Invasive Plant Removal at Reservation 630 East
Reservation 630 East 2801 Quebec Street Northwest, WashingtonExhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 1000 Madison Drive NW, WashingtonWeek of Events
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Sip on a cozy, hot beverage (with or without spirits), or ...
Bull Run Festival of Lights
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car. This year, don't miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive ...
Garden of Lights at Brookside
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let the magic begin! Tickets are now on sale for Brookside Gardens’ dazzling Garden of Lights — where winter nights sparkle with more than a million twinkling lights. The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind ...
Zoo Lights
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally-friendly LED lights. ZooLights ...
Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite!
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Celebrate the holiday season in our annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor throughout plus our model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including ...
Winter Festival at the National Arboretum
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Get in the holiday spirit at the National Arboretum! FONA’s Winter Festival returns this year. Buy your Christmas tree and shop from 30+ local artisans in the gift vendor village, take a holiday train ride around the Capitol Columns, and enjoy free family-friendly activities! There will also be plenty of hot chocolate and caroling ...
Sunday, November 30, 2025
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November 30, 2025 -Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
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November 30, 2025 -Invasive Plant Removal at Reservation 630 East
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November 30, 2025 -Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
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November 30, 2025 -Winter Tree Identification Walk
Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
(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.
Invasive Plant Removal at Reservation 630 East
(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 ...
Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
(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 ...
Winter Tree Identification Walk
(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.
Monday, December 1, 2025
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December 1, 2025 -Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
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December 1, 2025 -Critter Corner at Walk of Lights
Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
(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.
Critter Corner at Walk of Lights
(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 ...
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
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December 2, 2025 -Bird Walk at Kenilworth
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December 2, 2025 -Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
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December 2, 2025 -Guided Walk at Meadowlark
Bird Walk at Kenilworth
(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. ...
Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
(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 ...
Guided Walk at Meadowlark
(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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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December 3, 2025 -Tai Chi at Brookside
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December 3, 2025 -Festive Fresh Wreaths
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December 3, 2025 -Midweek Meander Along the Canal
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December 3, 2025 -Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
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December 3, 2025 -Festive Fresh Wreaths
Tai Chi at Brookside
(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 ...
Festive Fresh Wreaths
(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.
Midweek Meander Along the Canal
(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, ...
Exhibit: Dazzling Diversity
(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 ...
Festive Fresh Wreaths
(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.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
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December 4, 2025 -Project Feederwatch
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December 4, 2025 -Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire
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December 4, 2025 -On the Prowl for Water Fowl – Lecture
Project Feederwatch
(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 ...
Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire
(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.
On the Prowl for Water Fowl – Lecture
(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 ...
Friday, December 5, 2025
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December 5, 2025 -Senior Wellness Walk: Deanwood
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December 5, 2025 -Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
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December 5, 2025 -Invasive Vine Removal at Catholic U
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December 5, 2025 -Snakes Secret Lives
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December 5, 2025 -Mistletoe Mingle at USBG
Senior Wellness Walk: Deanwood
(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 ...
Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
(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.
Invasive Vine Removal at Catholic U
(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 ...
Snakes Secret Lives
(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.
Mistletoe Mingle at USBG
(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 ...
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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December 6, 2025 -Bird Walk at Hains Point
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December 6, 2025 -On the Prowl for Water Fowl – Field Trip
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December 6, 2025 -Invasive Plant Removal at Haley Park
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December 6, 2025 -NextGen Visit to the Bird House
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December 6, 2025 -Family Walk at Woodend
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December 6, 2025 -Yoga at Brookside
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December 6, 2025 -Community Tree Care and Training at Catholic U
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December 6, 2025 -Invasive Plant Removal at the Nature Center
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December 6, 2025 -Holiday Wreath Workshop
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December 6, 2025 -Suitland Parkway Volunteer Day
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December 6, 2025 -Search for Santa’s Critters
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December 6, 2025 -Holiday Wreath Workshop
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December 6, 2025 -Nature’s Hidden Heroes
Bird Walk at Hains Point
(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, ...
On the Prowl for Water Fowl – Field Trip
(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 ...
Invasive Plant Removal at Haley Park
(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.
NextGen Visit to the Bird House
(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 ...
Family Walk at Woodend
(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.
Yoga at Brookside
(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
Community Tree Care and Training at Catholic U
(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 ...
Invasive Plant Removal at the Nature Center
(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 ...
Holiday Wreath Workshop
(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 ...
Suitland Parkway Volunteer Day
(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 ...
Search for Santa’s Critters
(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.
Holiday Wreath Workshop
(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 ...
Nature’s Hidden Heroes
(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. ...
