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.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. Ages 4+ with adult.

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

(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) (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) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the ...

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join naturalist Jake van Schilfgaarde on this winter walk at Balls Bluff Regional Park to discover and discuss animals’ and plants’ survival strategies in Virginia winters. We will look for signs we find along the trails, which have moderate, rocky slopes and could be muddy or icy. We will enjoy a beautiful time out of doors ...

(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) (Fairfax County Parks) Join Laura Holder, founder of Conservation Dogs Collective, for an inside look at the groundbreaking work her team of canine conservationists is doing. These specially trained dogs are using their powerful noses to locate endangered species like bumblebee nests and turtles, playing a vital role in wildlife preservation. They're also helping to detect and eradicate invasive ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us on for our first Alliance Afternoon of 2026! We'll will kick off the meeting by conducting chapter business, followed by celebrations of the Christmas Bird Count and the 2026 Photo Contest Calendar. The featured presentation will be given by guest speaker John Mittermeier of the American Bird Conservancy, who will speak on the Search for ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Embrace the warmth of creativity this winter at our cozy winter craft night—a relaxing evening just for adults at the nature center. Sip tea or hot cocoa and unwind with nature-inspired crafts and good company. Materials provided. Ages 16 +.

(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.  

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have your teen join us for outdoor adventures! In this series, we’ll hike, paddle, and wade our way through some of the most interesting nature locales in our area! Join us for the day as we work our way through the twists and turns of a wild cave learning about local geology.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This isn’t your average walk in the woods. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. We’ll be on and off the trail as we go on a hiking adventure. Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Ages 4 to 11.

(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 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 National Zoo) Celebrate the seasons with us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the beautiful plants that grow in gardens year-round. 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.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Our ponds may be frozen, but they're still full of life. Come learn about our winter pond dwellers, and find out where the critters you don't see in winter have gone. Families.

(VA) (Wild Virginia) Explore how research, local knowledge, and public agencies are working together to reduce wildlife-vehicle conflicts and improve road safety, starting in Loudoun County. Since 2023, William & Mary’s Institute for Integrated Conservation (IIC) has partnered with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to better understand where and why wildlife-vehicle collisions happen. Loudoun County, which has the highest ...

(MD) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN and Community Native Planting Project to remove invasive vines and transform a two-acre site next to Publick Playhouse into a welcoming natural area. We will start with a brief training on invasive species and best practices for removal, and spend about two hours removing invasives.

(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.    

(VA) (NOVA Parks) GREAT NEWS! Now garden guests may enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with their favorite canines every Wednesday for Pup Stroll Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens. (Only service dogs are permitted on other days.) Please note: Garden admission ends at 6:30pm.

(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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) This online talk will cover the common species of salamanders in Northern Virginia as well as the diversity and biology of these elusive amphibians. Adults.

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Learn the fundamentals of floral arranging as this class covers essential base mechanics, sourcing flowers, working with seasonal blooms, and photographing your work. Study design principles and techniques to build successful, balanced arrangements that reflect your personal style. These core skills are designed to help grow your confidence and give you a strong foundation to approach arranging. ...

(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Celebrate the seasons with us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the beautiful plants that grow in gardens year-round. 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) (US Botanic Garden) Connect with horticultural experts as they present tips and techniques related to their field of expertise. On this occasion, George will be in the Conservatory Garden Court showing how to repot orchids. Stop by to strengthen or stretch your skill set!

(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 ...

(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 rocks don't sleep in winter! Virginia hosts some incredible geological features like caves, gorges, and waterfalls. These geological features in turn host unusual species and natural communities. Come learn about these special parts of our natural heritage!

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Bundle up, go outside, and take photos that stand apart from the pack. The low sun angles bring long shadows, snow and ice provide uniqueness, and leaves don’t obscure the character of trees. Before you head out, discuss potential exposure, focusing and battery issues, and gear concerns. Exploring classic winter scenes such as ice-skating rinks, sledding, local ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world! In this special one-day camp, participate in a variety of winter-themed games, activities, and more as you enjoy the park! This day camp is a perfect introduction for any young naturalist interested in Camp Overlook’s summer camp offerings. Ages 7 to 9.

(US) (Winter Salt Week) Want to make a difference? Let’s talk practical ways to mobilize your community, collaborate with local leaders, and champion policies that support smarter winter maintenance. Winter Salt Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. Winter salt use damages infrastructure and threatens the health of lakes, streams, and drinking water. ...

(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) (Fairfax County Parks) Join us for a cozy tea party on the farm. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, help us decorate for the party and read a story. We will enjoy drinks and cookies in a special environmentally friendly tea set and meet one of our animals. Ages 4 to 7.

(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 ...

(MD) (Capital Photography Center) Join us on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with Kim Kelly as we explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary has over 32,000 acres of diverse habitats attracting waterfowl and other birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Winter months can be awesome for photographing birds and wildlife in the DMV area. At this time of year, the eagles are ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Woodpeckers are keystone species which help many other forest animals by excavating holes in trees. Learn about our six local species, their lifestyles and adaptations. The two sessions include a hike, natural history information, drawing tips, journal page ideas and making a whimsical woodpecker creation. Ages 16 +. This is Session 2 of a two-part program.

(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 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.

(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 ...

(MD) (Izaak Walton League) Join us to learn how to stay safe while protecting the environment during the winter months. Learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts. During the event we will hear from regional expert speakers, monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg for road salt pollution, and ...

(DC) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the ...

(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+ are welcome to attend with a registered adult.

(VA) Fairfax County Parks) Discover the cosmic magic where sky meets soil. Explore constellations in the night sky and learn how stars have influenced gardening traditions from around the world. Then, bring the stars down to Earth by creating your own glow-in-the-dark constellation craft to take home. Ages 6 to Adult.

(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Discover the amazing superpower of salamanders-they can regrow entire limbs. In this fun STEM workshop, students became nature detectives and medical inventors to create super bandages inspired by these incredible creatures. Ages 11 to 14.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore Walney Creek with a naturalist to meet some of the small creek critters (macroinvertebrates) that call it home. Learn why so many different types of macroinvertebrates are active in winter streams. The naturalist will demonstrate winter collecting and participants can help pick, sort and learn to identify these magnificent critters. Ages 8 to Adult.

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any ...

(DC) (National Park Service) This is the full dome feature version of the One Sky Project. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools. This film ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for an evening nature hike when the leaves aren’t on the trees, making owls easier to spot. Give a hoot… literally as we learn about and try to call to our native nocturnal raptors. Families.