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

Sparrows and Finches: An Intro to the Season’s LBJs

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

(MD) (Nature Forward) You’re invited to join one (or both) of our field tutorials for an introduction to the most common sparrows and finches in our region during this season. Tips for recognizing plumage, voice, habitat preferences and more will be shared by our teacher-leader teams. Mike Bowen will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend ...

$26 – $36

2023 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA, United States

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink.  Tickets are available for the Village or Village and Ice Skating daily through January 1st.  Prices and times vary from weekdays to weekends.

$8 – $20

Natural Habitats of Woodend

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

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join Nature Forward naturalists to explore the meadows, forests and stream at Woodend. Learn about the work we do to improve our native habitats for our local wildlife.

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

Bird Walk: Four Mile Run Park

Four Mile Run Park 3700 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA, United States

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) The late afternoon is a great time for a bird walk through Four Mile Run Park – newer birders as well as veteran birders are welcome to join!

Free

Garden of Lights at Brookside

Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD, United States

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. Shop for unique seasonal items at the Gift Shop. Hot chocolate and light snacks will ...

$10

Bird Walk: Upton Hill Regional Park

Upton Hill Regional Park 6060 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, United States

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) The morning is a great time for a bird walk through Upton Hill – newer birders as well as veteran birders are welcome to join!

Free

Bird Walk: Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park

Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park 23557 Watson Road, Leesburg, VA, United States

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Join NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin along with folks from Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in a casual and educational bird walk at Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park in Aldie, VA. Learn more about this underbirded mixed forest and meadow habitat park which hosts a diverse range of resident and ...

Free

Community Tree Planting: Brentwood Reservoir

DC Water Brentwood Reservoir NY Ave NE and 9th St NE, Washington, United States

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join us in planting trees at DC Water Brentwood Reservoir! You provide the volunteers, we provide all the necessary tools and supplies to plant the trees. Participants will receive a hands-on training on site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will be split up into groups supervised by a trained volunteer Team Leader and begin planting ...

Free

Beginning Birding (Accessible)

Brookside Nature Center 1400 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD, United States

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join a Brookside naturalist and learn the basics of birding on our frustration-free “flat” bird practice trail. Our wildlife pond boardwalk is accessible for all budding birders. Stroll or roll to each bird station and learn proper use of binoculars, how to navigate a field guide and what to look for and at as you step into ...

$7

Potomac River Cleanup at C&O Canal

Fletcher’s Cove 4940 Canal Rd NW, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy for a safe, fun, 50 person trash cleanup at C&O Canal Path (DC). This event will be co-hosted by ICCP and Georgetown Heritage! Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

Free
Capital Nature