders along Long Branch Creek. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight if you have one! Event will take place rain or moon-shine! Families. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship events here.
(DC) (MD) (VA) (Capital Nature) Join us for the January edition of iNaturalist Virtual ID Night. The topic this month is: The Wonderful World of Lichens with Natalie Howe. We will have a fascinating presentation by Natalie, and you will then have an opportunity to hone your identification skills using iNaturalist. Cosponsored with The Nature Conservancy (MD/DC Chapter) and Prince ...
(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 ...
(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) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn to sketch animals and objects found in nature, then combine your drawings with painting and additional elements and textures to create whimsical or serious mixed-media art. This is the first of 8 sessions from January 15th to March 5th. Find more Smithsonian cultural and nature events here.
(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) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn how to see beauty in the natural world and render it in stunning watercolor paintings, using various watercolor techniques to represent the metallic shell of a beetle, the soft, fuzzy wing of a moth, and the delightful colors of a butterfly. This is the first of 8 sessions from January 16th to March 6th. Find more ...
(MD) (Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary) Join volunteer Siobhan Percey for a webinar on the Eastern Skunk Cabbage, Maryland’s First Flower of the Year, blooming in January. This is but one of its fascinating characteristics. It is alleged to be over 72 million years old, changing little over that time. This event is rescheduled from Jan. 9th. On Sunday, January 19th ...
(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 ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join park naturalists for a relaxing stroll through the park's forest and wetland paths. Look and listen for wildlife settling down or waking up during the transition of day to night. Adults.
(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) Delightful detailed prints on paper can be made using real fish. Using direct printing and water-based printing inks, create realistic-looking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper. The result is a gyotaku, a term derived from the Japanese words for fish (gyo) and print (taku). ...
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Help protect native plants by pulling and clipping invasive plants. We will train volunteers to identify the five or so target plants. Register to join us in any of these sessions. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. January 4 and 18 February 1 and 15 ...
(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 ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 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) (NOVA Parks) 2025 is the Year of the Snake! What better way to celebrate serpents than with a free outdoor adventure? Explore the sights, sounds, and textures of winter with our Naturalist on a short sensory hike. Then listen to a story about snakes and the Lunar New Year and enjoy a fun craft! More NOVA Parks events can ...
(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 ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Create your own miniature winter wonderland and learn why cold winter weather is so important! More Montgomery Parks nature events can be found here.
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) 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.
(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) Let’s read stories, sing songs, and take mini-hikes meant for the littlest legs! Please note: The Little Explorers programs scheduled in the same month will have the same topic and activities. Register each child, a guardian must attend. Be sure to check BrooksideNature.org for day-of event status. More Montgomery Parks nature events can be found here.
(Mt Cuba Center) Join Leah Brooks as she highlights the strategies and adaptations that native animals use to survive the winter. Unlock the secrets of frogs that freeze, mammals that hunker in hollows, butterflies that bunk under bark, and more! Leah Brooks is the Public Programs Coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center. She has dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of ...
(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. ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to learn more about nature and science? Join a naturalist for a crash course in how to teach environmental science and place-based nature education. Participants will get to be hands-on with learning items, can interact with live animals, and practice presentation skills. This program will focus on animals native to Virginia, learning their basic facts and ...
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) A vernal pool is a form of temporary, freshwater wetland that contains water for a portion of the year. A vernal pool can support a fantastic array of wildlife and plants, some specially adapted for these habitats and rare in Virginia. Conservation efforts for these habitats are desperately needed. Join this talk with Michael Hayslett ...
(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, ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch Nature Center for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores. (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers). Families. Find more Arlington Parks nature and ...
(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) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks and co-hosts Neighbors of Northwest Branch 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 and stewardship events here.
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Learn to identify some of our evergreen plants. We’ll explore the meadows and forest in search of the ferns, herbaceous plants, and trees that are green in the winter. Co-sponsored by Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Nature Society and Calvert County Division of Natural Resources. Leader: Karyn Molines
(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.
(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service and Weed Warrior Leader Ella Engstrom 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 ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Identify some of Fairfax County's common invasive plant species. Explore ways to lessen these plants around your home. 8 to Adult. More Fairfax County Parks events can be found here.
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Trees are amazing, even in the winter when there are no leaves, and each species has cool stories to tell. Come take a hike with us to learn about these frozen treasures of our forest. We won't need leaves to tell them apart when trees can be identified by bark, buds, and hidden colors. Adults. Teens age ...
(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 ...
The W Connection, a national widows support network, is hosting Ana Ka'ahanui for their monthly wellness webinar. Ana will discuss nature connection and the practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.
(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 ...
(DC) (Chesapeake Climate Action Network) Join Meredith and fellow volunteers to canvass and remove invasive vines at The Parks at Historic Walter Reed in Washington, DC. We will meet in the Great Lawn at the Parks at Historic Walter Reed Hospital at 2pm. We will spend the first 15 minutes doing a training on invasive vines and best practices for ...
(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) Where did our wildlife go? Turtles can’t fly south… can they? What about butterflies, worms and beetles? Come take a walk with a naturalist in search of signs of where they are during the cold of winter and how they survive being outside all winter long. Ages 6 to 10. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship ...
(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) (Arlington Parks) Have your kids join us in making these fun pinecone bird feeders full of healthy treats for our outdoor bird and squirrel friends! The easy recipe is great to do at home as well! Ages 6 to 10. Find more Arlington Parks nature and stewardship 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) (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 + ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Learn about plant propagation in our state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities. You’ll discover how to produce your own houseplants inexpensively and easily from start to finish. We’ll review the best techniques and plants to propagate from cuttings. Participants will get to take a few potted cuttings to grow at home. Instructor: Nate Roehrich, Brookside Gardens staff. Find more Montgomery ...
(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) All trees do not look alike in winter! We'll learn the basics of plant identification using winter keys and field guides, then take a hike to use our knowledge (so make sure you bring outdoor weather clothes). This program is designed for those with little or no experience and will focus on twigs, buds, and ...
(VA) (NOVA Parks) In the heart of winter, find solace and connect more deeply with the unique resilience of trees that this season reveals. This mindful nature connection experience with a certified forest bathing guide, Ilana Rubin, will help you discover the subtle yet profound beauty of silhouetted tree trunks, textured bark, and the buds that already hold the promise ...
