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) (Nature by Design) Nature By Design, an environmentally responsible full service plant nursery vends every Sunday at Four Mile Run Farmers' Market on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The market is located at 4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria (Del Ray), just below S. Glebe Rd. Phone: 703-683-GROW (4769)

(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) During this workday we will focus on repairing tree shelters and fencing and removing weeds/invasive plant species to allow the native trees to continue to flourish. The tree canopy along this stretch of the Anacostia River has been devastated by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle. Together with Bat Conservation International, we have planted more native ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join Montgomery Parks in a volunteer park cleanup. Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife.

(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) We are a group of 5 women who photograph wildlife nationally and internationally. Some of us are professional photographers, others are amateurs. Among us we have won major photography awards and have been widely published and exhibited. It is a pleasure to exhibit at Huntley Meadows, which is a major source of inspiration and photographic ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Volunteers from the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society will be available at Meadowlark's Bonsai Pavilion to share their knowledge on the fascinating and beautiful art of Bonsai.  Free with garden admission or membership.  Weather permitting.  Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 3

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Help us with improving Glencarlyn Park. Each Sunday we will have stewardship projects like weed pulling, raking, trail maintenance and trash pick-up. Your hard work will make the park a better place for both people and nature. Teens ages 12 to 17. Registration Required.

(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) (DC Bird Alliance) The earliest known inhabitants of what we know today as Roosevelt Island were the Nacotchtank Indians, who were forced there in the 1660s. Archaeological evidence shows that the island was used by Native American tribes from prehistory until the early 18th century. During the Civil War, the island was used as a training camp for the ...

(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) We are a group of 5 women who photograph wildlife nationally and internationally. Some of us are professional photographers, others are amateurs. Among us we have won major photography awards and have been widely published and exhibited. It is a pleasure to exhibit at Huntley Meadows, which is a major source of inspiration and photographic ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) No school today! Come build a village for fairies, toads, skinks and trolls. We'll mix up some magic potions to take home too! Please wear clothes that can get wet and dirty. Ages 5 to 12. Registration Required.

(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 ...

(DC) (Smithsonian Natural History Museum) What do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide? Open ...

(DC) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join AWS for a wild freshwater mussel survey at Heritage Marsh! We will be walking in mud that can be very mucky in waders (AWS can provide you with a pair if you don't have your own). If you're not comfortable walking in mud using waders, we recommend joining us at a different event.

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy the autumn colors on 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+.

(MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Artist Sophia McCrocklin’s larger-than-life botanical fiber sculptures explore art’s crucial role in enhancing human relationships with the environment. By spotlighting the grandeur of leaves, seed pods, and ferns from Rock Creek Park’s understory, McCrocklin documents the beauty and reverence of the species at the frontline of climate change. The exhibit is available to view during Writer's ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (8-Adult) Comets are fascinating objects that make infrequent visits to our celestial neighborhood and don’t stay for long. Originating in the far reaches of the solar system as clumps of ice and dust, comets undergo a remarkable transformation as they approach the sun and are heated by its radiation. Join us in this one-hour class as ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) We'll end backyard confusion by identifying native plants, trees and common invasive species in our classroom and outside in the park. Tips are presented for learning plants by leaves, bark and twigs. Bring photos from your yard or local park for identification help. Adults.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Gaze up at the autumn night sky at the Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm Park. There will be guided stargazing sessions and telescope viewing. Gather round the campfire for some ancient constellation tales, while sipping some hot chocolate. More Fairfax County nature programs can be found here.

(DC) (Rock Creek Conservancy) The 2024 Rock Creek Gala will be held on Wednesday, October 16, at the Nature Center in Rock Creek Park. Join us for the very special night at the park! All proceeds go towards the mission of the Conservancy, helping to restore our forests, improve watershed health, empower future stewards, and build community around the Carter ...

(MD) (Anacostia Watershed Society) Join us for a Mushroom Night Walk with mycologist Serenella Linares. During the experience we will encourage people to use their natural night vision, or headlamps that have a red light on them. Feel free to bring your own; some headlamps/flashlights will be provided. For witnessing bioluminescence, all lights will need to be turned off. It is ...

(VA) (NOVA Parks) Learn about the fascinating world of the fungi kingdom and how it plays an essential role in the ecosystems of the world. Under the very ground we step on is an intricate mycelium network dubbed the "wood-wide web" that connects our forests together. This night hike is intended to help us find and view bioluminescent and bioflourescent ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Come and explore the "underworld" under fallen logs. Discover the bugs, fungus and salamanders that live under the forest floor. Collect, examine and identify creatures using magnifiers and microscopes. Learn about their important jobs as pollinators and decomposers through projects and scientific investigations.

(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) (Arlington Parks) Using all-natural items, we’ll use autumn materials to create a beautiful wreath. Materials provided, but bring any extra materials or special decorations you may wish to add. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome with a registered adult. Adults.

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. More Fairfax County nature programs can be ...

