Capital Nature

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Ages 8+.

(MD) (Montgomery Bird Club) Join members of the Montgomery Bird Club at Lake Needwood. The walk will be led by a knowledgable birder who knows local birds and their habitats. We will learn to find and identify birds, to observe their behavior and habitat, and to distinguish local residents from migrating birds. The club organizes several walks each month throughout ...

(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) (National Park Service) We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding.  A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. We will gather in front of the visitor center. The walk will ...

(VA) (Earth Sangha) Help Earth Sangha clean and prepare native seeds for spring planting. Seed cleaning will take place every Sunday through the winter.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Maria, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Rock Creek Stream Valley Unit 6. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines, especially wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda).  Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also present and beneficial, so we will avoid those. We will meet in Rock Creek Stream Valley ...

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) The National Park Service Invasive Plant Management Team has resumed normal operations and will be hosting a volunteer event in the western section of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. We’ll be removing woody invasive shrubs in the park to make room for native flora and fauna.

(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) (Fairfax County Parks) Using found natural objects and recycled materials we will craft unique pieces of art for you and your family to take home and proudly display. Materials included in price. Ages 5 to Adult.

(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) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Wildlife Sanctuary Ambassador and Virginia Master Naturalist Brian Magurn at the Gatehouse in Morven Park for hands-on training for winter-sowing native plant seeds in containers. We will plant native plant seeds in recycled plastic containers that you will bring. We’ll provide the soil, and will have some seeds to share. It’s ...

(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) (DC Public Library) This monthly adult book club discusses books on human ecology, sustainable living, environmental justice and post-fossil fuel futures. Books can be nonfiction, fiction or poetry.

(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Let's explore one of the most important parts of nature-TREES! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn more about trees and the things they do. 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 ...

(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 ...

(DC) (Hillwood) Explore the bones of Hillwood’s peaceful winter gardens with Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture. Evergreen plants take center stage, deciduous woody plants become architectural, and hardscapes become more important. Winter’s cool light shapes the experience, and we can sense more subtle shades of green and brown. The few flowers in bloom are very special, and the texture of ...

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN and Community Native Planting Project to remove Invasive Vines at a restoration site near Publick Playhouse. We will start with a brief training on invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about 2 hours removing invasives. Half of the group will work on arborized vines and the other half will focus ...

(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 ...

(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) (Nature Forward) Ever wanted to know what type of tree you were looking at and despaired because there were no leaves? Never fear, help is here! Join Habitat Manager Bradley Simpson for a winter stroll at Sugarloaf Mountain. On this walk, we’ll enjoy December along the trail and learn how to approach identifying trees when their branches are mostly ...

(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Let's explore one of the most important parts of nature-TREES! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn more about trees and the things they do. 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 ...

(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) Join author Teresa Woodard as she delves into the new American design aesthetic that embraces regional cultures, plants, and growing conditions. Enjoy a visual journey of exceptional designers and their home gardens covering all the regions of the country. You’ll discover new design influences and take home innovative design tips and plant suggestions. Ages 18+. This is ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Experience breathtaking bird images by DC Bird Alliance photographers at the new La Galerie on K at the Capital Hilton. See local birds and birds captured during travel by DCBA members. On view through February.    

(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) (Hillwood) Explore the bones of Hillwood’s peaceful winter gardens with Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture. Evergreen plants take center stage, deciduous woody plants become architectural, and hardscapes become more important. Winter’s cool light shapes the experience, and we can sense more subtle shades of green and brown. The few flowers in bloom are very special, and the texture of ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Come and enjoy a ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show will be a 30-minute ranger-led program about the planets and the night sky.   

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us after dark to learn about these nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather, we will venture out into the cold night to look for wild flying squirrels. Families.

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) If you are a beginning birder or you have never participated in a Christmas Bird Count, then this is the walk for you. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to look for birds at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, and learn everything you need to know about participating in a count. Bring binoculars and meet at the Visitor Center.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at Gulf Branch 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) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Weed Warrior leader Liz Crafford 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) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join AWS and National Links Trust for a workday that will help us with our invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. By participating in this project you will not only have the opportunity to learn about invasive plants and the ecology of the Anacostia River, ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us to find out how you can capture, edit, manage, and submit wildlife photos in a manner that will be useful for science! Wildlife is everywhere in DC—and no one sees it more closely than our partners at City Wildlife, whose teams care for thousands of injured and orphaned animals each year. Local photographers also ...

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every second Saturday of the month to restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees, but much work remains to be done. Give back ...

(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) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard the Holiday Express! Climb on for a train ride, spin around the Carolers Carousel, play a round of Gingerbread Man Golf or cozy up by the fire to make s’mores. Celebrate the season with family fun, a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes.

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Are you intrigued by observing wildlife in your own yard? Do you want to contribute to the environmental health of our planet? If so come learn about the Wildlife Sanctuary program and how you can transform your yard to create habitat, attract beneficial wildlife, and get your yard certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll learn ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter is the time when our evergreens shine! Maybe you know that every evergreen tree isn’t a pine, but is it a cypress? A juniper? A cedar? Join us on a hike through Wheaton Regional Park to take a closer look at evergreens.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun at Woodend Sanctuary! This family-friendly event will feature holiday music by acapella group Nerds in Harmony alongside a bonfire where participants can make their own holiday goodies and interact with Woodend Sanctuary’s Nature Playspace.