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) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Weed Warrior leader Rena Subotnik or 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 ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) Artificial lights have become such common nighttime fixtures that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution go beyond our diminishing view of the stars, but the solutions can have an immediate impact. Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Arlington hosts a diverse cast of over 50 native tree species! Join us for a light walk to learn how to identify trees without leaves or flowers, by looking at their buds, bark, and other features. Teens age 14 and up are 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.  

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Stop by the Critter Corner near the Visitor Center fireplace to meet some fascinating live animals from Potomac Overlook Regional Park’s Nature Center! NOVA Parks' Roving Naturalist will bring some surprise guests like an owl, a turtle, and maybe a snake. Visit before or after exploring the Winter Walk of Lights to see and learn about some ...

(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) 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 ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy free garden admission and a guided walk around Meadowlark's 95 acres on Tuesdays. Each one-hour walk will be over uneven, hilly terrain, have a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion and a few interesting facts from our docent along the way. Ages 18 and up.

(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. No walk-ins will ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Make a long-lasting beautiful wreath using fresh greens! Learn to make an evergreen wreath for your front door, complete with a pinecone and bow accents. Fee includes all materials for one wreath. Instructor: Jason Gedeik, Brookside Gardens staff.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Enjoy a leisurely late fall stroll on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) 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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Make a long-lasting beautiful wreath using fresh greens! Learn to make an evergreen wreath for your front door, complete with a pinecone and bow accents. Fee includes all materials for one wreath. Instructor: Jason Gedeik, Brookside Gardens staff.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome. This project meets weekly on Thursdays ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Early winter is the best time to search for and learn to ID overwintering waterfowl in our area. If you’re ready to refresh your skills or learn for the first time, our leader Mike Bowen will offer a lecture at Woodend prior to the in-person field trip at Gunner’s Lake in Germantown, MD, where a paved trail ...

(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Join our free online guided meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. Many of the art pieces are inspired by nature. All are welcome! No previous experience is required.

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN to remove Invasive Vines at Catholic University. We will spend the first 30 minutes doing a brief training on invasive vines and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing vines from the trees. We will focus on non-native invasive vines including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) and English ivy (Hedera ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore the remarkable adaptations and behaviors of these specialized predators through hands-on encounters with non-venomous snake ambassadors. Discover the sophisticated hunting strategies, sensory capabilities and ecological roles that makes this reptiles masters of evolutionary design. 5 to Adult.

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Sip festive botanical cocktails with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden as you enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite! Wander the Conservatory adorned with poinsettias, holiday decor, and beloved D.C. landmarks crafted from plant materials. Outdoors, delight in the G-gauge model trains chugging through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including Tyrannosaurus ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Let's explore the world of birds at Hains Point - bring your binoculars and curiosity for a morning adventure! This is one of DC's most peaceful birding gems -- wide open views, sweeping water, and the chance to spot winter visitors who only grace our area this time of year. As we stroll along the shoreline, ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Early winter is the best time to search for and learn to ID overwintering waterfowl in our area. If you’re ready to refresh your skills or learn for the first time, our leader Mike Bowen will offer a lecture at Woodend prior to the in-person field trip at Gunner’s Lake in Germantown, MD, where a paved trail ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Haley Park to Improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.

(DC) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join NextGen as we take a trip to our National Zoo and visit the Bird House. We will congregate at the Bird House inside the Zoo at 9AM. We will take our time in the Bird House, observing as much as we can while discussing what we see and taking photos. Feel free to bring ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join expert naturalists on a leisurely walk through the habitats at Woodend. Explore the wonders of trees, meadows, streams, insects, birds, and everything Woodend has to offer! Limited to 10 families.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Designed to increase flexibility and physical strength and to cultivate mental focus, these classes are a beautiful and relaxing way to begin your weekend. Mats are not included. No walk-ins will be accepted. Ages 18+. Instructor: Tanory Ateek

(DC) (Casey Trees) Spend the day with Casey Trees as we care for young trees around Catholic University, sponsored by MedStar Health! We will start the day with a training on young tree care, where we will learn all about proper mulching, watering, planting techniques, and more. We will then apply this learning in real time as we mulch and ...

(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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Holiday crafters are invited to create their own evergreen wreath to spruce up your home or give as special gifts. We’ll provide music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make a wreath and we'll have extra for arrangements or swags. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and ...

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every first Saturday of the month to restore Suitland Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2018, Ward 8 Woods Park Stewards and volunteers have removed more than 300 tons of trash from the woods of Suitland Parkway and cut vines from more than 1,000 trees. On ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Join this festive scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats in time for the holidays! This event is appropriate for families and children of all ages.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Get into the holiday spirit by creating your own stunning wreath using natural materials like holly, pine, spruce, and cedar — all gathered from the gardens by the horticulture team. Led by Meadowlark’s Horticulture Specialist, Charles Bruce, this hands-on workshop begins with an introduction to the materials and a brief demonstration, guiding you through each step as ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join us for up-close encounter with some of nature's most fascinating but misunderstood creatures. Meet native crawlies, friendly giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches as you discover the important roles these "creepy crawlies" play in keeping our ecosystems healthy. This hands-on family program reveals why these incredible invertebrates are actually the unsung heroes of the natural world. ...