(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) 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 and ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Save the trees and protect the stream valley ecosystem! Join Barbara, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday at Long Branch Stream Valley Unit 2 and Long Branch Local Park. We will focus on non-native, invasive vines and shrubs including porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata), English ivy (Hedera helix), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). Native ...

(DC) (Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative) This month's APACC meeting will focus on how climate change impacts the mental well being of children and adults. The heat & poor indoor air quality will greatly impact the disfavored who may not be prepared for this crisis. Guest Speaker: Dr. David Sacks, The Chicago School, Washington DC Campus

(VA) (Fairfax County) Did you know that invasive plants are a huge threat to local wildlife, including migrating birds? Help out these creatures by volunteering to remove invasive plants and restore habitat! Minimum age: 12.

(VA) (Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia) It may be autumn, but it’s not time to abandon the garden! This class offers easy tips for onsite composting, providing winter habitat and food for wildlife, and end-of-season care of tools and equipment. Did you know that fall is the ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials? We help you identify opportunities ...

(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 ...

(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 ...

(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.

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Who’s out and about in Wheaton Regional Park once the sun sets? Join us for an evening experience to find out! Please note that each month focuses on a different theme! This month - bats! Adults and children must register.

(VA) (Vienna Conservation and Sustainability Commission) Fall is the best time to plant trees, and native trees are the best ones to plant! So head over to the Vienna Community Center and get your free native tree. Stop by early for the best selection of tree species.

(DC) (Casey Trees) Welcome to our fall season of Community Tree Plantings! Join us in planting trees at Anacostia Park. You provide the volunteers, we provide all the necessary tools and supplies to plant the trees. Participants will receive a hands-on training on site. After learning the tools and techniques, participants will be split up into groups supervised by a ...

(VA) (Kindred Nature) Experience forest bathing to connect more deeply with nature, release stress, and enjoy fall colors at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens! Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a way to immerse your senses in the natural world. Slow down, relax, and join certified forest bathing guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature for a guided slow ...

(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us with architecture-enthusiast, Brian Wee, for a very special bird walk as we time travel past buildings like the Union Station and US Capitol that are replete with architectural elements first introduced in Greek and Roman antiquity. We'll touch on avian life incorporated as sculptural elements in these neoclassical buildings. After this walk, we hope ...

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (6-11 years) See the best that our park has to offer with topics that fit your interests. Explore different features of the park with hands-on science and nature activities tailored to young people with disabilities. A different topic each month. Parents must be accessible during the program but are not required to register. More Fairfax County ...

(DC) (Tregaron Conservancy) Join birding expert Sam Krause on a walk to look and listen for Tregaron’s resident and visiting birds. Bring binoculars if you would like. The event is free of charge, but registration is required. The group will gather at 8:00 am sharp at our street-side entrance at 3100 Macomb Street NW.

(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.

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a canoe tour of the Anacostia River to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and how it has caused the rebound ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Connect with and care for your inner self through the Strolls for Well-Being, an evidence based program that promotes emotional healing and wellness through connection to nature. Over the course of eight weeks, you will complete twelve walks individually in Brookside Gardens, on your own schedule and with a beautiful full-color, 110-page journal as your guide. Each ...

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Marvel at some of Arlington’s most spectacular trees on this leisurely ride over mostly level, paved pathways and roads, while stopping at points of natural and environmental interest along the way. Bring your own bike, water, snacks, and repair kit. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome, but must attend with a registered adult. Meet at the ...

(VA) (Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia) Join Extension Master Gardeners for a festival of all things plants, gardening and nature!! We will have: guided walks, a nature/wildlife table, outside vendors (plants, vintage, upcycled wares), the Alexandria City Art Truck, MGNV merchandise tables and demonstration tables. Come celebrate Fall with us!

(DC) (District Department of Energy and Environment) Experience all the amazing activities the islands offer including paddling, nature walks, fishing, scavenger hunts, and so much more!

(DC) (Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) Join Free Minds staff and formerly incarcerated Poet Ambassadors in a powerful poetry exchange with incarcerated Free Minds members. Participants will hear a conversation and poetry reading with formerly incarcerated Free Minds Poet Ambassadors who will share their stories and discuss the healing powers of reading and writing. Participants will then have the opportunity ...

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for the Strathmore Local Park re-opening celebration and check out the new improved soccer field, basketball and soccer court, new playground, and loop path. There will be a speaking program, pumpkin decorating, and treats. Costumes are encouraged!

(DC) (Mount Pleasant Village) Join Mount Pleasant Village friends and neighbors to steward the trees on Mount Pleasant Street and a few adjoining blocks. We'll be mulching the tree boxes for the Fall and Winter. The trees are healthier from our previous mulchings and the tree boxes are looking much better. We need you! And your children and grandchildren too!  ...

(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).

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Join us for a rare opportunity to explore the boardwalk under a bright full moon on this fall evening. We will look and listen for wildlife as we explore the forest and marsh trails. More Fairfax County nature programs can be found here.