Capital Nature

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Enjoy spring at the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA's Flowering 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more! This race is not only scenic ...

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

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us for this very special bird walk as we discover, or rediscover, what is means for us to be a birder. What connects in your mind, body and soul when you hear a tiny soprano in perfect pitch singing to you?

(VA) (Arlington Parks) This is a pop-in event and no appointment is necessary. Naturalists and gardeners will be ready to guide you in your native plant gardening journey. You can also get help pre-ordering for our Spring Native Plant Sale. Adults.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) For just a few magical weeks in the Spring, the forest floor is studded with our most beautiful woodland wildflowers, including spring beauties, bluebells, and bloodroot. Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our Master Naturalists who will interpret this spectacular show before it disappears entirely (at least until next spring!).

(DC) (Smithsonian) Celebrate the vast and varied insect world through the pages of early natural history books from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Dazzling Diversity provides a glimpse into the wealth of recorded scientific knowledge in these books, and the continuing relevance of historical science to contemporary biodiversity research. It offers a snapshot of different classes of insects and their habitats, while showcasing ...

(MD) (Friends of Sligo Creek) Join us at this lovely neighborhood park along Sligo Creek. Meet at the park on Elson Street. We’ll have trash and recycling bags, and gloves if you need them. All are welcome. Students can earn SSL hours; see the details when you register.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Experience the beauty of spring woodlands on a guided walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens' Potomac Valley Collection! Led by Keith Tomlinson, former Meadowlark Garden Manager who developed and curated our native plant collection, this walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich botanical diversity. With 45 years of experience in botanical gardens, museums, environmental education, ...

(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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) We'll learn about the life of salamanders including Virginia’s State Salamander, the northern red salamander and take a stroll in the park to see if we can find one! Families.

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us  for our quarterly live Audubon Afternoon at the National Wildlife Federation. Food and socializing will be followed by our formal program at 3:15pm, when guest speaker Matt Felperin will give us a Warbler Bootcamp in preparation for spring migration. He will also speak about Birdathon, our Spring fundraiser, and how to get your ...

(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.

(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) (Nature Forward) Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Gardens) Join us for Smithsonian Gardens’ brand new Garden Play program! Designed for children ages 2 and up and their caregivers, this program will explore all things seeds through hands-on activities, story time, and a walk through the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Garden, led by one of our horticulturists. This event is free with no registration required. Parents ...

(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 second program in the five-part series. Ever wonder what happens in the wetlands when no one is around? While investigating the reptile ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us while we ride along the towpath stopping to enjoy the natural and cultural history of the area. Each biking excursion will be about 20 miles roundtrip. Comfort breaks and lunch break included. Participants must supply their own bike, helmet, lunch, water bottle, and transportation to starting location. An extra innertube is also recommended.

(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) (Arlington Parks) Want to learn more about nature and science? Join a naturalist for a crash course in how to teach environmental science and place-based nature education. Participants will get to be hands-on with learning items, can interact with live animals, and practice presentation skills. Adaptations can be a tricky subject to explain, but we'll break it down as ...

(DMV) (Capital Nature) Join us as we host Alonso Abugattas for a fascinating talk on vernal pools. These temporary wetlands formed by winter snow and rains make a perfect habitat for amphibians like salamanders and wood frogs to lay their eggs. Vernal pools come to life in late winter and early spring before the rest of nature stirs. Alonso, a ...

(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) The USBG’s Look and Learn drop-in demonstrations encourage visitors to come by the Garden to connect with horticultural experts as they present tips and techniques related to their field of expertise. On this occasion, George Guenthner, USBG Gardener, will be in the Conservatory Garden Court showing how to repot orchids. Stop by to strengthen or stretch ...

(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) 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) (City Wildlife) Rat poisons don't just kill rats—they ripple through the entire ecosystem. When predators and scavengers consume poisoned rodents, they too suffer the consequences of these indiscriminate pesticides. Despite the well-documented risks, anticoagulant rodenticides (a specific type of rodenticide) remain widely used. In California, a coalition of lawyers, scientists, and activists successfully pushed for a moratorium on these ...

