Capital Nature

(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.

(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. Event location, directions, and information will be sent ...

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.  

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Preschool Nature Nuts presents Spring is Here!  Dive into the wonders of spring with our nature program tailored for curious minds aged 2-4. Through stories, songs, crafts, a discovery walk, and other engaging activities, children will explore the magical transformations of the season. From budding flowers to chirping birds, there's so much to discover!

(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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Preschool programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, so please register for only one session at each nature center per month. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program. Ages 3-5

(DC) (Hillwood) Learn how to care for your orchid and get blooms year after year from Hillwood's expert, Drew Asbury. This virtual class focuses on several of the most commonly available orchids including the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, and the classic Cattleya, or corsage orchid. You'll learn all the basics of orchid culture including providing the proper light, water, temperature, ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Even as we’re still shivering in the chilly late winter and early spring, many brave spring wildflowers are emerging! From the bizarre skunk cabbage to big, showy Trilliums to the neon violet Hepatica, there is a diverse cast of spring ephemeral wildflowers to be seen. We’ll discuss this unique plant lifestyle and the common species you are ...

(DC) (MD) (VA) Please join Urban Ecosystem Restorations for an informational webinar on America's Fifth National Climate Assessment. UER Board member and National Climate Assessment staff scientist Dr. Aaron Grade will describe the findings and features of the report, how it relates to urban ecosystems, and answer your questions.

(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) The transition from late winter to early spring is an exciting time: ephemeral wildflowers weigh the risk of late frost against the bounty of available sunlight shining through the bare branches. Join leader Marney Bruce on a walk near the Potomac. We will be investigating plant life, and keeping our fingers crossed for elusive early Spring ephemerals. Our ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Join us for an introduction to birding and learn the basics to get you started: Simple bird anatomy, tips for identifying unfamiliar birds, how birds benefit the environment, and how birdwatchers can help birds. Learn about the best places to bird, useful and affordable gear, cool apps, ways you can find others to bird ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Grab a net and join us for a special day with a park scientist to see, touch, and study wetland creatures up close and personal. Use magnifying lenses to study their unique characteristics. This rare opportunity to dip-net in the wetland is possible through the guidance of our park naturalists.  

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join a Park Naturalist for a weekly hike exploring the changing of the seasons in Cabin John Regional Park. Children will also be introduced to our Nature Center’s resident animal ambassadors and engage in nature based play and exploration. Program is intended for children 3 to 5 ½ years old and requires the accompaniment of an adult ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) During Prohibition illegal liquor was produced throughout Arlington County. Join Park Historian John McNair for stories of local bootleggers and government raids as we take a short walk to one of our area's drinking establishments. Adults

(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Kids ages 6-12, many who attend programs at Glover Park, Hearst, and Palisades, will gather to celebrate the spring season and St. Patrick's Day.

(DC) (DC Audubon) New Wingspan Wednesday Location!  Now at Valor Brewpub every second Wednesday of the month, 6-10pm. Wingspan Wednesday is still partnered and affiliated with Labyrinth Games and Puzzles. We are moving only a short distance to join their new Boozy Board Game Night program. This will provide us with MORE seating & MORE hours.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have you ever wanted to learn the names of the birds that visit your backyard, the wildflowers along the trail, or even which animal left that footprint in the mud? Montgomery Parks is pleased to offer a new online learning series for adults that teaches you to recognize the most common species of Montgomery County. Led by ...

(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) The 46th annual membership meeting of EcoAction Arlington will celebrate protecting our waterways with a featured presentation, an overview of EcoAction Arlington programming for 2024, and the election of our board of directors. The event will open with a reception consisting of light refreshments and exhibits from local organizations.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Little Bennett Regional Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy the spring display dance of the American Woodcock. Meet a naturalist at the Kingsley Parking Area for an evening walk, where we will also look for wood frogs, spring peepers and spring migrants. Bring binoculars and a camp chair.

(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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) We believe children belong outside and that they learn best by playing and experiencing the world around them. This program is a 24 session (no class on March 26 and 28), drop-off, preschool program designed to foster your child’s creativity, sense of self, and love of the outdoors. Classes will be outdoors with a park pavilion as ...

