Forest Bathing: Finding Tranquility at Winter’s Edge

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna, VA, United States

(VA) (Kindred Nature and NOVA Parks) Release stress and step into serenity with a guided forest bathing experience, discovering calm in the shift to early winter at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the natural world. Slow down, relax, and join certified forest bathing guide Ilana ...

$35

Night Hike and Cocoa at Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Sip hot cocoa and join a naturalist for a special winter wonder wetland tour after dark. We will look for signs and listen for sounds of beavers, owls, deer and other nocturnal winter animals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mug to help us reduce waste. Ages 4 to Adult.  

$10 – $12

Holiday Lantern Tour

Colvin Run Mill 10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA, United States

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Tour beautiful Colvin Run by candlelight. Discover how different a 200-year old mill looks at night and visit the miller’s house decorated for the holidays. Learn how families of the mill spent the winter months and enjoy some holiday treats. Space is limited.

$10 – $12

Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh

Dyke Marsh Alexandria, VA, United States

(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.

Free

Winter Trees Sketch Hike

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join park naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler on a walk through the park to learn about the techniques of drawing winter trees and landscapes. Drawing supplies included. Ages 12 to Adult.  

$15

Teen Stewardship Day at Long Branch

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

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Help us with improving Glencarlyn Park. Each Sunday we will have stewardship projects like weed pulling, raking, trail maintenance and trash pick-up. Your hard work will make the park a better place for both people and nature. Teens ages 12 to 17.

Free

DIY Holiday Ornaments

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA, United States

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Try making holiday ornaments inspired by history. Get inspired by history and nature to create festive decorations for your home. All materials provided. Ages 6 to Adult.

$9

Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA, United States

(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.  

Free

Tiny Tot: Pine Cones

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

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Each Tiny Tot program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at Gulf and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme which incorporates aspects of the park and its wildlife into the programs. Ages ...

$6

iNat Nite in the DMV (Virtual)

(DC) (MD) (VA) (Capital Nature) Join us for the December edition of iNaturalist Virtual ID Night. The topic this month is: Tiny Forests: Mosses and Lichens of the DMV! We will have a fascinating presentation on the topic, and you will then have an opportunity to hone your identification skills using iNaturalist. Cosponsored with The Nature Conservancy (MD/DC Chapter) and ...

Deep Dive: Urban Wildlife (Virtual)

(VA) (Arlington Parks) What are Arlington’s common wildlife? What types of habitats can they be found in? What should you do if you encounter wildlife? We'll answer all these questions and more in this interactive program. Adults.

Free

Nature Forward Christmas Bird Count

(MD) (Nature Forward) Nature Forward will conduct its 82nd Annual Christmas Bird Count!  The 15-mile diameter count circle encompasses most of the District and parts of Virginia and Maryland. So, no matter where you live in or around the District, there is a spot for you to count.  Novices and intermediate level birders will be placed with experts, so don’t ...

Capital Nature