March March
March 2, 3-4:30 p.m.
Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring by embarking on a hike that starts at the Long Branch Nature Center and ventures away from established paths/trails in search of clues that suggest warmer weather is upon us. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Feeding Day
March 3, 10-11 a.m.
For $7 per person, see how naturalists feed the animals on display at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, plus look for the animals’ food (worms and insects) and build your own take-home bird feeder. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Pioneer Spring Chores
March 3, 1-2 p.m.
Help give the log house a fresh face by beating rugs, making a broom out of twigs and planting peas. // Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park: 3608 North Military Road, Arlington
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Extravaganza
March 3, 2-3:30 p.m.
Some of Dr. Seuss’ famous tales are revisited by naturalists at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, and guests are given the chance to interact with live animals and make crafts to carry home. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale
Maple Syrup Boil-Down
March 4, noon-2 p.m.
Watch and learn how sap becomes syrup, then sample the sweet result over Colvin Run Mill cornbread. Cost of attendance is $5 per person. // Colvin Run Mill: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls
The Origin of Manners
March 4, 1 p.m.
There’s a difference between good manners and etiquette, something that attendees will explore at this event which discusses how manners have evolved from medieval to modern times. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Winter Lecture Series: Evergreen Azaleas
March 4, 1:30 p.m.
Don Hyatt, a member of the Azalea Society of America, will discuss the wide variety of Asian evergreen azaleas that currently exist as well as introduce attendees to the latest trends they can incorporate into their gardens. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Intro to Telescopes
March 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Bring your own telescope or check out the ones on display during this class, which intends to teach beginners how to use an assortment of telescope types. // Observatory Park at Turner Farm: 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls
Old-Fashioned Biscuit Cooking Class
March 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
Learn how biscuits—and the butter that goes on them—used to be made over a fire. For those with a sweet tooth, there will also be jelly. This event costs $10 per person. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Winter Folk Tales & Music Campfire
March 9, 4-6 p.m.
Participate in traditional campfire activities by eating s’mores and singing along to a guitar playing, in this case, nature-themed songs, plus go on a hike and learn about winter folk tales and wildlife for $10 per person. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Animal Pajama Party
March 9, 7 p.m.
As they begin to wind down for the day, children can switch up their bedtime routine by saying goodnight to the animals and taking in a bedtime story. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale
R.I.P: Remove Invasive Plants at Gulf Branch
March 10, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Through this monthly event, volunteers help ensure the survival of ferns and wildflowers in areas that would have otherwise been overcome by invasive vegetation. // Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
Family Fun: Garden Terrarium Workshop
March 10, 10 a.m.
Bring a part of the outdoors inside by creating an enclosed, miniature garden containing sand, stones and even a figurine. While decorating, event-goers will learn about the water cycle. This event costs $12. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
30th Annual Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup
March 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Those wishing to participate in this yearly cleanup should being waterproof boots and gloves and meet at one of the following locations: Arlington Mill Community Center, Barcroft Park, Glencarlyn Park, Shirlington Park or Madison Manor. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. // Multiple locations
Turtle First Aid
March 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Morning and afternoon sessions make for a six-hour day focused on how to care for rescued turtles. From diet and common illnesses/injuries to hands-on diagnostic procedures, this $35 event for guests 15 and up covers the basics. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 624 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Festival of Owls
March 10, noon-2 p.m.
For $12 per person, bird lovers can see owls up close, touch feathers and bones and make a themed craft. If interested, event-goers can work with a naturalist to dissect an owl pellet for an additional cost. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
Winter Games
March 10, 2-3:30 p.m.
How did little ones entertain themselves while they were stuck indoors, decades before television, iPads and cell phones? Find out, and also take home a build-your-own historical craft at this educational event. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
A Taste of Tea & History: Women’s History
March. 11, 1-3 p.m.
While sipping on afternoon tea and enjoying scones and preserves, learn about Sully residents Eliza Collins Lee and Maria Barlow, its laundress Madam Juba and local historian Eleanor Lee Templeman, who worked to preserve Sully Plantation and also create Leesylvania State Park, for $28 per person. // Sully Historic Site: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
Winter Lecture Series: Foodscape Revolution
March 11, 1:30 p.m.
Calling all gardeners: Get ready for spring by planning out what vegetables and perennials you should plant, per advice from Brie Arthur, a professional garden industry communicator who once worked as a plant propagator at two nurseries. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria