April 24-May 10, 2026 By Rosemary Jann This April 24–27, ARMN members will once again join other naturalists, as well as families, individuals, and/or groups across the greater Washington DC metropolitan area to participate in one of the largest citizen science events in the world: the City Nature Challenge. The event is a friendly competitionContinueContinue reading “JOIN THE 2026 CITY NATURE CHALLENGE”
Category Archives: Events
It’s FINALLY Spring! A Great Time to Shop for and Install Native Plants
Text and photos by Kasha Helget After a rough winter, we’re experiencing warmer days and the return of birds, bees, and butterflies that depend on native plants to survive and feed their young. Native plants also provide beauty to our pots, yards, and landscapes. Where to find them? Actually, the timing is excellent because thereContinueContinue reading “It’s FINALLY Spring! A Great Time to Shop for and Install Native Plants”
Geology Walk in Holmes Run Gorge
Text and photos by Hutch Brown. On August 30, 2025, several ARMN members joined local residents for a geology walk in Holmes Run Gorge hosted by the Northern Virginia Mineral Club and Friends of Holmes Run. Holmes Run, part of Alexandria’s Cameron Run watershed, cuts a gorge through the Piedmont bedrock (the foundational rock underlyingContinueContinue reading “Geology Walk in Holmes Run Gorge”
2026 Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend
Nature Volunteering Events ARMN and other local environmental groups are hosting several events in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. between Jan 16 and 19, 2026. Here is a list of opportunities to work with fellow community members to remove non-native invasive plants and clean up our area’s beautiful parks and spaces. Please check theContinueContinue reading “2026 Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend “
Autumn 2025 Native Plant Sales: The Best Time of Year to Install New Natives!
Text and photos by Kasha Helget Think you have to wait till next spring to purchase native plants? Think again!! Below are locations where you can purchase the perfect plants to benefit local wildlife and spruce up your yard, too. Autumn is the best time to install new perennials, trees, and shrubs with warmer soilsContinueContinue reading “Autumn 2025 Native Plant Sales: The Best Time of Year to Install New Natives!”
Seeing Air Pollution by Reading the Leaves: ARMN Ozone Bioindicator Garden 55+ Event
Text by Barbara Hoffheins, photos by Jon Bell. On a warm Monday morning, July 21, 2025, ARMN Ozone Team members Jon Bell, Anne Doll, and Barbara Hoffheins discussed the purpose of the ARMN Ozone Bioindicator Garden for members of the “55+” community at the Walter Reed Community Center. The Ozone Bioindicator Garden was established inContinueContinue reading “Seeing Air Pollution by Reading the Leaves: ARMN Ozone Bioindicator Garden 55+ Event”
Many Hands Make Light of Heavy Work in Mt. Jefferson Park
Text and photos by Devin Reese unless otherwise noted Volunteers and their children install mulch for a new trail between plantings. Mt. Jefferson Park and Greenway in Alexandria is a remnant right of way for the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad train line from a time when Potomac Yard was still a wetland (see 1945ContinueContinue reading “Many Hands Make Light of Heavy Work in Mt. Jefferson Park”
Reading the Rocks: A Look at the Geology of Long Branch
Text and photos by Hutch Brown. The Long Branch Nature Center is a popular destination for exhibits, classes, and events. It is also the kickoff point for nature walks of all kinds along Long Branch creek in Glencarlyn Park. As you follow the paved road down to the creek’s confluence with Four Mile Run, youContinueContinue reading “Reading the Rocks: A Look at the Geology of Long Branch”
Leading a Nature Walk Can be a Walk in the Park
Text by Paige Edwards; photos by Toni Genberg. On a warm and breezy Saturday in March, ARMN volunteers gathered at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center in Alexandria for a nature walk in the neighboring Dora Kelley Nature Park to learn tips for leading their own walks. Although it seemed many of the park’s inhabitantsContinueContinue reading “Leading a Nature Walk Can be a Walk in the Park”
It’s Spring! A Wonderful Time to Shop for and Install Native Plants
Text and photos by Kasha Helget Warming days and the return of birds, bees, and butterflies provide a perfect opportunity to install native plants on which they depend. They also provide beauty to our pots, yards, and landscapes. So, please consider adding a few—or several native plants to your garden, patio, deck or balcony. YouContinueContinue reading “It’s Spring! A Wonderful Time to Shop for and Install Native Plants”