Capital Nature

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) The National Capital Region (NCR) Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) will be hosting surveys at Rock Creek Park in search for Cenchrus purpurascens (Chinese fountaingrass). Chinese fountaingrass is used in landscaping throughout the region and has been spreading into natural areas. An abundance has been found and treated, especially throughout the past week. Our goal for ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join naturalist Matt Felperin on a lovely walk around the trails and take in the beautiful fall colors! Learn why trees shed their leaves and other adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive winter’s cold. Plus, meet a few of our birds of prey that are able to stay outside all winter! $8, ages 7+.

(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 ...

(DC) (Smithsonian) From ancient philosophers through the Enlightenment and today’s most eminent physicists and physicians, not a one of us can hold out our hand and say definitively where it ends, and the rest of the world begins. There is opportunity indeed in accepting both that in our human form, we cannot quite see clearly, and that eventually, every one ...

(MD) (City of Rockville)  Enjoy a campfire and fall folklore as part of the Families Outside series at Croydon Creek Nature Center.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Session 9 of 11 (Adults) This class features a gentle introduction to the Vinyasa method which helps participants increase the strength, flexibility and endurance necessary for gardening. Class held indoors.

(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 ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Looking for a great sunset photo opportunity? Join us for a relaxing guided sunset kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm evening waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! We will begin with a brief paddling instruction ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have you ever wondered how plants and animals perceive the world around them? Unfortunately, in our urban areas, noise, light and odor pollution can have many unintended consequences. Learn how to expand your gardening focus beyond visual appeal to create landscapes that mitigate these disruptions and offer sensory refuges for wildlife. Speaker: Nancy Lawson, author, Master Naturalist, ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum) Join us for a closer look at some of the museum’s treasured artifacts. Discover how women of color have long fought against environmental racism in the District to protect their families and community members. Curator Rachel Seidman introduces us to the powerful work of long-time activist Vernice Miller-Travis through her recent gifts to the museum’s collection.

(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?

(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 ...

(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.

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) The National Capital Region (NCR) Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) will be hosting surveys at Rock Creek Park in search for Cenchrus purpurascens (Chinese fountaingrass). Chinese fountaingrass is used in landscaping throughout the region and has been spreading into natural areas. An abundance has been found and treated, especially throughout the past week. Our goal for ...

(MD) (Friends of Sligo Creek) We will gather at the metal gate on the 7100 block of 16th Place, Hyattsville. Bring binoculars if you have some. Our walks are free and happen rain or shine.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. Second registrant is FREE.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us as we work to keep our park healthy and beautiful!  Assist with invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and other projects as needed.  Come dressed for and prepared to work outdoors. Gloves and snippers are recommended, but extras may be provided if needed.  Meet at the picnic shelter (located in main parking lot).  Free and appropriate ...

(DC) (REI) During this class, our instructors will help you understand a topographic map, proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to restore habitat and increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month. We are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up.

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Highlighting natural materials from the USBG collection, this workshop will feature a mix of the art of zine making, collaging, printmaking and bookarts with Doriana Diaz, Multidimensional Artist, Archivist, and Memory Worker. Dorianna will guide you in implementing and enhancing the practice as both an individual as well as a collective. Experiment with visuals that curate ...

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Join Ward 8 Woods every second Saturday of the month to restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees, but much work remains to be done.

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Parks Service for this restoration planting event in Rock Creek Park. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours prior to the event.

(MD) (REI) Join REI and other outdoor enthusiasts for a sunset hike along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Potomac River. We’ll set out before dusk along the historic C & O Canal and take in the magic of the sunset over the Potomac River. Along the way, we’ll explore the rich history and natural wonder of one of our ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers). Families.