(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. Ages 18+ This class meets weekly.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Ages 2-4 Preschoolers (and their parents) will explore plants and learn about their parts through books, a Saint Patrick's Day craft, a discovery walk, other fun activities. Program Fee - $10/child plus $3 transaction fee Participants - children ages 2-4 and their parents/guardian Registration - online registration required There are no refunds or waitlist for this program.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for Winter Wildlife Bingo! Enjoy learning about local wildlife in a fun game and meet some nature center animals. We will have small prizes for winners! Ages 6 - 10

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Springtime is filled with festivities. Join us as we search for leprechauns and hunt for their pots of gold or for a Mother’s Day hike with craft. Ages 3-5

(DC) (Hillwood) Regularly repotting orchids not only provides new nourishment and space to grow, but the opportunity to assess their health and treat anything that may be ailing your plants. Bring an orchid or two from home and your plant will leave this hands-on workshop with a "good home." Plants will be repotted into basic plastic pots (included in the ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (5-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes S’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (5-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(MD) (Nature Forward) Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the ...

(MD) (DC Audubon Society) Join us at Lake Artemesia at 8am for our March Bird Walk! This will be a FUN, INFORMATIVE, and GUIDED walk. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Parking is available and the park is also accessible via the College Park-U of MD station on metro's green line.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Learn identification tips by sight and sound and how to make your yard more attractive to native species. Students can borrow binoculars form the class for a view of outdoor bird feeding stations. Registration required for child

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks, and trail partners MORE and IMBA, in a volunteer park cleanup. Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife,  You will also get a sneak peak at the New Bike Park trails – currently closed & under construction!

(DC) (Tregaron Conservancy) Join birding expert Sam Krause on a walk to look and listen for Tregaron’s resident and visiting birds.

(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) (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 ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks)  Join us for an interactive story time followed by an outdoor exploration or activity for children ages 3-7. We will meet in the outdoor classroom area located in the Children’s Garden, weather permitting. Adults must accompany children. Meet in the Outdoor Classroom located in the Children’s Garden area.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees and the Cabin John Stream Valley ecosystem . Join Weed Warrior Supervisor Yvonne and Locust Grove Nature Center Naturalists for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Cabin John Regional Park at Locust Grove Nature Center. We will be focusing on non-native, invasive vines, especially porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). Native Virginia creeper and ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes.  Ages 18-35 months

(MD) (DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a Habitat Restoration Workday along the riverside area of the Anacostia River in Bladensburg! We will focus on tree maintenance, which could include repairing tree shelters and fencing, and removing weeds/invasive plant species to allow the native trees to continue to flourish.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (12-Adult) Learn how to use your phone to enhance your outdoor experiences. Assist in community science and join a bustling community of online scientists and nature enthusiasts.

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Since its inception in 1989, AWS staff and volunteers have removed tons of trash from the Anacostia River each year. Our Nash Run Trash Trap cleanups have been a huge success in helping us to make progress towards our goal for a trash free Anacostia River.  This trash trap catches trash before it ends up in ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) 5-Adult) Come learn all about the different bird species we have here in Virginia on a hike around the grounds of Green Spring Gardens. Using provided binoculars, you will learn the tips and tricks of seasoned birders to identify the feathered friends we see. Decorate your very own birdhouse to continue the adventure at home.

(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 available, paved trails open in sun until forested area, trails are flat, benches at the picnic area for rest.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (12-Adult) Join a park naturalist for a short hike as we observe and capture images of nature using pencil and paper. Improve your sketching and nature journaling as we practice shading, form, and other skills. Each session will include a different theme or topic depending on the season. You are encouraged to bring your own journal/notebook ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) These broad-based nature explorations are an invitation to stuff your pockets full of heat-producing calories and head out to visit some of the DMV’s close-in parks. 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 ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Trek through the wild spaces of Hidden Oaks Nature Center, finding what lives there, and learn to appreciate the need for natural areas.