(DC) (Nature Forward) Whether the weather outside is frightful or not, we’ll find oodles of delight and discovery on the trails of these local parks! This monthly series will explore the progression of winter into spring at several locations throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. From the wetlands of Huntley Meadows, to the farms and forests of Oxon Hill Farm Park, ...

(DC) (Smithsonian) Celebrate the vast and varied insect world through the pages of early natural history books from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Dazzling Diversity provides a glimpse into the wealth of recorded scientific knowledge in these books, and the continuing relevance of historical science to contemporary biodiversity research. It offers a snapshot of different classes of insects and their habitats, while showcasing ...

(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) Girls belong in nature, enjoying outdoor adventures! Join us for a girl-centered Nature Girls Club. There are three in-person sessions with a Park Naturalist that will focus on exploring nature, trying out outdoor skills, and nature journaling. Meetings are monthly. Registration required.

(VA) (Washington Mycological Association) The National Park Service represented by Ranger Edwin J. Rivera, in collaboration with Mycologist Serenella Linares, and naturalists Ana Ka’ahanui & Matt Felperin invite you on a magical hike to witness nighttime sounds, fluorescence, and other wonders of the dark. Bring a reusable water bottle, a charged phone, closed toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join the U.S. National Arboretum for a day of engaging presentations about native plants, pollinators, and ecosystems. An associated native plant sale will take place from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. This event is perfect for the home gardener! You will learn from seven expert speakers about: Supporting native pollinators Utilizing native plants in a ...

(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) (U.S. National Arboretum) This symposium is an all-day event featuring presentations from seven local horticulturists, scientists, and master naturalists. Learn about how one historic estate is being reimagined with native plants, and how to encourage native pollinators in your own garden. Dive into the research that reveals the comparative benefits of straight species plants vs cultivars. Explore the concept ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Weed Warrior Supervisors Greg and Kathryn for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Unit 4 (between Forest Glen Road and University Blvd in Silver Spring). More details, including the exact meeting location, will be emailed to all pre-registrants. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa ...

(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 ...

(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) (Nature Forward) You don’t need to go far by car to enjoy the great outdoors! In this series, we’ll explore the progression of spring one metro stop at a time. As we venture through serene river views, lush stream valleys, and lakeside trails of these metro-accessible parks, we’ll learn about the wildlife and natural history that we encounter along ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all of your senses. Join Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Contemplative, but more active than meditation, this forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the ...

(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 native plants to thrive in the understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 ...

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

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) 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. We will be meeting at the driving range. This is part of a natural resources management plan for ...

(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 II: Learn to implement core design elements like color, texture, form, line, and scale to create a beautiful and functional landscape. Design concepts like seasonality and layering ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) This mushroom walk will begin inside the Long Branch Nature Center with an introduction to identification for beginners. We will learn how fungi grow in the soil and their role in the environment. Then we will walk outside, rain or shine, to observe mushrooms in the forest. Adults. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome to attend ...

(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join AWS at the Bostwick House to sort trash that has been removed from the River Terrace trash trap into 27 categories. We will count the pieces of trash and measure the weight and volume for each category. The data you help us collect will be used to educate the public and advocate for a better ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) It’s time for our slimy skinned, jelly egged creatures to start waking up… maybe. Any warm winter day or evening may cause an awakening of wood frogs and other amphibians as they try to lay eggs and emerge before their predators find them. Join us to find their hiding spots before the predators do. Adults. Find more ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join USBG Visitor Services Team and USBG Volunteers outside of public hours for a sensory-friendly evening to enjoy the “Orchids: Masters of Deception” exhibit. See thousands of orchids on display and uncover some of the unique ways these plants have adapted to deceive pollinators! Interactive activities will be offered at this program. Intended Audience: Sensory-Friendly Event

(MD) (Nature Forward) When the first warm rains of the season come, the amphibian world explodes into activity. Starting in late winter, temporary pools of shallow water, known as vernal pools, come alive with the kickoff of the annual amphibian migration. Since vernal pools dry up with the heat of summer and are not wet year-round, fish populations can’t survive. ...