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.

(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. We will be focusing on non-native, invasive vines, especially porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy are also present and beneficial, so we will ...

(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 ...

(MD) (Howard County Recreation and Parks) Join Laura Armstrong Falvey, a certified forest bathing guide with Chesapeake Nature Connection, on a walk to learn to engage the senses and appreciate the benefits of being immersed in a natural environment. Slowing down and spending mindful time in nature is proven to regulate your blood pressure, increase immunity, and reduce production of ...

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Enjoy the beauty of Kenilworth and participate in a 60-minute yoga session led with Heather. Heather loves sharing the benefits of yoga (especially introducing the practice to beginners) and would be honoured to share this with her ward 7 neighbours in the special setting of the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Join her for a 60-minute ...

(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 ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy a naturalist-led walk through the forest to listen for nocturnal animals and to look for evidence of wildlife. End your hike at our campfire and make s'mores. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Ages 4 to Adult.

(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) 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) (Fairfax County Parks) Take time to set intentions for the next month while engaging in mindfulness practices under the full moon along the Potomac River. A variety of techniques such as breathwork, gentle stretches and purposeful movement will be used. Please bring your own yoga mat or camping chair. Appropriate for all skill levels. Adults.

(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) (Tregaron Conservancy) Join David Harold for Tai Chi practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We will gather west of the Lily Pond near the entrance at Klingle Road NW. David is passionate about making Taiji and Qigong practice and principles accessible. For 15 years, he led a free, weekly public outdoor practice in Winston-Salem, NC. That practice continues to be led ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy free garden admission and a guided walk around Meadowlark's 95 acres.  Each one-hour walk will be over hilly terrain, have a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion and a few interesting facts from our docent along the way. This is a drop-in activity.  No reservations are required. Ages 18+.

(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) (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center) How do plants make a living? That question has propelled botanist Dennis Whigham for his nearly 47-year career with the Smithsonian. Orchids were especially bewitching. Join Dennis for a journey of discovery through the orchid world. He’ll take you from their unlikely beginnings as “dust seeds,” to the microscopic fungi they depend on to thrive, ...

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Rock Creek Weed Warriors Tere and Susi Baranano 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. This event is part of ...

(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 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 ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) We'll learn about Virginia’s 17 bat species. We'll also learn how to have a successful bat house on your property and discuss threats to Virginia’s bats like white-nosed syndrome. The Rafinesque Big-eared bat will be highlighted as an example of local bat conservation.

(VA) (NOVA Parks)Come help us with our farm chores! Participants will get an up close and private experience with our animals and get to see what it is like to be a farm helper for a day. Your group will get to meet the animals, participate in morning farm chores, and learn as you go with one of our expert ...

(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.  

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) This is a no rider left behind group ride – think “party pace.” This is a perfect way to meet other riders and build skills on your bike. We do have a limited number of bikes and Helmets available free of charge in case you don’t have one (we will ask to hold something as collateral during ...

(DC) (Hillwood) Celebrate ocean optimism with a fun and enlightening evening of trivia at Hillwood! Tour the mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and special exhibition Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, eat delicious pub-style snacks at Merriweather Café, and enjoy a summer evening at Hillwood with friends. Reservations are by table, with each table seating up to 4 people per team. The ticket ...

(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) (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 ...

(DC) (National Park Service) Join a park ranger on Friday mornings through August 30th for a garden tour at beautiful Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The garden tour will begin at the visitors center. Learn more about birds at Kenilworth from NPS here  

(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.

(VA) (Arlington Parks) The whole family is invited to join us at Long Branch Nature Center for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores. (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers).

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Participate in a variety of park stewardship activities including invasive plant removal, litter collection, flower bed weeding, trail maintenance and more. Some activities involve working in shallow ponds. This event will run rain or shine—please dress accordingly and plan to work outside! Space is limited for this event. However, walk-up registration is available if ...

(DC) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy for a safe, fun, 50 person trash cleanup at Fort Dupont Park (DC). Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

(MD) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy for a safe, fun, 50 person trash cleanup at Winding Creek Local Park. Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

(VA) (Potomac Conservancy) Join Potomac Conservancy for a safe, fun trash cleanup at Turkey Run. Make a huge difference for the Potomac River as we turn to the water for a safe, healthy place to recreate outdoors.

(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. More Rock Creek Conservancy stewardship event here.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) As the summer winds down, monarchs, swallowtails, and other butterflies are busy in the gardens. Stop at the “hot spots” along the trail to identify different butterfly species, snap a few photos, and record observations in the nature journal provided. Meet in the Visitor Center at the start of class and dress for the weather.

(DC) (Friends of Oxon Run) Join Friends of Oxon Run, the District Department of Energy and Environment, and local community, health, and environmental organizations for a fun and informative afternoon in the park. This event offers an array of useful resources including educational materials, interactive programming, engaging activities, and exciting giveaways, with a focus on sustainability. Don't miss this opportunity ...

(MD) (Potomac Riverkeeper) Join your Potomac Riverkeeper for a fun day of tubing at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers! This is a fun float with some exciting white water on one of the most spectacular sections of the Potomac River, known for its scenic beauty. We will take out at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (HFAC). Afterward, we ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) We'll walk on the trails to complete our nature scavenger hunt list. Together we'll search for acorns, rocks, leaves, bugs, other animals and more! Families.

(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.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join our park naturalist on a hike and explore wild plants and animals throughout the trails. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of things you find along the way. Smart phones, cameras and binoculars welcome. Each hike will feature a different theme and may include: salamanders, birds and other wildlife, wildflowers, trees, ...