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) (National Park Service) If the National Mall is America’s Front Yard, then Rock Creek Park is America’s Back Yard. From before the park was founded, presidents have spent time on Rock Creek Park land. Come join a ranger for a 2 ¾ mile hike and learn the ways that presidential history flows through Rock Creek.

(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) (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) Join us for a hike along an uneven trail with a creek crossing and climbing over large rocks all the way to the Potomac River. Dress for the weather and wear good sneakers or hiking boots. Registration Required. Families.

(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) (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.  

(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 ...

(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) (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) (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) (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) (Arlington Parks) We'll visit our classroom to learn about nocturnal animals then walk the trails to see if we can find them in the dark. Bundle up, it can become very cold. Families.

(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) (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 ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Rena Subotnik 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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join a Park Naturalist to collect natural items around Wheaton Regional Park and turn them into an artistic masterpiece. Adults and children must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program. Be sure to check BrooksideNature.org for day-of event status.

(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) (NOVA Parks) Join us for the first meeting of Tales and Trails, a book club meeting at Winkler Botanical Preserve. Following the death of his father, Gil sets out on the Joun Muir Trail with Syd, his father's best friend. While hiking, they come to terms with life and death, learn the healing power of nature and unplugging, and ...