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) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church for an inspiring talk from Doug Tallamy, renowned entomologist and best-selling author of Nature’s Best Hope. Tallamy will share his compelling vision for The Homegrown National Park, a national challenge to create diverse ecosystems in our yards, communities, farms, and surrounding lands. Learn how reducing lawns and planting ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Ever wonder how people lived off the land in the mid-Atlantic? Come learn about the Powhatan people who made Virginia their home. We'll learn what language they spoke, the foods they ate, the clothes they wore and how they survived. Adults.

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as naturalist and botanical horticulturist Keith Tomlinsonleads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens on the East and West Coasts of the United States, Morocco, and Germany. Vibrant visuals illustrate how each site takes a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate ...

(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) (Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments) Learn how Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGl) can reduce flooding, create greener spaces, & boost recreation in your community. Discover how Blue-Green Infrastructure (BI) can help improve your community's flood resilience and environmental health. At this family-friendly workshop, you can have a chance to learn more about your local watershed and how you can get involved. ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Karl Gercens, Longwood Gardens’ conservatory manager, explores the world of container garden design, showcasing its wide range of opportunities for decorative container use and displays. He surveys container materials; the wealth of plants that thrive in varied conditions; and offers tips on watering, fertilization, and pest and disease prevention. Photos of displays at Longwood Gardens provide inspiration ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation Project, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy invites you to learn about these important wetlands and the wildlife that call them home. Join us for this fifth program in the five-part series. Alison Zak, founder and director of the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund, will provide a brief history ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Did you know that the osprey is one of the greatest environmental success stories? Osprey numbers crashed in the early 1950s to 1970s, when pesticides poisoned the birds and thinned their eggshells. Osprey studies provided key support for wider legal arguments against the use of persistent pesticides. Learn more about their history, the challenges this ...

(DC) (MD) (VA) (Capital Nature) Join us for the March edition of iNaturalist Virtual ID Night. The topic this month is: Spring Ephemerals by Kerry Wixted. We will have a fascinating presentation by Deborah, and you will then have an opportunity to hone your identification skills using iNaturalist. Cosponsored with The Nature Conservancy (MD/DC Chapter) and Prince George’s County Dept. ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(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) Spring beauties, bloodroot, trout lilies! Even before the last frost, some of our spring wildflowers brave the cold to put on a show. Come take a walk and we’ll discuss the fascinating lifestyle and ecology of these plants. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered adult. 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. Find more DC Bird Alliance events here.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have you ever wanted to learn the names of the birds that visit your backyard, the wildflowers along the trail, or even which animal left that footprint in the mud? Montgomery Parks is pleased to offer a new online learning series for adults that teaches you to recognize the most common species of Montgomery County. Led by ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) In this class, students will paint a Barn Swallow. Your instructor, Ronna Fujisawa of Salty Water Art, will be your guide through the step-by-step process. Open to all levels of watercolor painters. Beginners are welcome! Get suggested materials on NVBA website. Ronna Fujisawa is an avid bird watercolor artist residing in Portland, Oregon. Salt Water ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Designated one of the “Best Natural Areas” in M-NCPPC Parks, the 630-acre Blockhouse Point Conservation Park contains a variety of habitats: from upland forests to floodplain forests to rock outcrops to streams and wetlands. As we enter meteorological spring, some trees may be bare while others are budding or even blooming, and ephemeral wildflowers may be emerging ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about orchid care and maintenance? Drop by the Conservatory's Garden Court to talk with George Guenthner, USBG Gardener about orchids! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program. This program is connected to our exhibit “Orchids: Masters of Deception.”

(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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us to investigate some live animal specimens! Kids will be their own scientists and get to see, touch and safely examine a variety of animal species. What's the difference between a frog, toad and salamander? How are they similar? Where can they found in nature? Ages 8 to 12. Find more Arlington Parks nature programs here.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) iNaturalist is an awesome tool to document and learn about the natural world around us. Come learn how to use the phone/tablet app and explore observations on the website, then put it into practice with a walk outside! Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered adult.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join a Park Naturalist for an off-site hike and get to know a new park! Includes 80 minute hike and social chat at the end. The Nature on Wheels vehicle will provide seating, water and bathroom access (using stairs). This event is for experienced hikers. Trail may be rocky or steep and distance will be around 2 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to learn more about turtles? Come and meet all the different turtles we have at the Nature Center, learn about their habits, and give them a snack! Ages 6 to 10. Find more Arlington Parks nature 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 events here.

(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. Find more Montgomery Parks ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us for a bird walk at this beautiful hotspot, home to an impressive number of resident and migrating species.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire ...

(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. March 1, 15 and 29

(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 ...

(MD) (Casey Trees) Help Casey Trees care for the young trees at Driskell Park! Your help with weeding, mulching and watering these vulnerable trees will give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy. Also, learn more about tree maintenance and pruning. We provide all the necessary tools and supplies to care for trees. ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) oin us for an interactive story time followed by an outdoor exploration or activity for children ages 3-7. We will meet in the outdoor classroom area located in the Children’s Garden, weather permitting. Adults must accompany children. Meet in the Outdoor Classroom located in the Children’s Garden area. Find more Montgomery Parks events here.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing garden or develop an entirely new area, you’ll learn the fundamentals of landscape design to create functional, enjoyable, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Session I: Learn practical steps to approach the design process, including site analysis, creating a concept design, and determining the functional goals for your space. You’ll understand why ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have you ever wanted to learn how to start a campfire?  Join a Park Naturalist and learn different ways to stack your logs, different lighting techniques, and fire safety. Participants are encouraged to bring a campfire snack for roasting. All attendees must register. Inclement weather could cancel this program.  Be sure to check Brooksidenature.org for day-of event ...

(DC) (Smithsonian) Join us for a celebration of "Save a Spider Day"! See spider specimens and other arachnids up close, make observations at live tarantula feedings, and learn about the amazing diversity found within the different spider and arachnid species. Scientists from our museum will also share about the science they do to learn more about spiders and will help ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each 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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Springtime is filled with festivities. Join us as we search for leprechauns and hunt for their pots of gold or for a Mother’s Day hike with craft.

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Volunteers will join the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) and National Links Trust (NLT) for a Habitat Restoration Workday! During this workday you will help AWS with our invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. This is part of a natural resources management plan for the golf ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Soar on down to this program about local avian predators! Learn about native birds of prey and the amazing adaptations they use to hunt, meet the raptors we care for at the park, and watch a naturalist feed a live bird of prey! Find more NOVA Parks nature events here.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that 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 programs ...