Snake Feeding Program
Aug. 15, 5:15 p.m.
If you are a reptile lover, this is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. If you prefer to keep your distance, you’ll still get something out of the experience by learning how integral snakes are to our ecosystem. // Hidden Pond Nature Center: 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield
Campfire Night Hike: Predators at Night
Aug. 15, 8:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what creepy critters wander around at night? Tickle your curiosity and hike the park to look for nocturnal animals, such as owls and coyotes, and end with s’mores around the campfire. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Summer Garden Tour and Tea
Aug. 16, 1 p.m.
For a luxurious tea time, gather here for a tour of the gardens with a master gardener docent and feel like royalty. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Citizen Science: Cricket Crawl Prep
Aug. 16, 8:30 p.m.
Want to find out what insects serenade you each evening? At this event, learn about different types of musical insects, what each call means and also observe how they live within nature. // Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
Jefferson District Park & Golf Course Club Championship-Jefferson Cup
Aug. 18, 8 a.m.
Calling all golfers: Witness a PGA Tour-like game through this 18-hole, individual stroke play tournament showcasing some of the best golfers around and boasting a big prize: the 2018 Jefferson Cup. // Jefferson Golf Course: 7900 Lee Highway, Falls Church
Brunch with Mrs. Washington
Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m.
Switch up your typical brunch by attending a historic one with the wife of our first president. Dine on some of Martha’s favorite foods like pickled beets and lemon tarts, all the while listening to stories about her life at Mount Vernon. // Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Historic Desserts
Aug. 18, 7 p.m.
Elevate your eating experience by learning about the Machens, a well-known group of dessert creators from the 19th century. Try your hand at making the famous desserts and indulge in creations such as raspberry dumplings and homemade ice cream. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Osprey Observation
Aug. 18-19 and 25-26, 3 p.m.
Look for osprey nests, learn where they travel for the winter and see how they hunt and adapt while soaring above the water. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Fishing Pier, Woodbridge
Wood Carving Lessons
Aug. 19, noon
Have you ever wanted to learn how to be an artisan wood worker, or at least improve your handy work? These lessons have something to offer any individual, regardless of skill level. // Colvin Run Mill Historic Site: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls
Pirate Treasure Hunt
Aug. 19, 2 p.m.
Test your tracking abilities during this real life half-mile treasure hunt. Pirate naturalists will help you along the way, explaining the wonders of nature’s hidden treasures as you look for clues. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale
Bass Fishing Clinic
Aug. 19, 6 p.m.
Grab your tackle box and cast your line for a night of fishing and fun. Make sure you come early to watch the tournament weigh-ins and see how your catch stacks up to the competition. // Fountainhead Regional Park: 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station
Wildflower Inspect and Sketch
Aug. 20-22, 10 a.m.-noon
Learn how to identify different kids of flowers, their anatomy and how to create detailed drawings of them during this three-morning exploration of wildflowers. // Huntley Meadows: 3701 Lockhead Blvd., Alexandria
Cleaning Naturally with Essential Oils
Aug. 22, 1 p.m.
Marci Todd from doTERRA Essential Oils will share advice on living a cleaner and more earth-friendly life at this class, which will help you transition away from harsh chemicals and into a world of healthier, more natural cleaning ingredients. // Walter Reed Community & Senior Center and Park: 2909 16th St. S., Arlington
Night Catfishing
Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
See if you are the ultimate fisherman at this late night catfishing event. Bring your boat, bring the family and of course some light competition. // Motts Run Reservoir: 6600 River Road, Fredericksburg
Moonlit Kayak Tour
Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful and natural scenery that can only be experienced at nighttime. Turn off the phone, open your eyes and paddle through the night on this beautiful kayak tour. // Occoquan Regional Park: 9751 Ox Road, Lorton
Battle of Bull Run Bridge Car Caravan Tour
Aug. 25, 8 a.m.
For the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run Bridge, watch a detailed reenactment that will bring an old war memory back to life, the perfect event for history buffs wanting to learn more about NoVA during the Civil War. // Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park: Corner of Iron Brigade Unit Ave. and 10th Alabama Way, Bristow
33rd Annual Begonia Show and Sale
Aug. 25-26, 9 a.m.
Feel like your garden needs a fresh face? The 33rd Annual Begonia Show and Sale allows you to look at the different types of begonias and buy the flowers from local growers. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Afternoon Innovators
Aug. 25, 2 p.m.
For the little engineer or scientist in your life, this session will have them tinkering, building and solving relevant and current problems. Register online. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Live Sharks, Rays and More
Aug. 25, 2 p.m.
Shark Week may have passed, but you can still experience the beauty of sharks at this immersive event. Andrew Wilson from Under the Sea will lead a discussion sharing what truly lurks in the Atlantic. //Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St, Annandale
Bat Fest
Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Learn more about the mysterious winged creature of the night at this festival dedicated to the education and conservation of bats in the region. This event will be filled with bat shows, habitat walks, crafts, games and more. // Gulf Branch Nature center & Park: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
Goat Yoga + Live Music and MTO Kombucha
Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Want to spice up your conventional yoga class? Try goat yoga, where all levels of yogis can pose and interact with curious goats. Listen to live music by Broad String Band, then sip on kombucha once you’re done breaking a sweat alongside furry friends. // Little Goat Farm at the Lake: 8954 Burwell Road, Nokesville
Wetland at Dusk
Aug. 25, 7:15 p.m.
Listen, look and feel the wildlife within the wetlands as you enjoy a nighttime stroll through nature. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
Campfire Saturdays: Stargazing
Aug. 25, 8:30 p.m.
Nothing says summer like a fire, stargazing and s’mores of course. Walk around Burke Park, gaze at the constellations and revel in the natural beauty that is only present once the sun goes down. // Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Rain Forest Puppet Show
Aug. 26, 1:30 p.m.
Experience the beauty of the rainforest without having to leave your neighborhood. Between a trio of lizard puppets, bird watching, puddle jumping and crafting, you can’t escape the fun at this family-friendly event. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St, Annandale
Little Hands on the Farm
Aug. 27, 9:45 a.m.
Learn what farm life is like at this interactive event that teaches children about animals and farm chores. With stories, crafts and games to choose from, this is perfect for every child’s needs. // Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
