Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 1000 Madison Drive NW, WashingtonWeek of Events
Sunday, May 24, 2026
-
May 24, 2026 -Stream Adventures at Black Hill
-
May 24, 2026 -Exhibit: Growing Together
-
May 24, 2026 -Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
Stream Adventures at Black Hill
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) What lives in a stream? Wade into the water and use nets to see what insects, fish, frogs, and other animals we can find. Please wear boots or closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (no flip-flops, please!). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 2 to 12.
Exhibit: Growing Together
(DC) (Smithsonian Gardens) Nine exhibits across Smithsonian Gardens around the National Mall hold history and memories, tell American stories, and carry culture through food growing and seed saving. The exhibition also introduces gardens as places of wellbeing, connection, and innovation—from horticultural therapy to the powerful role trees play in ecosystems and in cities.
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 ...
Monday, May 25, 2026
No events on this day.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
-
May 26, 2026 -Stream Exploration at Gulf Branch
-
May 26, 2026 -Teens Hike to the Potomac
Stream Exploration at Gulf Branch
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Bring the whole family to play in Gulf Branch stream! We'll learn about local plants and animals on our hike down to the water and we'll explore under the rocks of the stream for macroinvertebrates. Must wear closed toe shoes in the water and bring clothes that can get wet! Ages 6 to 10.
Teens Hike to the Potomac
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Hike to see where Gulf Branch stream joins the Potomac River - check out our scenic waterfall, take some great photos, and enjoy the spring weather! This youth program is for Teens.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
-
May 27, 2026 -Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Skies
-
May 27, 2026 -Renee Fleming: The Voice of Nature
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 ...
Renee Fleming: The Voice of Nature
(MD) (Strathmore) Renée Fleming is internationally celebrated for her vocal artistry, dramatic depth, and advocacy for the role of the arts in health and society. Her concert program Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, inspired by her Grammy-winning album, pairs music with an original film created by the National Geographic Society. Together, sound and imagery reflect on humanity’s relationship with the ...
Thursday, May 28, 2026
-
May 28, 2026 -Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
-
May 28, 2026 -Cocktails & Conversations: Future-Proofing D.C.’s Flora
-
May 28, 2026 -What Trees Remember: Climate, Water, and Change (Virtual)
-
May 28, 2026 -Trees & Shrubs for Compact Gardens (Virtual)
Anacostia River Discovery Boat Tour
(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a 1-hour Anacostia River Discovery Series boat tour to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and how it has caused the rebound of ...
Cocktails & Conversations: Future-Proofing D.C.’s Flora
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Experience the magic of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory at night and get inspired by the potential of plants and people. Join USBG Executive Director and botanist Dr. Susan Pell in conversation with local experts as they discuss the science and community efforts behind native plant seed saving and habitat restoration in the District and beyond. ...
What Trees Remember: Climate, Water, and Change (Virtual)
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Trees are invaluable record-keepers of the past. Since their annual growth is intrinsically related to a combination of environmental factors, tree ring data can be used like a Rosetta Stone. Dr. Karen King will demonstrate how her research in biogeography and climate change is informed by tree-ring data. We will focus on regional examples from western Maryland to learn what tree rings ...
Trees & Shrubs for Compact Gardens (Virtual)
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Discover the possibilities of planting small trees and large shrubs in compact urban or suburban spaces with Kathy Jentz, author of The Urban Garden, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine. Tailored for the Mid-Atlantic, this selection includes natives, edibles, and hardy ornamentals that thrive in heat, pollution, and urban stress—from full sun to deep shade. Even ...
Friday, May 29, 2026
-
May 29, 2026 -Spring Forest Bathing and Tree Walk at Tregaron
-
May 29, 2026 -Roots to Rocks Mountain Biking 55+
-
May 29, 2026 -Jazz in the Garden
Spring Forest Bathing and Tree Walk at Tregaron
(DC) (Politics & Prose) Join Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, The Joy of Forest Bathing, A Year in Rock Creek Park, and several other nature books for a magical spring forest bathing walk through the enchanting Tregaron Conservancy, a woodland garden tucked away in the midst of northwest Washington that has been ...
Roots to Rocks Mountain Biking 55+
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join the Roots to Rocks team for a mountain bike ride exclusively for folks 55+. Our instructors will go over the basics of bikes and bike handling skills in a supportive environment. These rides are great for people who have some riding experience, but you don’t need to be a seasoned veteran. This is a perfect way ...
Jazz in the Garden
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Travel across the country through music, exploring our many traditions—from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Every Friday through August 14 (except June 5 and July 3). Pre-show dance classes on May 22 and 29, June 12, and July 24. Event registration through ...
Saturday, May 30, 2026
-
May 30, 2026 -Neighborhood Invasive Vine Removal in Hillcrest
-
May 30, 2026 -Invasive Plants Removal at Potomac Overlook
-
May 30, 2026 -Tree Tour in Marvin Gaye Park
-
May 30, 2026 -Bark Stories Hike
Neighborhood Invasive Vine Removal in Hillcrest
(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Meredith from CCAN to remove Invasive Vines around the Hillcrest neighborhood in Washington DC. We will meet at the Hillcrest Rec Center and spend 30 minutes doing training. From there we will break into pairs and head to a list of pre-surveyed residences in the area to offer vine removal for residents. We may also drop ...
Invasive Plants Removal at Potomac Overlook
(VA) (Arlington Parks) (NOVA Parks) Join us at Potomac Overlook 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. If you have your own garden gloves and tools, please bring them along. If not, they will be ...
Tree Tour in Marvin Gaye Park
(DC) (Casey Trees) Take a tour of the trees in the longest continuous city park and creek in the District. On this two-hour walk, DC urban forester Alexander Grieve will highlight diverse tree species in the park — including oak, tulip, and elm — and their unique characteristics and vital contributions to our ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll learn how ...
Bark Stories Hike
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Step into the forest to explore the history, folklore, and cultural connections of our local trees. This guided hike blends basic tree identification with stories of how trees have provided food, inspiration, and meaning throughout history.