Leight Park has organized a spring hike to Susquehanna State Park to search for spring ephemerals, including wild bluebells. You will want to bring your camera to capture the blooms! Ages 5 to adult, under 13 w/adult; $10/family. April 9, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, Susquehanna State Park, Havre de Grace, MD. More information and registration.

The City Nature Challenge is a collaborative effort among cities across the globe to see which city can find and document the most plants and wildlife over a four-day period. Over 145 cities worldwide are expected to participate this year. The National Aquarium is coordinating all City Nature Challenge efforts for the Baltimore metropolitan area, and you are invited to make wildlife observations that will contribute data to scientists and your community, helping them to study and protect local species. Last year 833 participants made 12,815 observations, and 1,501 species were identified in and around Baltimore. April 29 through May 2. Learn more and pledge to participate. Challenge events are also being held in Washington, DC., Charlottesville, and Norfolk.

Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve is renowned for its display of wildflowers, especially of spring ephemeral species. Wildflowers such as spring beauties, Virginia waterleaf, woodland phlox, wild geranium and a host of other species throughout the season carpet the forested floor. Naturalist Keith Williams will lead you through the preserve, pointing out the numerous native ephemeral wildflowers and the critical role they play in this ecosystem along the way. This will be an easy three mile out and back hike with some gradual climbs and is open to all ages. $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. April 16, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, Conestoga, PA. More info and registration.

Join the Audubon Naturalist Society to explore the Fern Valley section of the National Arboretum in the District of Columbia. Be prepared to walk up to three miles on natural surface trails which may be muddy/slippery and include some mild hills. Experience the dramatic seasonal changes in the natural world ignited by spring’s longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures. $49 for nonmembers. April 8, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; US National Arboretum, Washington, DC. More information and registration.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park is hosting a musical presentation by Not What You Think, an a cappella ensemble dedicated to social justice. Their program will express the journey for equality, freedom and peace, exemplified by the life of Harriet Tubman. Free and open to all. April 16, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm; Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, Church Creek, MD. More information.

If you’ve heard about forest bathing but haven’t had an opportunity to try it yet, this is a great time to learn all about it. Join naturalist and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Ana Ka’ahanui, for an introduction to forest bathing. “Shinrin-yoku,” or taking in the forest atmosphere with all of your senses, is a way to slow down, unwind and connect to the natural world. Come explore, perhaps even discover, the wonders of Woodend with this relaxing mindfulness practice. $30 for nonmembers. April 24, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD. More information and registration.

Celebrate the Anacostia River, the park, and the neighborhood. The festival will present a series of musical performances from a main stage honoring the history and sounds of communities on both sides of the Anacostia River, amplifying the stories, culture, and heritage of neighboring African American residents. Guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of Go-Go music, local drum lines, and military bands and will be socially distanced through chalked “pods” to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The concerts will stream live on 11th Street Bridge Park’s social media platforms (@DCBridgePark) for at-home enjoyment. In addition to musical performances, the Anacostia River Festival will feature river activities such as canoeing and fishing along the Anacostia River (require preregistration). Visit bridgepark.org to register. April 10, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Anacostia River Park, Washington, DC. More info.

This online, interactive talk will be lead by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Senior Botanist Dennis Whigham. Delight in how many of our native species of plants reappear after a long winter rest during spring. Learn about how these plants respond to environmental cues, and what different life history strategies they employ, and get an update on activities of the North American Orchid Conservation Center. $15 for nonmembers. April 12, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration and more information.

Find the perfect location at Pocahontas State park to take a selfie with your favorite pooch to share with your friends, then head back to the visitor center for a park prize! Be sure to share your pictures on social media using the hashtag #fopsp and #vastateparks. A list of the park’s best selfie locations is available at the visitor center or download the Candid Canine pdf with clues for great locations. Free (with standard parking fee) and open to all ages. April 9, 10:00 am to 11:00 am; Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA. More information.

One of Saki’s favorite spring go-to paddles is the Daniels area of Patapsco Valley State Park. The Patapsco River just upstream of the Daniels Dam is a calm, deep stretch that is navigable for about two miles and full of wildlife, particularly in the park. Though this section of the park is great for a lot of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and exploring historic sites, in spring Saki’s favorite quarry is all things amphibian – especially toads and peepers whose reproductive activities are fun to observe and learn about. Read Spring Peeper Paddle on the Patapsco.

Merriam-Webster defines a weed as “a plant that is not valued where it is growing.” This is not entirely true of all plants named weeds. Many so-called weeds are, in fact, quite valuable. The Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources has some suggestions for planting several different native plants that have gotten “caught in the crossfire” due to having weed in their names. Butterfly weed, New York ironweed, jewelweed, sneezeweed, and common Joe-Pye weed deserve a place in our gardens. They are quite beautiful and attract pollinators – great for vegetable gardens – and add eye-catching allure to landscaping. Read Good Weeds.

Head out on the water and learn firsthand the experiences of Captain John Smith's Voyage on NOAA's Chesapeake Bay interpretive Buoy System. CBIBS provides real time weather and environmental information, as well as a glimpse into living Chesapeake Bay History. You can also download the app for your Android or iPhone from the website. Note: some buoys may be offline with no data currently available.

Take a virtual tour of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail from your computer or mobile device! To help you plan your trip before you go, the Chesapeake Conservancy partnered with Terrain360 to bring you virtual tours of the trail’s great rivers. Sit back and virtually explore the Elk, James (sponsored by the James River Association), Nanticoke, Northeast, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and York rivers. Check out some of the Chesapeake’s special places like Werowocomoco, Fones Cliffs, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Mallows Bay. We hope to eventually bring you a virtual tour of the entire Chesapeake Trail! Explore the Chesapeake's great rivers on our website.