Capital Nature

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern Virginia) Join us for a morning bird walk on the trails of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Newer and seasoned birders welcome. This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay NWR. Your birding guides are Larry Meade, President of the Northern Virginia Bird Club ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) When we go out into the world to experience Nature, a field journal can be a handy tool to bring along. In this workshop, new Senior Naturalist Genevieve Wall will guide participants through several approaches to keeping a Nature Journal, with writing, sketching, phenology calendars, and more. If you’re looking to stretch your creativity and deepen your ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees and the stream valley ecosystem. Join Maria, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Rock Creek Stream Valley Unit 6. We will be focusing on non-native, invasive vines, especially wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda).  Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also present and beneficial, so we will avoid those.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for an afternoon of beautiful harp music and the natural beauty of Black Hill all around you. No need to register; just come to the Discovery Center and enjoy.

(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) Join us for a screening of the documentary, Forest Her: The Next Wave of Conservation. The film features former EcoAction Arlington Board Member, Melody Starya Mobley. The event is being organized in honor of Women’s History Month. A panel discussion will follow the screening, with the film producer/director, Cheryle Franceschi, forester Melody Starya Mobley, and Leah Nichols, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join James, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday in Long Branch Stream Valley Unit 1 (between Piney Branch Rd and Carroll Ave), in Takoma Park, MD. More details, including the exact meeting location, will be emailed to you after you register. We will be focusing on non-native, invasive vines, especially porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Come out of your shell and join us for a turtley awesome program! Meet some of our resident turtles and learn about their adaptations, habitat, and what sets them apart from each other. Then help us "race" our turtles with some live food to see who is the fastest (or rather the least slow!) $7 per participant ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Step into the enchanted forest of Cabin John Kingdom. On this day, the fairies have agreed to make their village visible to humankind. Take a walk along the trail and see their houses of many colors, then build your own fairy habitat in the woods. The trail is on natural surfaces with dirt, rock and rut.

(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.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join a naturalist for a reading of a seasonal story, participate in a hike, and make a craft to take home. Enroll in the entire series or individual sessions. Ages 3-5

(MD) (Nature Forward) The Spring Equinox is a moment of balance: the point at which day and night are of equal length. From here on out, we are tipping further into the light. Take a moment to pause, mark this seasonal shift, and cross the celestial threshold into Spring. On this hike, we will begin along the Towpath by Carderock ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Shake off the winter blues as we welcome the first day of spring with a stroll through the park during sun set. We will look for signs of springs awakening as we explore the forest and wetland habitats. Ages 6 - Adult

(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) Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s saunter” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop ...

(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) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about orchid care and maintenance? As part of this year’s joint orchid exhibit in collaboration with Smithsonian Gardens, drop by the exhibit in the Kogod Courtyard in the National Portrait Gallery to talk with George Guenthner, USBG Gardener about orchids! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this ...

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) In celebration of Women's History Month, we are organizing Virtual Fireside Chats to converse with women in the community. We want to recognize and honor the contributions of women in environmental conservation and advocacy. Join FoKAG staff member Shannah Cumberbatch as she chats with Ana Ka'ahanui of Capital Nature. During this event, we will ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(DC) (City Wildlife) Bats need our help now more than ever! A recent report determined that over 50% of our native bats are considered at risk. Besides adding diversity and flair to local wildlife, our bats consume countless pest insects every single night. Join Bat Conservation International's Community Engagement Manager Erin Cord as she talks about our local bats, the ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Meadowlark’s Visitor Center will be alive with creative imagery with the art show "From the Ground Up."  The works of artist Miriam Cutelis explores her relationship with nature and encourages the viewer to do the same. Media of paints and materials that were headed for the landfill within dreamy landscapes in Miriam's work makes Meadowlark the perfect setting ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) These classes are designed to teach young children and their caregivers more about wildlife and nature right in their own backyards through activities, explorations, games, hikes, and take-home crafts. Ages 3-5

(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) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a panel discussion to explore why the words we use to talk about invasive species matter. Science communication researchers and invasive plant managers will discuss the intersections of language, framing, and botany as we consider how we can continue to restore Rock Creek's forests while ensuring ...

