(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Just in time for the holidays, create a modern wreath with fresh evergreens on a metal hoop. Using a method similar to floral arrangement, combine local textures, shapes, and colors in your design. Many styles of wreaths, and even garlands, are possible with the wiring techniques covered in class. Open to beginners and to students with floral ...
(VA) (Smithsonian Associates) Discover the spring splendors of the Potomac Gorge, a 1,900-acre natural area spanning Maryland and Virginia that is one of the most botanically diverse places in North America. Hike north from Turkey Run Park along the Potomac Heritage Trail on a wilderness adventure inside the Beltway as you admire lush upland forests and floodplains brilliantly decorated by ...
(VA) (Smithsonian Associates) Discover the spring splendors of the Potomac Gorge, a 1,900-acre natural area spanning Maryland and Virginia that is one of the most botanically diverse places in North America. Hike north from Turkey Run Park along the Potomac Heritage Trail on a wilderness adventure inside the Beltway as you admire lush upland forests and floodplains brilliantly decorated by ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) The Washington, D.C., area is becoming a greener urban environment. Bill Keene, a lecturer in urban studies, architecture, and history, spotlights innovative approaches to the environment and sustainability that have taken root—sometimes literally—in many types of buildings around town. Begin the day in the Navy Yard neighborhood at the rooftop garden of the office building at 55 ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Discover how small observations led to big breakthroughs on deciphering honey bee behavior. Cornell University biology professor Thomas D. Seeley discusses how he and his colleagues solved long-standing mysteries of honey bee nature. He tells how worker bees function as scouts to choose a home site for their colony, furnish their home with beeswax combs, and stock ...
(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.
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Join an orchid care expert for a fun, informative evening about one of America’s favorite house plants. This class delves into the origins of our love for orchids, explains how they grow in their native environments, and provides beginner care instructions to keep your orchids blooming in your home. In a hands-on activity, learn how to repot ...
(MD) (Smithsonian Associates) The geography and environment of the Mid-Atlantic were shaped over hundreds of millions of years, reflecting influences that include the impact of a massive meteor; four tectonic mountain-building events; ice sheets and tropical oceans; plants and animals; and at least 15,000 years of human habitation. Environmental historian and storyteller Hayden Mathews interprets the many layers of the ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Shinrin-yoku (translated as “forest bathing”) began in Japan in the 1980s. Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions of reverence for nature, the practice involves a full sensory immersion in the outdoors. Experience forest bathing as Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest-therapy guide and author of several nature books, including Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the ...
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Just a few miles from Washington, D.C., lies a rural oasis that rivals the English countryside. Spend an autumn day exploring the scenic 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve with naturalist and long-time resident Melanie Choukas-Bradley, whop will introduce some of her favorite places in this close-in slice of paradise at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. You will hear remarkable ...
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Using watercolors and graphite, capture the nuances of the light and flora at the beautiful United States Botanic Garden. This intensive landscape painting experience focuses on helping you see the gardens through Cézanne’s eyes and then develop your own Post-Impressionist interpretation. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit) This is Part 1 of a 2-part course.
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Using watercolors and graphite, capture the nuances of the light and flora at the beautiful United States Botanic Garden. This intensive landscape painting experience focuses on helping you see the gardens through Cézanne’s eyes and then develop your own Post-Impressionist interpretation. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit) This is Part 2 of a 2-part course.
