(VA) (Climate for Health) The 2026 Our Planet, Our Health Convention will convene health professionals, researchers, community leaders, and policy experts to tackle one of the most urgent issues of our time: the growing impact of climate change on health. Hosted by the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health in collaboration with other leading organizations.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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2 events,
$25
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(Capital Nature) (DC) Join Capital Nature and vernal pool champions Mike Hayslett and Steven David Johnson for this special presentation on the temporary freshwater wetlands that emerge after snowmelt. Often overlooked as habitats because of their small size, they are essential spawning grounds for spotted salamanders, wood frogs, fairy shrimp, and many other creatures! Mike will discuss the ecology and conservation needs ...
$12
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1 event, |
0 events,
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1 event,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Dinosaur tracks and other trace fossils provide important insights into the behaviors, locomotion, postures, and environments of ancient creatures that are often difficult to glean from body fossils alone. Glen Kuban’s presentation will include an overview of the dinosaur tracks, including basic types of tracks, where they are found, and how they are studied ...
Free – $5
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1 event,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Virginia Rose was thrown from a horse at the age of 14, resulting in paralysis. Then, at the age of 44, she discovered birding. It changed her life. She founded Birdability with the vision that birding truly is for everybody and every body, regardless of disabilities or other health concerns. Their mission is to ensure birding is accessible to everyone. In this ...
Free – $5
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0 events,
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1 event,
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(DC) (DC Department of Energy and Environment) Attend the District's free conference for urban gardeners! Rooting DC is a FREE, all-day event that provides education and community building around urban agriculture and food systems, with the goal of cultivating personal, community, and environmental wellbeing. It is the District’s central meeting ground for land stewards and garden lovers to strengthen their ... |
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0 events,
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1 event,
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(DC) (DC Public Library) Join book and ecology lovers at Cleveland Park Library to explore 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 We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson. Adults. |
2 events,
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(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. ...
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(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) The splendor of springtime in Washington is world-renowned, owing largely to the Japanese flowering cherry trees that have encircled the Tidal Basin for over a century. Yet the cherry blossoms are a single aspect of the city’s spectacular flowering spring, and spring is only one of the city’s vibrant seasons. Smithsonian Associates tour guide, naturalist, and nature-book ...
$25 – $35
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2 events,
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Meet an orchid expert from Smithsonian Gardens or the United States Botanic Garden and learn more about this incredible plant family! This week, USBG Gardener (Advanced) George Guenthner will share tips for caring for orchids at home, including how to repot an orchid. Drop in at any time during the program and be sure to bring ...
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(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Stream Team Leaders Kathy Sykes and Andrea Contreras for an engaging presentation on the Lower Rock Creek watershed and why its health matters to our community. This talk will explore what a watershed is, how everyday activities impact local streams, and the key indicators of a healthy watershed—from salt and bacteria levels to biodiversity and ... |
1 event,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) This talk explores the Mesozoic origin of avian flight from the perspective of the dinosaurian brain. Fossil reconstructions will be integrated with advanced imaging to test hypotheses on how the brain of theropods met the sensory and motor changes of this rare and radical behavioral innovation. Amy Balanoff is an assistant professor in the ...
Free – $5
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2 events,(DC)(MD)(VA) The four-week festival celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan and the beauty of DC's iconic cherry blossom trees with diverse and creative programming. Events will be happening throughout the DC metro area.
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) What's the connection between fruit and poop? Join Lilly Andersen, USBG Family Education Specialist, and and USBG volunteers to explore how plants and animals help each other and the relationship between plants making fruit and animals eating that fruit. Think and learn about what makes a fruit a fruit, why fruits tend to taste sweet, and ... |
7 events,
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(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. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. We will supply instructions, examples and trash bags.
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(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 ... |
3 events,
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(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.
Free
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(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) 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 ...
Free
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2 events,
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(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.
Free
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2 events,
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) This extended workshop builds on the introductory presentation, Birding CAN Change the World, and is designed for those who are ready to move from learning into implementation. Participants will take a deeper dive into what accessibility in birding truly looks like in practice. Together, we will explore real-world case studies from across the country ...
