Capital Nature

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with Occoquan Bay NWR. Occoquan Bay NWR offers a diversity of habitats for wintering waterfowl, field, forest, and edge birds. We will meet up at the OBNWR Visitor Center parking lot. Trails are generally wide, flat, and crushed gravel but may be ...

(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) Do you dream of building forts in the woods or climbing a tree? Maybe you want to learn about woodland critters or create some art in the woods. Join us for a time to explore the woods how you want to. We’ll supply some materials and a space to create and explore, you supply the imagination and ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Many animals have unusual physical and behavioral adaptations that enable them to get a meal or to keep from being a meal. Compare and contrast the adaptations of deer, owls, squirrels and turtles in this variation on a popular school field trip. Registration required for children and adults. Program is outdoors.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Slither on over to a program about our local serpents! Meet some of the snakes we care for at the nature center, do a bingo scavenger hunt in the park as we learn about different snake habitats and where they live, and construct a unique, snake-themed craft! A stupendoussss offering for any reptile enthusiast. $10 per participant ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Park) (4-Adult) Vernal pools are one of our parks most fascinating and elusive ecosystem. Join us after hours as we hike the trails and search for signs of new amphibian life. Learn about the life cycle and early development of local amphibians. Hike the trails at night and end with roasting s'mores over a campfire. Children must ...

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Capacitación en ciencias comunitarias y mantenimiento de árboles más un taller de productos de limpieza ecológicos (totalmente en español). Tree Care & Community Science Training Plus Green Cleaning Products Workshop (event is entirely in Spanish)

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) During this online generative poetry workshop, Camille T. Dungy, acclaimed poet and essayist, Nina Graham, USBG Community Engagement Education Specialist, and Jaren Hill Lockridge, Chair of the Ward 8 Health Council will read from her book, "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden," Nina will share about the Garden's community engagement work and upcoming community display, ...

(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!

(DC) (Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative) This meeting of APACC's Community Impact Studio will feature DC Councilmember Christina Henderson, Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of the DC Department of Health, and Dr. Howard Kurtzman. They will address how climate change adversely impacts public health in disfavored communities.

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Join us for Matt Cohen’s talk about wild mushrooms. In this introduction to the world of mushrooms, you'll learn about their ecological roles and major groups and what traits to look for to identify a mushroom. Matt will also identify some local deadly poisonous mushrooms and some local edible mushrooms.

(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 ...

(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) (Nature Forward) Join leader Stephanie Mason 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, ...

(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 ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Birds are an excellent source of inspiration and a joy to paint. With large eyes and a heart shaped face, the Barn Owl’s subtle beauty is the perfect subject for a watercolor painting. In this online class, we will focus on the detail of the eyes and loose brushstrokes for the feathers. Your instructor, ...

(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) (US Botanic Garden) Join Perla for a deep dive into the profound impact of green spaces on our mental and physical health. During the program, Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago, Garden Author and Founder of Agrochic.com, will share strategies to create enjoyable paths in your own backyard or indoor green spaces. From the universal allure of gardens across various cultures to ...

(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) (Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) This panel brings together artists, activists, designers, and scientists to explore the impact of nature on human wellbeing from diverse perspectives. Hosted by Therme US, a leader and innovator in urban wellbeing, the panel will discuss cutting-edge projects that are reinvigorating our relationship to the natural world—from experiments in biophilic design, community-led forest ...

(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) (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) (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 ...

(DC) (Ward 8 Woods) Give back to the earth, exercise your body, spend time in nature and meet cool people with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy. Known as a busy commuter route between central Washington to its eastern suburbs, the Suitland Parkway is also a nature preserve, flanked on each side by over 300 acres of forested hillside. Sadly, the ...

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Beginners and experienced artists can celebrate the beauty of spring by learning the basics of botanical drawing and the practice of keeping a sketchbook. Drawing botanical subjects is one of the best ways to develop your eye for form, composition, and color, but it can be challenging to find the time and space for practice. In ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) What's that sound? Wood Frogs abound! These woodland amphibians are a welcome sign that spring is around the corner. See (and hear) some of these *ribbeting* animals at our frog pond and learn about a fascinating adaptation that they use to survive the cold weather. $7 per participant for ages 5 and up. Any attendee over 5 ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) This bird walk is part of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. This afternoon bird walk is open for everyone, beginners and families are welcome. Trails in the park are flat and paved, accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Your birding guide ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (Adults) Take an evening stroll through the forest to one of the park's largest meadows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship dance and flight. Bring a flashlight. Approximately 1.5 mile walk on uneven terrain. Canceled if it rains. Meets at the South Kings Highway entrance to the park ...

(DC) (Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) This panel explores the role of nature in urban life and the intersection of architecture and community engagement. Panelists will discuss the impact of green infrastructure design on the wellbeing and health of communities and share insights learned from people-centric approaches, highlighting the crucial role that the arts have played in shaping their ...