(DC) (MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join AWS for our first ever mussel community science training! During this virtual training you will learn the basics of volunteering for our mussel conservation efforts, particularly those that involve data collection. This is a highly recommended training if you are planning on helping us with mussel surveys, monitoring of hatchery-raised cultured mussels, mussel tagging ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy premium golden hour light and exclusive access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens before we are open to the public! This photography workshop's topic is all things Cherry Blossoms. This includes landscapes, close-up/macro, and wildlife. Of course, you are free to *focus* on any subject you like! This program is open to photographers of all skill levels and ...

(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.

(DC) (Busboys & Poets) The Oak Spring Garden Foundation hopes you will join us at Busboys and Poets to celebrate the release of Leaning Toward Light, a new anthology of poems edited by Tess Taylor. The evening will include readings from Tess Taylor and Ross Gay, as well as a brief moderated conversation and time for questions led by L. ...

(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 10 and up.

(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) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy premium golden hour light and exclusive access to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens before we are open to the public! This photography workshop's topic is all things Cherry Blossoms. This includes landscapes, close-up/macro, and wildlife. Of course, you are free to *focus* on any subject you like! This program is open to photographers of all skill levels and ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Going on nature walks are not only beneficial for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Clear your mind as you walk with a naturalist through the woods, as you learn what techniques you can use to help repair your mind from the stress of your day-to-day life. Ages 12 - Adult

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Get a head start on spring at one of the earliest plant sales in the area! Our annual Native Plant Sale includes a small number of vendors (~5-7 vendors) from across the mid-Atlantic selling spring ephemerals and many other choice perennials and woody plants. This Native Plant Sale is held in conjunction with the ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern Virginia) Join us for a birding walk at Mason Neck State Park! Your birding guide is John Colpoys, an avid birder and experienced bird walk leader.

(DC) (US National Arboretum) Enjoy a day of presentations involving the latest discoveries, challenges, and solutions in the world of native plants. Join the U.S. National Arboretum for seven engaging presentations concerning both native plant gardens and native ecosystems. Learn about soil health management, destructive pests, forest restoration, current research on seed conservation, and the best native trees for your ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) With the official start of spring at hand, we’ll take a hike along the Potomac River where nature lovers can observe the tug-of-war between lingering winter and imminent spring—what our naturalist leader calls March Madness! She’ll lead you on a 3-4 mile hike along several trails in Riverbend Park which sits along the Potomac River near Great ...

(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 ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Carolina Wrens are small chunky birds with long curved bills and bright songs. They are some of the loudest singers in the Winkler Preserve and yet provide beautiful sounds. We'll take a walk to find these feathered friends and seek inspiration from their songs, then head into the Lodge to make your own cheerful friend out of ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all of your senses. Join Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Contemplative, but more active than meditation, this forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the ...

(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) (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) 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 II: Learn to implement core design elements like color, texture, form, line, and scale to create a beautiful and functional landscape. Design concepts like seasonality and layering ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees and the stream valley ecosystem. Join Lauren, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday at Rock Creek Stream Valley Unit 11. We will meet at the end of Hollingsworth Drive in Redland, MD. Meeting instructions will be emailed to you after you register. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Join us for a nature hike in search of signs of spring in Glencarlyn Park. We'll visit different habitats to see how animal and plant life are waking up with the change of seasons. Family.

(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), District Department of Transportation (DDOT), District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and the Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative (APACC) for a community site walk to discuss the future of Kenilworth Park North. Meet in the parking lot at 42nd Street & Anacostia Avenue, ...

(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.

(VA) (Farfax County Parks) (6-Adult) Come for an evening walk through the woods to one of the park's large meadows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship display and flight. Bring a flashlight. Approximately 1.5 mile walk on uneven terrain. Canceled if rain. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Meets at ...

(MD) (Nature Forward) Have you ever ventured out after dark and wondered: hoooo’s out there? Join experienced “owler” Mark England at sundown to try to hear or see our three most common local owl species: Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, and Great Horned Owl, all of which are present at the park. Mark will demonstrate the basics of owling and talk at ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes s’mores. Topic: Nocturnal animals.  Children must be accompanied by ...