Free – $5
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3 events,
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(DC) (Hillwood) Join one of Hillwood's orchid experts for a twenty-minute tour of the greenhouse, which houses Marjorie Merriweather Post's extensive collection of exotic orchids, as well as cut flowers grown for floral arrangements throughout the mansion.
Free – $20
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(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join us for an information session about our upcoming Weed Warrior training. This session is for individuals who would like to learn about the Weed Warrior Program and what it means to be a Weed Warrior at one of Rock Creek Conservancy's Mini Oasis Sites. We'll discuss the commitment involved, the type of work you’ll take ... |
2 events,(DMV) (DC Environmental Film Festival) This year's festival is dedicated to amplifying the unwavering voices of those who press on in defense of our planet, even in the face of significant challenges. This year’s programs will spotlight powerful stories of innovation and action — while forging partnerships with local and national organizations leading the fight for a better future. The ... |
4 events,
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(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Help the National Capital Region Invasive Plant Management Team and Rock Creek Park remove invasive species at Picnic Grove 6! We will remove invasive Lonicera japonica (vine honeysuckle), Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (porcelain berry), Rubus phoniculaceous (wineberry), and other invasive shrubs and vines. Our goal is to remove these plants to make room for native flora and fauna ...
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(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN to remove Invasive Vines at Catholic University. We will spend the first 30 minutes doing a brief training on invasive vines and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing vines from the trees. We will focus on non-native invasive vines including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) and English ivy (Hedera ... |
6 events,
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(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Help the National Capital Region Invasive Plant Management Team, Rock Creek Park, and Invader Detectives survey for Corydalis incisa (Incised Fumewort). We will be hiking along the creek on trails south of Peirce Mill and using pin flags and iNaturalist to record any instance of the plant that we find. Corydalis incisa was first detected in ...
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Both beginners and experienced artists can explore the weird and wonderful world of carnivorous plants! Their unique botanical structures make carnivorous plants terrifyingly terrific drawing subjects. These ferocious drawing subjects provide a great opportunity to develop your artistic eye for detail, proportion, and balance. Mary Ellen Carsley, Artist Educator |
3 events,
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(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Casey Trees as we partner with the Washington Wizards to plant trees at the Armed Forces Retirement Home! You provide the volunteers, we provide all the necessary tools and supplies to plant the trees. Participants will receive a hands-on training on site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will be split up into groups supervised ... |
4 events,
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(DC) (MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy for a virtual training for our Stream Team Leader program. Stream Team Leaders are dedicated volunteers that work with the Conservancy to host their own trash cleanups and stormwater engagement events, increasing stewardship actions within their communities and throughout Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, MD. The training will take place ...
Free
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Do you want to learn how to bird by ear or improve your song identification? Join us for a virtual course on Birding by Ear with Colt Gregory. During this program, your instructor will: Explain the many benefits of birding by ear Introduce some of the most common birds through their songs and calls Share ...
$10 – $20
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7 events,
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(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: Occoquan Bay ...
Free
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(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. No walk-ins will ...
$14
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5 events,(MD) (Nature Forward) This conference is a space for us to come together as a community that embraces the importance of our connection to nature and to one another. When we gather together, we recharge, we inspire each other, we learn from our successes and challenges, and we come out with a renewed strength to keep doing the work that ...
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(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) From translucent blobs to coral-like clusters, jelly fungi are among the most visually striking and biologically fascinating organisms found on Maryland’s forest floor. These gelatinous decomposers come in a spectrum of colors—bright orange, inky black, creamy white—and textures that range from rubbery cushions to toothy caps. Often mistaken for slime molds or cup fungi, ...
Free – $5
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) In the spirit of her book, “Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World,” Kathryn Aalto, Historian, Teacher, Speaker, and New York Times Best-selling Author will guide participants in how to observe the world around them with a writer's eye, translating your observations into powerful, evocative prose that not only ... |
8 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy premium golden-hour light and exclusive, pre-opening access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! This photography session focuses on all things Cherry Blossoms, including landscapes, close-up/macro shots and wildlife. Meadowlark features both beautifully curated gardens and rich natural areas—an ideal setting for wildlife photography. And of course, you are welcome to focus on any subject that inspires you. All ...
