Capital Nature

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden present “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration” in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy over 350 orchids on display along with works by multimedia artist, Phaan Howng. Centered around the themes of the future of orchids and orchid conservation, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Celia, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday on the Capital Crescent Trail.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us to learn about these nocturnal rodents in our classroom, then see wild flying squirrels outdoors. Dress for the weather, it can become very cold.

(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes 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 native plants to thrive in the understory.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni for 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 ...

(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!

(DMV) (Capital Nature) Nature and green spaces offer opportunities to create healthier communities in cities during a time of climate change. Deployed properly, plants can create the livable cities of the future. Join Joe Chambers, Principal and Sustainability Leader for MKSK, Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, to discuss urban ecology and the ways in which “greening” our cities can fight ...

(DC) (Department of Parks & Recreation) Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and DC Office of Planning as we kickoff our community engagement around the two selected small park study areas for this pilot study. The meeting will be held virtually. DPR and OP will be scheduling additional site walks of both study areas in the spring ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Relationships in nature are just as wild and wonderful as human relationships. This year, celebrate Galentine’s Day by exploring some of the most fascinating relationships in nature. We’ll discuss why beavers are a frog’s best friend, why cowbirds are a nemesis of other songbirds, and how fungi and wild orchids make incredible teammates in the forest.

(DMV) (The Nature Conservancy MD/DC and Capital Nature) Join fellow citizen science and nature enthusiasts for a fun and informational evening on Conifers of Maryland. We'll then look at conifers on iNaturalist, sharpening our identification skills along the way. This is part of a monthly iNat ID Nite series. Programs are generally held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern Virginia) Help survey the remaining natural places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history in NoVa. Consider joining one or more of the continuing natural resource surveys at Occoquan Bay NWR, Meadowood Recreation Area and other parks and preserves in eastern Fairfax and Prince William Counties. A report of each of the weekly, monthly surveys ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese form of exercise perfect for adults seeking stress reduction while strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. The Forms are repetitive patterns that emphasize slow, flowing motions and controlled movements. Classes will help beginners to learn the Forms while providing regular practitioners the guidance of an experienced instructor.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Genevieve Wall for a broad-based nature exploration. Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. As we enjoy the beauty of each protected area’s woods and wetlands, we’ll also consider the strategies for winter wildlife and plant ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden present “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration” in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy over 350 orchids on display along with works by multimedia artist, Phaan Howng. Centered around the themes of the future of orchids and orchid conservation, ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Come enjoy the forest in all of its winter beauty. We'll walk through Glencarlyn Park to see evergreen plants, the foraging critters and a few surprises. Dress for the weather. Adults.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Come join us for a woodland adventure full of adventurous play, nature lessons, and wild skills. Each month we’ll explore what nature has to show us and spend some time learning new wild skills. We will also have time, space, and materials for unstructured play in the woods around our campfire circle. Students will be able to ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Each February visit the Maple Grove at Brookside Nature Center and experience the uniquely North American tradition of maple sugaring! Hike with a naturalist to the grove and learn how sugar maple sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup! This is an indoor and outdoor program on natural surface trails, participants should dress for weather and ...

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

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This symposium will offer new and innovative sustainable design and maintenance strategies to take your home garden or professional work to the next level. Join industry experts as they share practical and scalable lessons from the field representing a diverse range of natural landscapes and human environments. We’ll explore the latest research from the University of Delaware, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us at Locust Grove Nature Center for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome. Registration is encouraged, just so we can notify participants of cancellations. If you have any questions, please feel free ...

(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) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) This program is part of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with Upton Hill Regional Park. When you arrive at the park, turn left into the parking lot and meet on the grass next to the bird feeder at the very end of the parking lot. Trails in ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Genevieve Wall for a broad-based nature exploration. Winter is often called the quiet season, but there is still lots to look at and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. As we enjoy the beauty of each protected area’s woods and wetlands, we’ll also consider the strategies for winter wildlife and plant ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Flowers can be hard to find outside in the middle of winter. While there are a few species of plants that flower in the cold, most wait for warmer days and the pollinators who are out and about then. We’ll go for a hike and look for signs of flowers coming through the cold, learn about some ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Wolves used to live across the continental U.S., including here in Virginia. Join us for a presentation and hike on how wolves survive in the wild, hunt in packs and why they are no longer here. We'll also play a game to become our own pack of wolves. Family.

(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) (NOVA Parks) Join naturalist Matt Felperin on a short walk around the trails and take in the wonderful winter scenery of the forest! 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, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Check out all of these fun birding programs at Locust Grove Nature Center. We offer a variety of birding programs through out the year focusing on different aspects of birding.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (3-Adult) Animals communicate in many ways. Learn how to express your affection in chimpanzee, toad, and wolf on this outdoors Valentine’s Day walk and talk. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) 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.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) All are welcome to join us on a leisurely-paced hike through a park. The forested trails will be accessible, smooth and shaded for a fun hike to explore and examine whatever we discover. Restrooms & water fountains inside Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center, paved trails open in sun until forested area, trails are flat, benches at the ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-9 yrs.) Help feed your feathered friends this winter by making and taking home your very own pinecone bird feeder. What birds stay around all winter long? Find out what those familiar bird calls are as we discuss common birds you may see visit your feeder.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you single, ready to mingle, and 55 or older? Join us for a delightful afternoon at Black Hill Discovery Center in the company of nature, art, and singles like you! Unwind and socialize with craft mock-tails and light snacks while enjoying the 2024 Duck Stamp gallery, unique nature displays, and the accessible deck showcasing the serene ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Enjoy a late afternoon walk to learn why winter is the best time to go owl-ing. Enjoy a story, learn to identify local owl calls, discover why owls are nicknamed flying tigers of the night and enjoy a woodland stroll. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (6-Adult) 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.