What Makes a Habitat a Home? (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian) From deserts to rainforests, what makes a habitat a suitable animal home? What Makes a Habitat a Home explores habitats around the world and some of the animals that live in these habitats. Part of Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Classroom series for kids and families.

Free

Writing Workshop Inspired by “Forces of Nature”

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

(DC) (National Portrait Gallery) Join the National Portrait Gallery for an interactive poetry writing workshop exploring the themes of environmentalism and environmental justice. Attendees will create poetry inspired by portraits of scientists, activists and artists whose work has influenced attitudes toward the environment in the United States. Experiment with poetic forms to express an environmental message. Open to writers of ...

Free

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

Share Your Vision for Oxon Run

Black Box Theatre at the ARC 1801 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC, United States

(DC) (DC Parks and Recreation) Join the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Energy and Environment at the ARC to share your vision for the future of Oxon Run Park and the stream. You can find more information about the stream project. This project is a partnership among DOEE, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), ...

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

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
Capital Nature