$25
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(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a wild freshwater mussel survey in Kingman Lake! We will be walking in mud that can be very mucky in waders (AWS can provide you with a pair if you don't have your own). If you're not comfortable walking in mud using waders, we recommend joining us at a different ... |
20 events,
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for Birding by Ear with Colt Gregory and Kris Lansing at Riverbend Park where more than 190 species of birds have been recorded. This FREE bird outing will include a short introduction followed by a walk along a nearby trail to practice identifying birds by their vocalizations.
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for a spring bird outing at beautiful Huntley Meadows Park! Explore meadows, woodlands, and marshes alongside NVBA bird guides Arielle Smith (she/her) and Gabrielle Jennings (she/her), who will help you observe and identify bird species the group encounters. |
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12 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy premium golden-hour light and exclusive, pre-opening access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! This photography session focuses on all things Cherry Blossoms, including landscapes, close-up/macro shots and wildlife. Meadowlark features both beautifully curated gardens and rich natural areas—an ideal setting for wildlife photography. And of course, you are welcome to focus on any subject that inspires you. All ...
$25
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(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.
Free
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4 events,
-
(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.
Free
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(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join Lilly Andersen, USBG Family Education Specialist as you observe leaves of different shapes and sizes while considering the question: Why do leaves come in so many different forms? Learn to recognize patterns between the shapes and structures of leaves from a wide variety of plants, and then use your new knowledge to explore the Garden ... |
3 events,
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(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. ...
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Do you want to learn how to identify the birds that flock to your backyard everyday? Or maybe you’re preparing for our annual spring fundraiser, Birdathon. Join this online course to brush up on your bird identification skills with NVBA Vice President, Andreas Seiter! During this program, your instructor will: Review common backyard bird species ...
$10 – $20
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7 events,
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(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for informal walks through Glencarlyn Park in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Adults.
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(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. No walk-ins will ...
$14
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3 events,
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(VA) (Fairfax County) Help document our community's biodiversity by learning how to use the free app iNaturalist! Join VA Master Naturalist and Capital Nature Co-Founder Ana Ka'ahanui for tips on making iNaturalist observations in preparation for the upcoming global bioblitz, the City Nature Challenge. Weather permitting, we will explore the outdoors using the app to identify flora and fauna around the library. Adults. No ...
Free
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(MD) (Nature Forward) Join Naturalist and Capital Nature co-founder Ana Ka'ahanui for this 5-week online course to gain practical fluency with digital apps (like iNaturalist, eBird, Merlin Bird ID, and GLOBE Observer) and websites used by naturalists, researchers, and conservationists worldwide. Along the way, you’ll learn how everyday observations contribute to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. This course is part ...
$210 – $260
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8 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join Roving Naturalist and wildlife photographer Matt Felperin at Bull Run Regional Park to experience and capture the magic of the Virginia Bluebells! At this nature photography workshop, learn how to take stunning photos of this mystical landscape as well as close ups of the fleeting flowers themselves. Digital cameras and appropriate lenses encouraged, but even your ...
$15
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(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out April-October, normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count. The results of these surveys are made available to the participants and other interested individuals and agencies, including the ... |
8 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) Experience the magic and wonder of the Bluebell Trail in its full glory! Take a relaxing stroll on Bull Run Regional Park's most famous trail while being enveloped by a sea of blue. Learn about spring ephemeral plants such as the Virginia Bluebell and why these fleeting flowers bloom for such a short time. Ages 8+
$5
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(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join DC Bird Alliance for a relaxed, guided bird walk on Kingman Island. We’ll move at an easy pace, pause often to observe birds, and explore the island’s unique habitats together. This walk is open to all experience levels. Bring binoculars if you have them (we have a few to spare), curiosity if you don’t, and ... |
