Capital Nature

(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) Come and explore Jug Bay, the tidal freshwater wetland along the Patuxent River with MNPS Board member, Bradley Simpson. Nestled in the coastal plain, this wetland boasts bald cypress, lizard’s tail, spatterdock, pickerelweed, blueberries, male-berry, coastal sweet pepperbush, Virginia sweetspire, and so much more! If we are lucky, we will see orchids in bloom from ...

(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 ...

(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) 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) (Arlington Parks) Adults, teens and families ages 8 and up. Want to restore habitat and increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties are held every month at over a dozen parks. We are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive ...

(DC) (National Portrait Gallery) Seasons, a world premiere commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, responds to the exhibition Forces of Nature and draws inspiration from the legendary environmental author Rachel Carson. Set to a modern musical rendition of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, the ballet contemplates Carson’s transformative book "Silent Spring” and her love of birds. Choreographed by DC-based dancer and ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Looking for renewal, peace, inspiration, transformation, and / or something a little different, then bring your yoga mat to Lake Accotink for an evening sunset, star gazing and a bonfire. The evening’s practice will focus on Hatha techniques to stretch, build core strength, and stability to the mind and body. This practice is for all levels ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) This is a very special tour that we can only offer when the conditions line up just right. Enjoy a relaxing sunset before night falls, then watch as the skies darken before the full moon rises like a fireball and illuminates the water! We will begin with a brief paddling instruction overview before heading out. Previous kayak ...

(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.  

(DC) (National Park Service) Join park rangers and expert volunteers on Tuesday mornings from 8:30-10:00am for a weekly bird walk at beautiful Kenilworth. Over 250 different species of birds have been spotted at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Kenilworth Park! The park manages habitat for ground nesting, aquatic, and woodland birds.  Bring comfortable shoes, water, and binoculars if you have them ...

(DC) (National Zoo) Walk, climb, run, slither, or slide and join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo! Animals move in different ways and different animals have different body parts they use. Wiggle, wobble, and play with us as we learn and explore together. We'll meet in the Birdhouse classroom. Little Critters Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join our yoga instructor for an hour long Yoga Class on Carlyle House’s Magnolia Terrace. A gentle flow yoga class. We will build heat with sun salutations then progress to balance, deep stretching and finally relaxation. Please bring water, a towel, and yoga mat. Wear comfortable yoga wear.

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count. The results of these surveys are made available to the participants and other interested individuals ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Please join Rock Creek Conservancy for a virtual training for our Stream Team Leader program. Stream Team Leaders are dedicated volunteers that work with the Conservancy to host their own trash cleanups and stormwater engagement events, increasing stewardship actions within their communities and throughout Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, MD. The training will take place on ...

(DC) (Capital Nature) Join Capital Nature and DC Master Naturalists, with staff from Casey Trees, to hear how you can help trees make it through the increasingly hot summers in the DC area. Hear about best watering practices, how much water trees need during dry spells, how those green watering bags actually work, and the role of mulch and natural ...

(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.

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Join a USBG volunteer to explore the Regional Garden! You'll learn about Mid-Atlantic native plants and how to incorporate them into a garden. Note: This tour is dependent both on weather and volunteer availability.  

(DC) (National Park Service) Pokey the eastern box turtle lives at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Though visitors can see and interact with him when we're open, Turtle Time is an opportunity to learn about box turtles, their habitats, and their diets. Activities during Turtle Time may include a turtle themed story, a craft, or just an opportunity to ...

(DC) (City Blossoms) Join us for free staff-led activities for children, families, neighbors, volunteers, and anyone who wants to drop by. Open Times are a chance for visitors (especially kids) to experience the garden through a variety of activities, such as cooking, art, and maintenance. Anyone who comes to lend a hand is welcome to take home some garden goodies as ...

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Explore the Anacostia River while riding in one of our open-air boats as part of the Anacostia River Explorers program. Anacostia Watershed Society staff will take participants on a one hour tour of the river while discussing natural and cultural history along with restoration efforts. You will experience the joy of being out on the water ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks & Capital Nature) Moth Week is here! Join NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin and Ana Ka'ahanui of Capital Nature on a quest to capture and identify these nocturnal fliers using bedsheets and blacklights. While butterflies usually get most of the attention as beautiful flying insects and key pollinators, moths are more critical to the ecosystem than ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count. The results of these surveys are made available to the participants and other interested individuals ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let’s go outside and hike to improve fitness, play in nature, and experience the great outdoors as a family. You will meet a naturalist at the meet up spot and set out on a trail that will have nature play and fun learning prompts along the way. These hikes are designed for adults with young children.

(DC) (American University) GROUNDED is an artistic exploration curated to inspire our imaginations about our need of being "grounded" in our relationship with all of creation: the earth and its wildlife, each other and ourselves. The exhibit brings together 15 premier contemporary artists from Indigenous American tribes traditionally based in and around the Great Plains region, whose work will serve ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) 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 which is inspired by nature, ...

(DC) (National Park Service) Spend your afternoons at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center learning about our wild and wonderful urban oasis!  Park Rangers will teach kids of all ages about the fantastic flora and fauna in the park.

(DC) (US National Arboretum)  Visit the National Arboretum during the 4th Friday of the month in summer, when you can enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum until 8:00 pm.

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) It's not unusual to see the silhouettes of Chimney Swifts in the sky, little flying cigars zipping around here, there, and everywhere. But have you ever seen a Chimney Swift tornado swirling into a chimney? Now's your chance to catch this amazing display and mingle with fellow bird lovers. Enter through the garden gates on Courtland ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us in the park after dark to celebrate National Moth Week! We’ll set up a mothing station designed to attract these beautiful yet secretive nocturnal animals. Our insect enthusiasts will be on hand to help us identify what we find as we collect data for an ongoing study. Bring a lawn chair and extra layers, as ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern Virginia) Join us for a summer morning walk around Bright Pond! We will bird in a field by the dam, in woodland, and around the pond.  To see what has been observed here previously, take a look at the Bright Pond eBird hotspot page. This walk is open to birders of all experience levels--beginners are very ...

(VA) (Audubon Society of Northern VA) Join us for a summer morning walk around Bright Pond! We will bird in a field by the dam, in woodland, and around the pond.  To see what has been observed here previously, take a look at the Bright Pond eBird hotspot page. This walk is open to birders of all experience levels--beginners are very ...

(MD) (Potomac Riverkeeper) Join your Upper Potomac Riverkeeper on a scenic adventure up the C&O Canal path and down the Potomac River from Cohill Station Canoe Access to the boat ramp in Hancock, MD. This trip combines two wonderful ways to see the nature and history of the Potomac River.  

(DC) (Casey Trees) Help Casey Trees care for young trees! Your help with weeding, mulching and watering these vulnerable trees will give them a leg up in becoming an important part of our growing tree canopy. You provide the volunteers, we provide all the necessary tools and supplies to care for trees. Participants will receive a short, hands-on training on ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Ella Engstrom 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) (Arlington Parks) Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at Gulf and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme not published ahead of time for flexibility in incorporating changeable aspects of the park and its wildlife into the programs. ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) ake a Deep Dive into the world of wetlands. We live in a region with plentiful water and abundant wetlands. Do you know how to recognize one? During this in person program, you will learn about local wetland habitats and then take a hike to explore some more. Adults.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Visit our Eastern box turtle ambassadors in their outdoor enclosure! Watch them stretch their legs and learn about their behavior, conservation challenges, and the physical features that make them such fascinating reptiles. This is a free, drop-in program for all ages. No registration required.