Exhibit: Recovering Our Night Sky

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) What do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?

Free

Exhibit: To Live and Breathe

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum 1901 Fort Pl, SE, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum) Women have led the environmental justice movement. This exhibition explores how local women of color draw on a long history of activism and advance environmental justice efforts not only in D.C., but across the country and beyond. Visitors will be inspired as they learn why women have become leaders in the environmental justice movement, which ...

Free

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

Camping Basics

Columbia REI 6100 Dobbin Rd Ste B, Columbia, MD, United States

(MD) (REI) Learn the basics of camping! Whether you’re planning to go solo or with friends and family, we’ll cover everything you need to know and bring to ensure your next camping trip is a successful one. We’ll talk trip planning, how to be comfortable sleeping outside, camping kitchen considerations, and more. Camping is a fun and affordable way to ...

Free

Stream Team Leader Training (Virtual)

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy for a virtual training for our Stream Team Leader program. Stream Team Leaders are dedicated volunteers that work with the Conservancy to host their own trash cleanups and stormwater engagement events, increasing stewardship actions within their communities and throughout Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, MD.

Free

Winter Bird Feeding Workshop (Virtual)

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Greg Butcher will offer tips about increasing the number and variety of birds that visit your backyard this winter. In addition, he will introduce you to Project FeederWatch, a program of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that allows you and your family to contribute to science. After the presentation we’ll test your backyard bird ...

Free

Create an Evergreen Wreath (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Just in time for the holidays, create a modern wreath with fresh evergreens on a metal hoop. Using a method similar to floral arrangement, combine local textures, shapes, and colors in your design. Many styles of wreaths, and even garlands, are possible with the wiring techniques covered in class. Open to beginners and to students with floral ...

$35 – $45

Exhibit: Forces of Nature

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

(DC) (National Portrait Gallery) “Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism” presents some of the key people—scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists—whose work has influenced attitudes toward the environment in the United States from the late 19th century until today. The exhibition traces a history of the movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century environmentalism and its backlash. It also addresses ...

Free

Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of it inspired by nature.

Free

Family Walk at Woodend

Woodend Nature Sanctuary 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD, United States

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join expert naturalists on a leisurely walk through the habitats at Woodend. Explore the wonders of trees, meadows, streams, insects, birds, and everything Woodend has to offer!

$12 – $20

Mini-Oasis Restoration at Fort Slocum

Fort Slocum Park 5800 Kansas NW Ave, Washington, DC

(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 for a thriving native understory. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours prior ...

Free

Arboretum Festival and Christmas Tree Sale

U.S. National Arboretum 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join us for the 2023 Winter Festival. Shop from local vendors and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities. Have a hassle-free holidays and get all your shopping done in one place! We will also host a Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd. Shop Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands.

Capital Nature