Capital Nature

(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) (DC Bird Alliance) Escape the city and spend a day in nature with the DC Bird Alliance and Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation as we take a special road trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore—one of the most spectacular birding destinations on the Atlantic Flyway. Winter at Blackwater brings breathtaking flocks of waterfowl, soaring ...

(MD) (Garrett County Arts Council)“For the Love of Birds” is an installation piece that incorporates The National Audubon Society’s climate report: Survival by Degrees: 389 Birds on the Brink and artwork curated by curated by Caroline Blizzard and Julie Turrentine. The art exhibit tells the story of how birds will be affected by climate change, with different habitats illustrated through ...

(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) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Rock Creek Weed Warrior Leader 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. This event is part of an area-wide volunteer-powered effort to ...

(DC) (Rhizome) Need a reason to get outdoors this winter? Are you wondering what trees do in the cold? This class will explore the biology and identification of trees in winter with botanist and herbalist Holly Poole-Kavana. Class is divided into two sections: 10:30am to noon will be held indoors (in-person) to learn about the characteristics that are useful for ...

(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.  

(DMV) (Casey Trees) Do you enjoy taking walks around your neighborhood? Have you noticed invasive vines like English Ivy growing on trees? Do you want to do something easy and fun that helps preserve your local tree canopy? Then this training is perfect for YOU! We want to create the largest and most comprehensive invasive vines survey that the DMV ...

(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) (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 Associates) Learn how to see beauty in the natural world and render it in stunning watercolor paintings, using various watercolor techniques to represent the metallic shell of a beetle, the soft, fuzzy wing of a moth, and the delightful colors of a butterfly. 8 sessions from January 13 ​to March 3, 2026​.

(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 ...

(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) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) The natural world is constantly changing… yearly, monthly, daily and even hourly. The only way to see it all is to go out on a regular basis and explore. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, join a naturalist to briefly meet one of our nature center critters (living or preserved) then go for a walk to see what ...

(DC) (Slow Food DC) Volunteer to join us for 90 minutes to help repackage bulk vegetable and flower seeds so they can be donated to the DC community.  The seeds have been purchased or received as donations in bulk packs, and they need to be separated out into small seed packs (5-10 seeds each) that meet the needs individual gardeners ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about orchid care and maintenance? Drop by the Conservatory's Garden Court to talk with George about orchids! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program.

(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 ...

(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Step into the invisible world that curiosity and cutting‑edge imaging make visible. In this talk, Dr. Tagide deCarvalho will share the stories and techniques behind her striking microscopy images—revealing how modern optical and electron microscopes open windows into cells, viruses, and other hidden structures of life. Expect a presentation that blends science, storytelling, and ...

(DC) (Nature Forward) Join Nature Forward for a timely discussion about DC's environmental progress and how the lack of statehood and ongoing attacks on Home Rule hurt our local environment and communities. We will hear from a distinguished panel of experts and activists on the unique threats to a greener, more equitable city and how residents can meet this challenge.

(MD) (Garrett County Arts Council)“For the Love of Birds” is an installation piece that incorporates The National Audubon Society’s climate report: Survival by Degrees: 389 Birds on the Brink and artwork curated by curated by Caroline Blizzard and Julie Turrentine. The art exhibit tells the story of how birds will be affected by climate change, with different habitats illustrated through ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Discover the surprising world of edible vegetables that thrive in the colder months. Join Kathy Jentz, author and gardener, to explore winter culinary plants highlighting hardy, flavorful edibles you may be overlooking this season. Get tips on how to grow, harvest, and enjoy these cool-weather delights right from your own garden.

(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. Families.

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join FONA & DC Bird Alliance this winter for the best birding! Winter is the perfect season to observe our feathered friends. With the trees bare and migratory birds lingering, this is a unique opportunity to spot birds more easily and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts. Experienced members of the DC Bird Alliance will ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for a winter waterfowl watch at the beautiful Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, “an oasis for migratory birds and busy city residents seeking a quiet escape from development.” On this guided walk, you’ll explore the refuge’s diverse waterfowl species with naturalist Andreas Seiter.

(VA) (Arlington Regional Master Naturalists) Do you like working outside? Join community volunteers in protecting the local environment from non-native invasive plants and replacing them with native plants.  This is a continuing project typically held every Saturday to reclaim Potomac Overlook Regional Park from non-native invasive plants. Be sure to come dressed for work, wear long pants, long sleeves, and ...

(DC) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy, Friends of Anacostia Park, and Black Girl Environmentalist for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service trash cleanup at Anacostia Park (DC). Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. legacy. Sign up today ...

(MD) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy, Rock Creek Conservancy, and Montgomery Parks for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service trash cleanup at Aspen Hill Park. Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. legacy. Sign up today to make ...

(VA) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service trash cleanup at Jones Point Park (VA). Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. legacy. Sign up today to make a difference for your hometown ...

(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Come shelter from the cold with us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore how animals stay warm throughout winter.  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.

(DC) (National Park Service) The Boulder Bridge Loop is a ranger favorite: creek views, towering forests, steep ridge climbs, and long enough to feel like you’ve gotten a workout. Join a ranger on this 3.5 mile hike through the diverse trees, traipse across two bridges, and summit the Western Ridge trail all while learning about the park from an expert. ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service, and for our cleanup of the Carter Barron amphitheater. We will remove debris, paint, clear leaf litter, weed, sweep, and trim back invasive plants, helping preserve the amphitheater while it awaits future restoration. This is a unique opportunity to get a 'behind the scenes' look at ...

(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. We kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. We will supply instructions, examples and trash bags.

(MD) (Friends of Sligo Creek) Join in one of the 6 volunteer Park Cleanups or Weed Warrior Workdays celebrating MLK Day! Give back to your community, help beautify our green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife.

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories have enchanted generations with their whimsical characters, gentle humor, and deep connection to the natural world. Join Kathryn Aalto, historian, teacher, speaker, and New York Times best-selling author as she transports audiences to the real-life Ashdown Forest, the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood, through her book “The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh.”

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees, protect the stream valley ecosystem, and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service. Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Monica for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs, including roundleaf bittersweet, porcelainberry, Japanese barberry, and multiflora rose. Please note, the barberry and multiflora rose have thorns!

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

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Drop by the Discovery Center and have some fun! We’ll have easy-to-make seasonal crafts that you can make and take home. Today we’ll be making suncatchers.

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us and our partners at DC Bird Alliance for a Winter Crow Watch at the Shirlington roost in Arlington, VA. You’re in for a show as the crows gather here in numbers so large it actually appears on radar! Here we'll have binoculars and scopes for participants to use to view the crows as ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our astronomical naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. Ages 3 to Adult.

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) The demise and disappearance of bees is well documented, yet bees still persist. Wildlife biologist Sam Droege shares a more nuanced look at the current state of native bees based on his research. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library.