Your Inner Neanderthal (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian) When early modern humans encountered Neanderthals and Denisovans, these archaic humans contributed DNA to our genomes. But how many archaic human groups did we encounter and what role does archaic human DNA play in the lives of present-day people? Laurits Skov is a geneticist at UC Berkeley studying the role of archaic DNA in modern humans. In this ...

Free

Race, History, and Rock Creek: Civil War Reconstruction (Virtual)

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join us for a panel discussion as we learn of the history and origins of the National Park Service, and Rock Creek Park. Together we will learn about the works of Frederick Law Olmsted, founder of American Landscape Architecture, which inspired the creation of parks and its benefits to the public. Our conversation will consist of ...

Free

Conservation Café: Yes, in my HOA yard!

(MD) (Nature Forward) Native plant gardens fight climate change and are beautiful. So why do so many Homeowners Associations (HOAs) want to ban them? Join Nancy Lawson, nature writer and founder of The Humane Gardener, for a discussion with leading experts in MD and VA who advocate allowing sustainable landscaping in HOAs.

$10 – $15

Forest Bathing 101 (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of forest bathing as Melanie Choukas-Bradley introduces its history and how-tos. Learn creative ways to reduce holiday stress and banish winter blues by connecting with nature close to home. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, originated in the 1980s as a restorative and meditative practice of connecting with nature and disconnecting from the ...

$25 – $30

Birds of Arlington Photo Tour

Long Branch Nature Center & Park 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, United States

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a photo tour of the birds of Arlington. We'll begin with the more common birds we may see at feeders and nearby, then proceed to more unusual species. In addition to presenting photos of beautiful birds in their natural habitat, wildlife photographer Calvin Schnure often uses images that provide insights into how these creatures ...

$5

The Folklore of Winter Trees

Arlington Mill Community Center 909 South Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, VA, United States

(VA) (Arlington Parks) As early Americans explored Virginia, they had to survive the harsh winters with just the plants and animals that surrounded them. Come take a walk with Long Branch Nature Center's park naturalist Rob Barnovsky to discover many of the mysteries of survival and folklore to be found in the plants and trees of Arlington. Adults 55+.

Free

Conversations about Environmental Justice

Capital Jewish Museum 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (Capital Jewish Museum) Drawing on the values of the holiday Tu B’Shvat, “Jewish Arbor Day,” this Nights at the Round Table will explore environmental justice. Hear from a panel of speakers working locally for equal access to natural resources and equal protection from pollution. Then join the discussion and develop tools to take action over a shared meal. Dinner features dishes ...

$36 – $54

Race, History, and Rock Creek (Virtual)

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Rock Creek Park for a conversation between acting superintendent Brian Joyner and Joan Zenzen, historian and author of 'An Urban Oasis: Rock Creek Park's History and Management.' Zenzen will describe the park's establishment and management over time in the context of public use, park management, and the field of preservation, as ...

Free

The Beauty and Magic of Winter Trees (Virtual)

(DMV) (Capital Nature) Winter reveals the forms and details of trees that often go unnoticed during nature's busy seasons. There is magic in the air, and sometimes even snow! Join Capital Nature and reknown local naturalist Alonso Abugattas, the Capital Naturalist, for a fascinating talk on Washington DC-area trees during the winter months. Evergreens like American Hollies and Eastern Cedars ...

Free

Forces of Nature Exhibit Tour

National Portrait Gallery 800 G St NW, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (National Portrait Gallery) Join us for a lively tour and discussion of the exhibition, “Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism.” Learn about famous and lesser-known individuals who have shaped the U.S. environmental movement – and consider their work in relation to current global debates.

Free

Climate Grief and Resilience Workshop

Capital Jewish Museum 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (Capital Jewish Museum) Join Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action for a facilitated workshop designed to bring communities together to confront the climate crisis with courage, rooted in Jewish wisdom. This interactive workshop is part of an emerging field of climate spiritual adaptation work, anchored in practices from The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Grounded in Jewish ...

Free
Capital Nature