Capital Nature

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Looking for an offering where you can explore nature with your preschooler? Our Cub Club program is just what you’re after! Join us as we learn about the sights, sounds, and textures around us in winter and find out what animals do during this cold time of year. We’ll read a story together and even make our ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 2-Adult) Bring a clean, empty, plastic bottle to make a bird feeder. We discuss tips for feeding birds and learn to identify common birds that visit home bird feeders. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Enjoy a late afternoon walk to learn why winter is the best time to go owl-ing. Enjoy a story, learn to identify local owl calls, discover why owls are nicknamed flying tigers of the night and enjoy a woodland stroll. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Liz Guertin for our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the relatively close-in DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy a walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10am to 4pm. Please note:  Garden admission ends at 3:30pm. Dogs are $6 each.  Human admission is $8 for ages 18-54, $4 for ages 55 and older ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Genevieve Wall for a winter walk along the flat C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. These walks will move at a bit faster pace than our usual midweek Canal ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) "Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Each February visit the Maple Grove at Brookside Nature Center and experience the uniquely North American tradition of maple sugaring! Hike with a naturalist to the grove and learn how sugar maple sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup! This is an indoor and outdoor program on natural surface trails, participants should dress for weather and ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Take a stroll around Glencarlyn Park to observe some of our winter resident birds. No experience necessary. Binoculars provided, but you're welcome to bring your own. Dress for the weather. Adults.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers).

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leaders Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton for our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the relatively close-in DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Come to the Discovery Center and learn about our winged visitors at our bird feeding stations. Then we’ll take a short hike to our bird blind to see which waterfowl are on the lake and make a treat for you to take home for your backyard birds. Binoculars and guidebooks are supplied, but you can also bring ...

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Casey Trees and forester Sam Nelson for a tree-focused nature walk on Kingman Island. We’ll identify trees as we move from winter to spring, while also discussing climate change, plant philosophy, and the eco-social history of Heritage and Kingman Islands. While it will be an easy-paced walk, please note there may be muddy or uneven surfaces. ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) For just a few magical weeks in the Spring, the forest floor is studded with our most beautiful woodland wildflowers, including spring beauties, bluebells, and bloodroot. Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our Master Naturalists who will interpret this spectacular show before it disappears entirely (at least until next spring!). Now a three part series, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Each February visit the Maple Grove at Brookside Nature Center and experience the uniquely North American tradition of maple sugaring! Hike with a naturalist to the grove and learn how sugar maple sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup! This is an indoor and outdoor program on natural surface trails, participants should dress for weather and ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a night hike to see the Snow Moon and marvel at woods around Gulf Branch Nature Center in winter. We may possibly see or hear nocturnal wildlife. Adults.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (Adults) Take time to set intentions for the next month while engaging in mindfulness practices under the full moon along the Potomac River. A variety of techniques such as breathwork, gentle stretches and purposeful movement will be used. Please bring your own yoga mat or camping chair. Appropriate for all skill levels.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (6-Adult) 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.