Capital Nature

(MD) (Nature Forward) Our winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the relatively close-in DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. With the landscape stripped of most leaves, it’s a great time to look for a wide range of birds including both resident and ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Park) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. 4 to Adult.

(DC) (Capital Jewish Museum) Join Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action for a facilitated workshop designed to bring communities together to confront the climate crisis with courage, rooted in Jewish wisdom. This interactive workshop is part of an emerging field of climate spiritual adaptation work, anchored in practices from The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Grounded in Jewish ...

(DC) (National Portrait Gallery) Join us for a lively tour and discussion of the exhibition, “Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism.” Learn about famous and lesser-known individuals who have shaped the U.S. environmental movement – and consider their work in relation to current global debates.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may still be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world!  Sign up for this special one day of camp and participate in plenty of winter-themed games, activities, and more as we get out into the park! A perfect intro for any young naturalists interested in our summer camp offerings as well. ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) This program for school children focuses on nature and history. A different topic and hands-on activities are covered each month. Ages 7 to 12.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Gray days of winter got you down? Come explore the miniature world of mosses beneath our feet and all around us. These marvelous photosynthetic friends stay green and can even grow during winter when other plants are resting! First we'll learn about moss characteristics and identification, and then we will grab our magnifying glasses to brave the ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This isn’t your average walk in the woods. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. We’ll be on and off the trail as we go on a hiking adventure. Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be sure to sign up 24 hours ahead so ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join park naturalists on a winter stroll through the Nature Center trails to learn about our local ecology while sipping on some delicious hot cocoa! Families.

(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.

(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) In response to a warming climate, Maryland’s native plant species will either adapt, migrate, or go extinct. Fortunately, we can help make native plants more resilient to climate change. Join us for a discussion of the relationship between native plants and a changing climate, past, present, and future. We will discuss the critical roles of ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining this outing! Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape.  Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history.  If ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us at the park! You can meet a naturalist or historian at one of our neighborhood parks to discover the nature and history of Arlington. The staff person may bring hands-on learning items, artifacts or activities. Cancelled if raining. Families.

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) Join a park naturalist for a guided walk along the forested paths to the wetland and experience the park as it transitions from day into night. Watch and listen for nocturnal residents such as beavers and owls. Ages 6 to Adult.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) "Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem ...

(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? Open ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This series of classes feature foundational yoga poses that are designed to support better breathing, walking, and space orientation. Yoga movements help build muscle, bone density and core strength while improving balance, posture, and flexibility. Mats are not included. Instructor: Sherry Weber. Held in the Visitor Center auditorium. This class meets weekly.

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Winter is full of celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by making lanterns, the holiday season by making nature ornaments, a Groundhog Day celebration, and Valentine’s Day by making nature valentines. Register for one or all of these family fun activities. Ages 3 - 5.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a fun opportunity for our four-legged friends to make new buddies on walk through the trails around Gulf Branch Nature Center. Dogs must be well-mannered and remain on a leash at all times. Families.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join Nature Forward Master Naturalist volunteers for a Family Walk. Enjoy, learn, and play in our new accessible nature playspace. Explore the winter finds at Woodend such as white-throated sparrows, winter wrens, fallen leaves, pine cones, and so much more!” Sign up using the below link. We look forward to seeing you at Woodend! $12 a family ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Park) Bring a clean, empty, plastic bottle to make a bird feeder. We discuss tips for feeding birds and learn to identify common birds that visit home bird feeders. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 2 to Adult.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Washington Gardener Magazine is co-hosting the annual seed exchange at Green Spring Gardens with lectures and a face-to-face seed swap. Bring your extra seeds to swap and leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends, and expert planting advice. Adults.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore Walney Creek with a naturalist to meet some of the small creek critters (macroinvertebrates) that call it home. Learn why so many different types of macroinvertebrates are active in winter streams. The naturalist will demonstrate winter collecting and participants can help pick, sort and learn to identify these magnificent critters. Ages 8 to Adult.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Will the groundhog see its shadow? Are we in for a long winter? We hope not! Come learn all about our furry friends and the story behind this holiday. Families.