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.

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy team covering Sweet Run State Park in northwestern Loudoun County for the Charles Town, WV Christmas Bird Count. Begun in 1899, these annual surveys are held all over North America, with the results used to better understand bird populations and dynamics. Everyone is welcome; amateurs are assisted by experienced birders, and ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance)  Join DC Bird Alliance for a Mindful Bird Walk & Forest Bathing With Camp Fire & S'Mores in RockC reek park.

(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.

(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 ...

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for an afternoon of beautiful harp music and the natural beauty of Black Hill all around you. No need to register; just come to the Discovery Center and enjoy.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join James, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Long Branch Stream Valley Unit 1 (between Piney Branch Rd and Carroll Ave), in Takoma Park. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines, especially porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also present and beneficial, so we will avoid ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Sound can be a soothing, calming element. Many of us love birds, in part, because of birds' songs and the joy they can inspire. This meditative experience incorporates nature sounds in a sound bath using a variety of instruments to create an immersive practice of sound designed to bring deep states of relaxation.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up. Want to restore habitat and increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month at over a dozen parks. 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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Do you dream of building forts in the woods, or climbing a tree? Maybe you want to learn about woodland critters or create some art in the woods. Join us for a time to explore the woods how you want to. We’ll supply some materials and a space to create and explore, you supply the imagination and ...

(DC) (National Park Service) During this ½ mile excursion, young explorers learn the hiking essentials, such as trail safety, what to wear or bring to a hike, and how to Rrecreate Rresponsibly all while looking at nature and respecting nature found in our woodlands.  This ranger-led hike is intended to create treasured trail experiences for families interested in planning more ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Put on your pajamas and come to the nature center to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish goodnight to the center's live animals. Bring your favorite stuffed animal with you. One adult only per registered child. Ages 3 to 7.

(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) (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.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Ever wanted to know what type of tree you were looking at and despaired because there were no leaves? Never fear, help is here! Join Habitat Manager Bradley Simpson for a winter stroll at Boundary Bridge in Rock Creek Park. On this walk, we’ll enjoy December along the creek and learn how to approach identifying trees when ...

(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) (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, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join our new 55+ Nature Book Club and 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 Activity Building. Locations will vary.

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for Justin Proctor’s presentation on bird-friendly best management practices to apply across rural, suburban, and urban landscapes. His talk will explore strategies, technical assistance, and cost-share programs that can greatly simplify and accelerate your adopting and putting into effect practices that increase habitat and biodiversity on your property. Specific practices to be covered ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Come work on this exciting habitat restoration project! The Lockwood/Elmwood sernior housing complex is a partner in the "Stretch Our Parks" program to restore habitat in and around parks to improve and expand habitat for birds and other pollinators and wildlife. Property management and implementing partners Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, and ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy a walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10am to 7pm. (through October). Please note:  Garden admission ends at 6:30pm.

(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 ...

(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.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Bundle up for a frosty fun morning with your little ones! This session includes a cozy story time, cheerful songs, and an engaging winter-themed game. We'll take a nature walk to explore the beauty of the season, then return to the visitor center to create a delightful hanging craft to celebrate winter's charm. Perfect for children ages ...

(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.

(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.

(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 ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Whether you call this astronomical event the shortest day — or the longest night — of the year, it’s a good occasion to pause the bustle of daily life and join fellow nature lovers on a hike in a beautiful place! Our outing starts at the Widewater area along the C&O Canal Towpath and will move upriver ...

(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) Explore the how animals stay warm throughout winter with creative, drop-in play at the Zoo! Investigate cold climates through sensory play and learn how animals adapt to the cold through art activities such as creating your own beaver lodge. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with ...

(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) This winter solstice, join us to reconnect with nature and yourself through a peaceful, stress-relieving forest bathing experience at Winkler Botanical Preserve! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the natural world. Slow down, relax, and join certified forest bathing guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature for a guided ...

(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.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) This winter solstice, join us to reconnect with nature and yourself through a peaceful, stress-relieving forest bathing experience at Winkler Botanical Preserve! Experience forest bathing to connect more deeply with nature, release stress, and enjoy winter in the park! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the ...

(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. December 7 and 21 January 4 and 18 ...

(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) 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 ...

(DC) (National Park Service) In celebration of the winter solstice, come to this unique Stellar Star Show to understand what exactly is happening in the universe on this unique day and how cultures throughout history have made sense of this phenomenon. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

(DC) (Casey Trees) Let's celebrate the Winter Solstice! Join us for reflective nature time, crafts, tea and snacks that give thanks to our trees as they enter the winter months. We will gather on this transition day and acknowledge it as the shortest day of the year, and the darkest. Learn about the work we do to protect our trees, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let’s honor the year’s shortest day around the campfire! We’ll roast marshmallows, enjoy S’mores, and create luminaries to take home to celebrate. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check BrooksideNature.org for day-of event status. Ages 3+

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods and community residents for the 4th Annual Winter Solstice Hike and Vigil.

(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.