Capital Nature

(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) (US Botanic Garden) Join us outside of public hours for a sensory-friendly morning at our annual “Season’s Greenings” holiday exhibit! Explore model trains in the gated outdoor gardens circulating through large models of pollinators made from plant parts, as well as poinsettias and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. These pollinator scenes include sculptures of a bat ...

(DC) (National Park Service) Come check out this seasonal pop-up exhibit in the Rock Creek Nature Center to learn about the plants of the winter solstice. Craft your own winter solstice-plant inspired decoration to help us decorate the exhibit hall for the holiday season. Ongoing through Dec. 29th.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join park naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler on a walk through the park to learn about the techniques of drawing winter trees and landscapes. Drawing supplies included. Ages 12 to Adult.  

(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) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard for a train ride on the Holiday Express. Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf or warm yourself by the fire and cook s'mores as you usher in your holidays. Families will enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes. Passes can be picked up at ice cream parlor ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Help us with improving Glencarlyn Park. Each Sunday we will have stewardship 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. Teens ages 12 to 17.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Try making holiday ornaments inspired by history. Get inspired by history and nature to create festive decorations for your home. All materials provided. Ages 6 to Adult.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Monica for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Wheaton Woods Local Parkin the Aspen Hill/Wheaton area. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including round-leaf bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) and porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). Plan to meet in the northern section of the park at Magellan Ave & Wissahican Ave.

(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) (Tregaron Conservancy) Join David Harold for Tai Chi practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We will gather west of the Lily Pond near the entrance at Klingle Road NW. David is passionate about making Taiji and Qigong practice and principles accessible. For 15 years, he led a free, weekly public outdoor practice in Winston-Salem, NC. That practice continues to be led ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about holiday herbs, spices, and fruits? Drop by the Garden Court in the Conservatory to talk with Adam Pyle, USBG Horticulture Project Manager about the plants that give us the familiar flavors of the holidays! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Each Tiny Tot 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 ...

(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 ...

(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) (MD) (VA) (Capital Nature) Join us for the December edition of iNaturalist Virtual ID Night. The topic this month is: Tiny Forests: Mosses and Lichens of the DMV! We will have a fascinating presentation on the topic, and you will then have an opportunity to hone your identification skills using iNaturalist. Cosponsored with The Nature Conservancy (MD/DC Chapter) and ...

(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) (African American History and Culture Museum) Explore More! in STEM is a classroom program for ages 8+ to explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture, or the museum. In this lesson, participants will learn about the Gullah Geechee people and their culture, how rice was/is cultivated in the U.S., and take a closer look at rice itself.

(DC) (Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative) Learn more about the importance & status of DOE's ARSP Project; potential impacts during construction & share your views.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) What are Arlington’s common wildlife? What types of habitats can they be found in? What should you do if you encounter wildlife? We'll answer all these questions and more in this interactive program. Adults.

(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.

(Carnegie Science) From naturalists to collectors, appreciation for the beautiful colors and patterns of butterfly wings is widespread. But did you know that one of the underlying functions for these stunning visuals is to protect butterflies from birds and other predators? Butterflies have evolved a variety of fascinating adaptations that help them blend into their surroundings. Some use a phenomenon ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Ellen, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Upper Paint Branch Stream Valley Park in Colesville, MD. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including roundleaf bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), honeysuckle vine (Lonicera japonica), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). We’ll be working in close proximity to the Good Hope tributary, which has ...

(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.

(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) (US Botanic Garden) Join Howard Luckey, USBG Gardener (Advanced) as he shares his expertise on all things poinsettias! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or budding plant enthusiast, Howard is here to answer your burning questions, offer tips for caring for these beautiful holiday classics, and help you explore their fascinating history and variety.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Which animals depend on what plants? And vice versa? Walk the trails as a naturalist explains relationships between native plants and the animals that depend on them. Families.

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Do you like working outside? Join community volunteers in protecting the local environment from non-native invasive plants.  This is a continuing project on every Thursday and the first Saturday of each month to reclaim Upton Hill Regional Park from non-native invasive plants.  To learn more about Arlington's invasive plant program, visit https://environment.arlingtonva.us/trees/invasive-plants/.  To learn more about ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about poinsettias? Drop by the Garden Court of the USBG Conservatory to talk with Howard Luckey, USBG Gardener (Advanced) about these seasonal sensations! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program.

(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 ...

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join FONA for a walking tour of the U.S. National Arboretum Gotelli Conifer Collection with longtime curator Joe Meny. One of the most unique horticultural displays at the Arboretum, the Gotelli Conifer Collection offers a special beauty in the winter months. This fascinating collection contains a range of colors, forms, and textures that are ...

(DC) (Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative)

(DC) (Hillwood) Celebrate the holiday season with a floral arrangement full of luxuriously rich colors and festive blooms. Hillwood floral designer Ami Wilber helps you create a beautiful creation with step-by-step guidance and plenty of time to ask questions. Supplies are not included, and participants are encouraged to buy flowers and produce from a local farm, farmer’s market, or other ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Fresh air is good for you, your friends and families. Join us in Glencarlyn Park for a leisurely hike with hot cocoa and time for photos in the scenic winter woods. Families.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for the magic of the full moon for a hike and campfire on each Friday nearest to the full moon. Feel free to bring your own hot dogs or food to warm over the fire, and we’ll provide marshmallows. Please register and pay for adults and children. Ages 10 and up.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) "Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem ...

(VA) (Hidden Oaks Nature Center) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. Ages 4 to Adult.

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) DC Bird Alliance is happy to contribute to this global community science effort to help birds and their habitats. Join us at one of our traditional Winter Bird Count hotspots, Battery Kemble. We'll bring the coffee!

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join our partners at Chesapeake Climate Action Network to tackle invasive vines at Catholic University Woods! Start with hands-on training in vine removal, then dive into the forest to remove invasive species like porcelain berry, English ivy, and kudzu. Make a real impact on DC’s urban forest!

(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) (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.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. Second registrant is free.

(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.

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Rock Creek Weed Warriors Tere and Susi Baranano 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 ...

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Volunteers will join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a rain garden planting at 6th Presbyterian Church! Main tasks will include planting native plants, mulching, and weeding. The rain garden at 6th Presbyterian Church will retain and filter stormwater runoff, reduce pollutants from entering the Anacostia River, and provide wildlife habitat.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter is full of celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by making lanterns, the holiday season by making nature ornaments, a Groundhog Day celebration, and a Celestial Celebration. Register for one or all of these family fun activities.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Create a beautiful winter wreath to take home for your front door after Green Spring staff demonstrate the dazzling possibilities. Greens, forms, ribbon and cones included with the supply fee. Bring pruners and light work gloves if you have them. Ages 16 to Adult.

(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 ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard for a train ride on the Holiday Express. Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf or warm yourself by the fire and cook s'mores as you usher in your holidays. Families will enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes. Passes can be picked up at ice cream parlor ...

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy staff, and friends at the Gatehouse in Morven Park for our annual Open House! This event is open to everyone, whether you’re new to Loudoun Wildlife or a long-time supporter. Come learn about us and our programs, socialize, enjoy some delicious food, check out some new merch, and more! Executive Director Tom Kercheval ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service 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 for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours before ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us to learn about these nocturnal rodents in our classroom, then see wild flying squirrels outdoors. Dress for the weather, it can become very cold.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for a post-sunset stroll where we’ll look and listen for creatures that are most active at night. Hikes are approximately one mile or less. Dress warmly and please, no flashlights. Meet at the gravel parking lot by the boat launch on Black Hill Road.