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? Open ...

(DC) (Smithsonian) The story of chocolate begins with a small cacao tree rooted deep in the history of Mesoamerican culture. Learn the symbolism and history of this beloved and storied ingredient through art making and other hands-on activities. All day: Create your own cacao-inspired codex book with Evelyn Orantes (Maya) Visitors are invited to make a pre-Columbian-style codex book to ...

(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) (NOVA Parks) Looking for an offering where you can explore nature with your preschooler? Our Cub Club program is just what you’re after! Join us as we learn about the sights, sounds, and textures around us in winter and find out what animals do during this cold time of year. We’ll read a story together and even make our ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us for a reception for the “From the Ground Up" art show featuring the works of Miriam Cutelis.  Immerse yourself in the world of dreamy landscapes, where every stroke tells a story.  Miriam skillfully crafts her paintings using reclaimed materials, adding a unique touch to the beauty of nature.  Enjoy refreshments, meet Miriam, and experience her ...

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

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 2-Adult) 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.

(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) (4-Adult) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Liz Guertin 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 wide range of ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn fun facts and practice yoga moves named after a few of our most popular reptiles. We'll also visit some live animals. Bring a yoga mat and meet in the Long Branch classroom. Extra mats will be provided if needed. Ages 6 - 10.

(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) Enjoy this day off from school and make your own gourmet hot cocoa as you listen to a Naturalist-led raptor talk.

(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) 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.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy a walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with your favorite canine on our special Pup Days at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10am to 4pm. Please note:  Garden admission ends at 3:30pm. Dogs are $6 each.  Human admission is $8 for ages 18-54, $4 for ages 55 and older ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leader Genevieve Wall for a winter walk along the flat C&O Canal. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. These walks will move at a bit faster pace than our usual midweek Canal ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join the National Park Service and Rock Creek Conservancy for a virtual Event Leadership training! This training is for anyone who would like to lead volunteer events in Rock Creek Park (Stream Team Leaders, Weed Warrior Leaders, etc.). The training will take place on zoom. A link will be sent to all registered participants on ...

(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 ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Preschoolers (and their parents) will explore turtles through books, fun activities, and a visit with Barry the Box Turtle. Program Fee - $10/child plus $3 transaction fee Participants - children ages 2-4 and their parents/guardian Registration - required/online only There are no refunds or waitlist for this program. Adults and their preschoolers should dress for the weather. ...

(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 ...

(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) 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.

(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 Natural History Museum) Learn about how primate hands have helped them evolve many ways to move through the world, from swinging under tree branches to walking on their knuckles to running on two feet. Explore how humans evolved hands specialized for making and using a variety of tools and how our hand anatomy impacts what we can do ...

(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) 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).

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for the magic of the full moon for a hike and campfire on each Friday nearest to the full moon. Feel free to bring your own hot dogs or food to warm over the fire, and we’ll provide marshmallows. Please register and pay for adults and children. Ages 5 and up.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for a post-sunset stroll where we’ll look and listen for creatures that are most active at night. Hikes are approximately one mile or less. Dress warmly and please, no flashlights. Meet at the gravel parking lot by the boat launch on Black Hill Road.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join leaders Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton 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) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy and the National Park Service for a safe, fun, 50 person trash cleanup at Kenilworth Park. Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

(MD) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy and the National Park Service for a safe, fun, 50 person trash cleanup at Parklawn Local Park (MD). Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

(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) Come to the Discovery Center and learn about our winged visitors at our bird feeding stations. Then we’ll take a short hike to our bird blind to see which waterfowl are on the lake and make a treat for you to take home for your backyard birds. Binoculars and guidebooks are supplied, but you can also bring ...

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join Casey Trees and forester Sam Nelson for a tree-focused nature walk on Kingman Island. We’ll identify trees as we move from winter to spring, while also discussing climate change, plant philosophy, and the eco-social history of Heritage and Kingman Islands. While it will be an easy-paced walk, please note there may be muddy or uneven surfaces. ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) For just a few magical weeks in the Spring, the forest floor is studded with our most beautiful woodland wildflowers, including spring beauties, bluebells, and bloodroot. Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our Master Naturalists who will interpret this spectacular show before it disappears entirely (at least until next spring!). Now a three part series, ...

(VA) (Arlington Public Library) Well-designed nature play spaces are both inviting and endlessly engaging for children and also good for the planet. With rich, inspiring images from around the world, author, educator and landscape designer Nancy Striniste explains why and how to bring the beauty, adventure and sustainability of nature play to backyards, schoolyards, churchyards, neighborhood parks, early childhood settings, ...

(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 ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Park) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior 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 for a thriving native understory.

(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) Join us for a night hike to see the Snow Moon and marvel at woods around Gulf Branch Nature Center in winter. We may possibly see or hear nocturnal wildlife. Adults.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (Adults) Take time to set intentions for the next month while engaging in mindfulness practices under the full moon along the Potomac River. A variety of techniques such as breathwork, gentle stretches and purposeful movement will be used. Please bring your own yoga mat or camping chair. Appropriate for all skill levels.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.