Capital Nature

(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?

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Learn to use drawing and meditation to improve attention, observation and connection to nature. Focus on breathing, mindful awareness and basic drawing skills in a peaceful outdoor setting (weather permitting). Learn how drawing in nature can calm your spirit. Bring your sketchbook and supplies; paper and pencils will also be available for use. 13 to ...

(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) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Stream Team Leaders Kathy Sykes and John Burwell for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Come make a difference in your community on this very significant day. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help clear out invasive plants and vines along with other downed branches that are clogging our walkways and keeping our local plant and animals from thriving. Families.

(DC) Casey Trees) Volunteers from throughout the capital region area will remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by staging a massive clean-up at one of the most biodiverse natural areas in Washington, DC, at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This service event will transform a crucial community greenspace while promoting the connections between social and environmental justice. Organized by the Student Conservation ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees, protect the Sligo Creek watershed, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the MLK Day of Service Join Greg, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Unit 4 (between Forest Glen Road and University Blvd in Silver Spring). We will focus on ...

(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) We are proud to partner with Volunteer Arlington for the 2024 MLK Day of Service. We’ll celebrate the day with volunteers cleaning up trash and debris from Four Mile Run at Barcroft Park from 10am-noon or Jennie Dean Park from 11 am-12:30 pm. All ages are welcome.

(MS) (Anacostia Riverkeeper) Ring in the New Year with Anacostia Riverkeeper & Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance at our annual MLK Day of Service cleanup! This event is rain or shine and all supplies are provided. Wear layers, closed-toe shoes, and clothing you can get dirty.

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) and National Links Trust (NLT) for a Habitat Restoration Workday! During this workday you will help AWS with our invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. This is part of a natural resources management plan for the golf course in ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 4-Adult. Enjoy a brief presentation and demonstration by our animal caretaker staff. At least one snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks in recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service through a volunteer park cleanup. Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife.

(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Trash is the visible form of stormwater pollution, a major threat to water quality and park health and its removal makes the parklands cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for all.

(DC) (National Zoo) Join us for a wild time as we explore animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations in our brand-new indoor/outdoor classroom! Dig for horseshoe crabs in the sand table, make lunch for a bird in the mud kitchens, or just join us for a story or two!

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a stroll with us on the less-visited side of the park to uncover the history of spies, espionage and how the Cold War struggle between the US and the USSR shaped Huntley and the Fairfax County we know today. Meets at South King Highway entrance includes a 2.4 mile walk over flat terrain. Adults

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Stay active with friendly walking companions. We’ll explore nearby trails and neighborhoods in a safe, socially distant manner.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Did you know there are more than 50 species of orchid found in Virginia? Come learn about the bizarre and diverse orchid family, with its 30,000 species in total. We will focus on the orchids found in northern Virginia. After learning about these amazing native plants, we will use the Smithsonian's "Orchid-gami" sheets to cut and fold ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Wednesdays 6-8 pm, January 17–February 14 Field Trips: Patuxent River Park – Jug Bay Natural Area: Saturday, January 20 (10 am-1 pm); Woodend Sanctuary: Saturday, February 3 (10 am–1 pm); Sugarloaf Mountain: Saturday, February 10 (10 am–1 pm) Instructor: Bradley Simpson, Nature Forward Habitat Manager Members $240; nonmembers $290 During this winter course, students will learn how ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) As early Americans explored Virginia, they had to survive the harsh winters with just the plants and animals that surrounded them. Come take a walk with Long Branch Nature Center's park naturalist Rob Barnovsky to discover many of the mysteries of survival and folklore to be found in the plants and trees of Arlington. Adults 55+.

(DC) (Capital Jewish Museum) Drawing on the values of the holiday Tu B’Shvat, “Jewish Arbor Day,” this Nights at the Round Table will explore environmental justice. Hear from a panel of speakers working locally for equal access to natural resources and equal protection from pollution. Then join the discussion and develop tools to take action over a shared meal. Dinner features dishes ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Step out of the cold and into the verdant U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory for an evening with urban tree experts! Hear from the researchers and community changemakers leading plant-centered climate change solutions around D.C. Come with curiosity and leave with a renewed sense of hope about the potential of plants and people. 6-7 p.m.: Doors open ...

(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.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Take a stroll around Glencarlyn Park to observe some of our winter resident birds. No experience necessary. Binoculars provided, but you're welcome to bring your own. Dress for the weather. Adults.

(MD) (Nature Forward) The wetland habitats of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge are a premier birding destination on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near Cambridge. Waterfowl are the signature birds of the Refuge—and the best viewing months are November through February. Wintering species include Tundra Swans, Canada and Snow Geese, and more than 20 species of ducks. Bald Eagles are abundant here and ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) The first rule of Hike Club – have fun! Improve your fitness, make new friends, and experience trails and scenery we don’t often make time to immerse ourselves in. We welcome all ages, though young children must be able to walk at least 3 miles or be carried. Most trails are not stroller accessible and are easy ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Sip on some hot cocoa to stay warm on a winter day as we sit by Potomac Overlook's bird observation station. Learn about the behavior and adaptations of several species of songbirds as they fly in to the birdfeeders, giving amazing close up looks. Hot cocoa provided, but please bring your own mug. $8, ages 7+

(DC) (Rock Creek Park 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.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have you ever walked past a beautiful tree and wished you knew its name? Join us and see our native trees with new eyes. We will explore the trails of Wheaton Regional Park and learn to identify some of our native trees using bark and buds.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Sarah, Weed Warrior Supervisor, and Little Falls Watershed Alliance for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday on the Capital Crescent Trail.

Sip on some hot cocoa to stay warm on a winter day as we sit by Potomac Overlook’s bird observation station.

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a Spotted Lanternfly Egg Spotting event! You may have heard about this invasive insect that has the potential to threaten agricultural crops and spread through natural areas. You will learn about the spotted lantern fly's life cycle and help track their current extent. During this ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Calling budding paleontologists and dinosaur nerds. Let’s review and discuss seven kinds of dinosaurs (Ceratopsian, Raptor, Iguanadon, Brachiosaur, Ornithomimus, Acrocanthosaurus, and Ankylosuar. ) Learn about how their fossils were found here in Maryland, including sites where your family can dig for bones (Dinosaur Park in Laurel)!

(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.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. 3 to Adult.