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) (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.

(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 ...

(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 ...

(DC) (Hillwood) Horticulturist Drew Asbury brings the orchid-filled greenhouses to you in this beautifully illustrated 20-30-minute virtual tour. Learn more about the greenhouse history, Post’s infatuation with orchids, and the exotic blooms and fragrances on display now, while asking questions in real time.

(DC) (Department of Energy and Environment) We are delighted to announce the 17th Annual Rooting DC! Rooting DC is a FREE, day-long urban gardening forum which: 1) provides education about urban agriculture and food systems, 2) cultivates health and protection of the environment, and 3) builds community. Rooting DC is the District’s central meeting ground for individuals and entities looking ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District) Join Sam Hoadley, the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center, as he highlights knockout native species and cultivars from their trials. Top performers and favorites of Monarda, Phlox, Echinacea, wild hydrangea, Carex represent some of the best native plants for the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Sam will discuss their horticultural and ecological performance and will ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Want to join the 45 million other bird-watching Americans, but don’t know where to start? We’ll start with the basics of bird identification and go over how to select and use binoculars. Then we’ll go do some birding! If you have your own binoculars, please bring them along. And be sure to dress for the weather. Meet ...

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Designed to increase flexibility and physical strength and to cultivate mental focus, these classes are a beautiful and relaxing way to begin your weekend. Mats are not included. Instructor: Tanory Ateek. Intended for ages Ages 18+ Class size limited to 20 people.

(DC) (Rock Creek Park)  Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Liz Crafford 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) oin the National Park Service in efforts against incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa) at Rock Creek Park! Incised fumewort has a habit of creating monocultures throughout floodplains and presents itself within the park, so the objective is to identify its whereabouts, iNat them, and flag them. The survey will help identify priority treatment areas for NCR Invasive ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing garden or develop an entirely new area, you’ll learn the fundamentals of landscape design to create functional, enjoyable, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Session I: Learn practical steps to approach the design process, including site analysis, creating a concept design, and determining the functional goals for your space. You’ll understand why ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Help us with improving Glencarlyn Park. Each Saturday we will have stewardship projects like weed pulling, raking, trail maintenance and trash pick-up. Your hard work will make the park a better place for both people and nature. Ages 12-17

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks in a volunteer park cleanup. Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife.

(DC) (Rock Creek 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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent from the event leader 48 hours prior ...

(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).