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.

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

(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 ...

(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) Looking for a great sunset photo opportunity? Join us for a relaxing guided sunset kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Calm evening waters should make this an easy paddle, and we hope to see lots of wildlife along the way! We will begin with a brief paddling instruction ...

(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 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) (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, ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Want to watch wildlife or just enjoy a peaceful paddle? Then join us for a leisurely kayak tour of Little Seneca Lake. We could see beaver, herons, maybe even a bald eagle. We’ll supply boats, paddles, and PFD’s, but you can bring your own PFD (Type III or V) if you have one. Basic paddling experience is ...

(MD) (Maryland Native Plant Society) This presentation will cover the history of shoreline erosion control practices and how traditional techniques have evolved in recent years. What is a 'living shoreline'? How can we enhance habitat, water quality, access, and prepare for climate impacts at the same time? Speaker:  Wesley Gould. Wes works with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD-DNR), ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Gardens) Free weekly tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden are offered every Wednesday at 10 a.m. from May 22 through September 25, 2024, weather permitting. Meet one of our knowledgeable docents by the tour sign in the Enid A. Haupt Garden near the south entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. No reservation is required.

(DC) (National Park Service) This event is coordinated by the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park. Children's Story and Song Time in the Georgetown Waterfront Park Meet on the lawn near the Wisconsin and Water Street entrance to the park.

(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) (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, including Weed Warrior Leaders. The training will take place on zoom. A link will be sent to all registered participants on the day of ...

(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) For this month's Watershed Wednesday, we are partnering with Mt. Rainier Nature Center. We'll be screening the short documentary Wild Hope: The Frog Ark and will have a small panel of local experts to discuss the state of frogs and other amphibians in the region and particularly within the Anacostia Watershed.

(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.  

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Join us every other Thursday for Storytime on the Farm. Hear a farm or nature-related story, then experience the subject up close with an animal meet and greet or short nature walk. We will meet behind the office for storytime. If it's raining, please join us in the Visitor's Center. This program is free and aimed towards ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Thursday evenings this summer, Rock Creek Park (U.S. National Park Service) and Rock Creek Conservancy are hosting FREE, family-friendly events at rotating locations throughout the east side of the park. Join us for music from DJ Lance Reynolds and fun-for-all-ages games and activities. Summer in the Parks events bring the Rock Creek community together to enjoy ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Want to reduce your food waste at home? Come learn about composting basics and spend time working on your own worm bin to take home. Families.

(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 ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) From their intricate social structures to their remarkable hunting techniques, otters captivate observers with their cleverness, charisma, and resilience. Erin Whatley andPaul Bradenburger, animal keepers with Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, reveal fascinating details about the natural history of these furry, semi-aquatic mammals.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for a sunset cruise aboard the pontoon boat. We’ll search for beaver lodges and feeding sites, and hopefully see some beavers! As the sun sets, we’ll use our bat detector to help us find feeding bats. Ages 6+

(DC) (THEARC Farm) Want time in a peaceful, outdoor space? Are you hoping to learn more about gardening? Would you like to help grow food for the neighbors? Join us! We'll be harvesting vegetables, fruits and herbs for our food giveaway in the afternoon. Adults of all skill levels are welcome. Kids under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Sarah DeWitt, Certified Forest Therapy Guide for a two-hour gentle walk to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself, nature, and your community. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses. This forest bathing walk will begin with some gentle mindful ...

(MD) (NaturaliWhole) In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves increasingly disconnected from the natural environment. The pressures of daily life often leave little room for moments of peace, reflection, and connection with nature. Our Guided Forest Therapy Walks offer an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle, immersing yourself in the serene and healing embrace of ...

(DC) (National Park Service) During this ½ mile excursion, young explorers will learn the hiking essentials, such as trail safety, what to wear or bring to a hike, and how to Recreate Responsibly all while looking at nature and respecting nature found in our woodlands.  This ranger-led hike is intended to create treasured trail experiences for families interested in planning ...

(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) (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) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy and Living Classrooms DC for a new type of cleanup this summer: Scoop and Paddle! Participating in this cleanup event means you can kayak in the Potomac River’s tributaries to remove harder to get litter. This event will take place at Kingman and Heritage Islands.  This will be a half kayak and half land cleanup ...

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join us for a fun forest film night with activities for all ages starting at 6pm on The REACH Plaza, followed at dusk by a short film by our partner Armenia Tree Project, and the feature film of The Lorax. Based on the storybook classic, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is a colorful animated film that includes prescient ...

(DC) (Casey Trees) Join us as we care for young trees at Capital Area Food Bank! 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. Participants will receive a short, hands-on training on site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will split ...

(DC) (Anacostia Riverkeeper) Join us for a volunteer trash cleanup at Kenilworth Park! This is a free event. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get dirty and protect you from the brush. 9:15 AM Registration Begins 9:30 AM Welcome and safety talk 9:45 - 11:15 AM Cleanup 11:15 AM - 12:00

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Ever wonder what's swimming around in the pond water that you can't see? Through learning to use a magnification tool, you'll get to explore the unseen world in the water. Come prepared to get dirty! Ages 8 to 12.

(DC) (Anacostia Community Museum) Join us for the final harvest of the spring vegetables! Gardeners will learn how to plant veggies later in the season and how to increase chances of success even with late plantings for the season. Growing Community is the longstanding community gardening program at the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum. Through garden programming, residents of all ages ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Rena Subotnik 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 ...

(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) (National Park Service) Join the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the National Park Service for this Wellderness Event! Enjoy recreation in the park and enjoy a free class or event.