Agriculture and Environment

🌿 Wild Edibles: Late Spring Foraging Walk (NHSM Program) Have you ever wondered what edible plants grow quietly around us in Maryland forests? Join members of our group for a guided **wild edible plant walk** hosted by the Natural History Society of Maryland. We’ll be attending **Wild Edibles: Late Spring Plants**, a field program led by experienced forager Nick Spero. During the walk, participants will learn how to identify edible plants that emerge in Maryland’s woods during late spring. Along the way, instructor Nick Spero will discuss safe identification, ethical harvesting practices, and how these plants have traditionally been used for food and flavor. Species often discussed include **wild ginger, ramps, spicebush**, and other seasonal plants that grow in our region. The program is designed as a relaxed **nature exploration with discussion and plant identification along the trail**. Expect light to moderate hiking, frequent stops to observe plants up close, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from the landscape. More details about the program can be found here: [https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/wild-edibles-late-spring-plants-with-nick-spero-2/](https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/wild-edibles-late-spring-plants-with-nick-spero-2/) — 🥾 Difficulty — Easy to moderate walking with frequent stops for plant identification and discussion. — 💲 Cost — This is a **paid program organized by the Natural History Society of Maryland**. • Non‑NHSM Member — **$45** • NHSM Member — **$35** — 📍 Location — The exact meeting location is not listed unless you register for the event. In general, the event is Northeast of Baltimore and about an hour from Shady Groove Metro. — 📝 Registration — Members who plan to attend should **RSVP here on Meetup and also register directly with the Natural History Society of Maryland through their website**. Participants will **pay NHSM directly** when registering for the program. — 🎒 What to Bring — Based on the Natural History Society of Maryland's recommendations for this program: • Weather‑appropriate clothing (layers work best) • Sturdy closed‑toe hiking shoes or boots with good traction • Water and snacks • Sun protection such as sunblock and a hat • Bug spray if desired • Optional: a camera, guidebook, binoculars, or a small magnifying lens for examining plants These items help ensure everyone is comfortable during the walk and able to closely observe the plants we encounter along the trail. — 🚗 Carpooling — Once the location is confirmed, we can **coordinate optional carpooling through the Meetup event page** for anyone interested in sharing a ride. This should be a great opportunity to **learn about native plants, explore the landscape together, and deepen our understanding of the food that grows around us**.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Sip and Learn** event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. 🌱 **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Bring your favorite drink or meal to pair with our live herbs. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this chance to sip, taste, and learn! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the Green, Sustainable Energy and Environment; to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in careers in the sector and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of green movement. ***GRAB A BOOZE OR A BITE AND YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign areas for each represented INDUSTRIES AND SPECIALIZATIONS; and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular experience, you would like to exchange. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. PLEASE BRING A BUSINESS CARD. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** \- Come one\, come all; YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:\) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. \- For bottle/table service email \(info@[merevents.co](http://merevents.co/)m) or text at (202) 368-1878. \- Event is 21\+ ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/1/d/1/600_443321425.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/3/2/b/600_449154059.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/7/a/600_448335994.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/0/2/6/600_448197382.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/1/7/600_448196599.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/8/e/600_434712942.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/9/a/600_434712954.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/1/d/0/event_14553232.jpeg

**As a proud sponsor of the Fairfax Vegfest,** the [Veg Society of DC ](https://vsdc.org/)(VSDC) encourages our members to attend this free, outdoor, all-vegan event with great speakers and delicious food! It is happening on Sunday, April 19, from 11 am to 5 pm, in Herndon, Virginia. VSDC has scheduled this meetup event to: 1\. publicize the Fairfax Vegfest so more people will attend\. For details, go to the [Vegfest event page here](https://marketspread.com/market/35820/fairfax-vegfest/events/84760/) 2\. encourage volunteers to sign\-up for shifts at the VSDC Table\. RSVP on this page and select which shift you would prefer. 3\. refer people to the Fairfax Vegfest organizers to volunteer with them\. Go to the [Fairfax Vegfest volunteer page here](https://forms.gle/HfNd2WYAbgKAtVVk8) ***We do need volunteers at the VSDC table so PLEASE do sign up. When you RSVP, please provide your first and last name, email, and shift preference (10am-12:30pm, 12-230pm, 2-430pm, 4-6pm, or ANY shift). Only the VSDC organizers will see this info.*** Confirmed speakers include: Neal Barnard MD Gene Baur Milton Mills, MD (many more to come!) **Why you don’t want to miss Fairfax Vegfest:** * **A full day of vegan food, shopping & discovery** Enjoy incredible plant-based eats, local makers, wellness brands, and eco-friendly businesses—all in one place. * **Something for everyone** Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love good food and good vibes, Fairfax Vegfest is welcoming and inclusive. * **Family-friendly & community-focused** A fun, positive atmosphere with activities, education, and space to connect with like-minded people. * **Meet the makers behind the brands** Talk directly with chefs, founders, and creators who are passionate about what they do. * **Support small & mission-driven businesses** Every purchase helps support ethical, sustainable, and compassionate businesses. * **Feel-good vibes all day long** Come hungry. Leave inspired. 💚 **Location** Northwest Federal Credit Union (parking lot in the back) 200 Spring St. Herndon VA 20170 A $5 donation per person is requested to help the organizers offset the costs for the event. Parking in the adjacent garage / lot is $5 per car. Join many of your friends from VSDC and our vegan meetup group who will be attending this fun and educational event! **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Celebrate Earth Day with Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings at Lake Fairfax Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. First started on April 22 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson in order to bring awareness to the importance of the environment, Earth Day is now celebrated throughout America and the world. This years Earth Day Festival for Northern Virginia takes place at Lake Fairfax Park near Reston. Located in the Difficult Run Watershed by the damning of Colvin Run, beautiful Lake Fairfax offers camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking on 15 miles of trail. The Earth Day Festival includes many outdoor organizations, live music, guest speakers, food vendors, outdoor activities, and great spirits as we both celebrate and promote further protection of our precious Earth. Meet throughout the day at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia. Leaders: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477 and Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011.

Come join us atthe Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling, VA. There will be pickle inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer, and live music. THIS IS NOT A TICKET: Tickets can be found on the link below and general admission is $5 + credit card fee Buy ticket here: https://www.crookedrunfermentation.com/pickle-international-food-festival-2026