Biodiversity

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Meet at Smithsonian metro at 7am, walk around the Tidal Basin, and back to the metro. Peak bloom was announced and I want to beat Friday’s rain!

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Let's take a walk along the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms! We will then continue up the Rock Creek trail along the Potomac to Georgetown/Foggy Bottom! Route: * Start at the Smithsonian Metro Station * Walk towards the Washington Monument and then we will be moving clockwise around the Tidal Basin (stopping a few times to take some quick photos with the cherry blossoms) * Then towards Jefferson, FDR, and Martin Luther King Monuments, and the Japanese Lantern * We will then walk north to the Mall, walk around the Lincoln Memorial, and then towards the Rock Creek Trail * Head North along the Rock Creek Trail along the Potomac and pass by the Kennedy Center, towards Pennsylvania Ave * At Penn. Ave we will walk towards 23rd St and end at Foggy Bottom Metro Station * (optional and tbd) Enjoy drinks in Georgetown Milage: 5 mi Start Location: Smithsonian Metro Station (mall entrance) End Location: Foggy Bottom Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1jefw7dEyKGsVDZ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1jefw7dEyKGsVDZ7) Terrain: This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

An evening of wit, wine, and a little friendly competition. Join us for **Trivia Night at Divino**, where Northern Italian flavors set the stage for a lively night of questions, laughter, and prizes. Bring your sharpest friends, enjoy housemade pasta and curated wines, and see who leaves crowned champion. FREE PARKING GARAGE

RSVP here: **[https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=)[RHCTN1260000475092](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000475092)** Is configuration drift silently killing your stability? Join us for the next Red Hat User Group (RHUG) event in Washington D.C. and discover the future of IT infrastructure management with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 Image Mode. This isn't just another operating system update—it's a new paradigm. You’ll learn how to treat your entire OS as a versioned, container-native artifact, bringing the speed and control of DevOps to your foundational layer. **Event Highlights:** * Deep Dive: Deploying and maintaining a truly immutable, compliant operating system. * Expert Insight: How to use familiar container-native tools to build bootable RHEL images. * Networking: Connect with peers, Linux administrators, security engineers, and infrastructure architects. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your IT services. Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST Location: Red Hat Tysons Corner, McLean, VA Secure your spot today and get ready to eliminate operational "noise" for good. We look forward to seeing you there! Your RHUG Team

To celebrate Opening Day, let's visit the sites of current and former baseball stadiums in DC (excluding RFK) **Parks:** * Nats Park (Active) * Capitol Grounds (Russell Senate Office Building) * Swampoodle Grounds (National Postal Museum) * American League Park I (H & 12th) * National Grounds (Georgia Douglas Johnson Residence) * Olympic Grounds (Spooky Action Theater) * Athletic Park (S St. NW & 10th St. NW) * Boundary Field (Howard University Hospital) * American League Park II (Howard University Hospital) * Griffith Stadium (Howard University Hospital) **Millage:** 5.8 mi **Start Location:** Navy Yard - Ballpark Metro Station **End Location:** Shaw - Howard U Metro Station **Map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/9zZACzMPZ9RabiJb9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9zZACzMPZ9RabiJb9) **Time:** 6 pm - 8:30 pm **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

A day in paradise. The PATC, in coordination with the Virginia Native Plant Society, will be conducting a invasive plant removal day at Thompson Wildlife Management area near Linden, Virginia from 10AM - 3:00 PM. This area is one of the most outstanding botanical sites in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Unfortunately, the native flora of Thompson is increasingly threatened by non-native invasive plant species. On March 21st, we'll concentrate our efforts on pulling garlic mustard (*Alliaria petioilata*) rosettes. No prior experience is necessary. Training will be provided on-site. Please bring seasonal appropriate clothing (never forget rain gear), gloves, water, a sack lunch and a small trowel if you have one. Be prepared to hike several miles and squat or bend over repeatedly - all with the satisfaction that you are helping to protect a truly special natural area. We will meet at the the first Thompson Wildlife parking area on the right just north of the Fox Meadow winery on Freezeland Rd. GPS Coordinates are 38.9397° N 78.039°W. Look for PATC sign. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xaPANbEa7awF6m36A Questions? Email Natural_Resource@patc.net From the east: Take I-66 West to exit18 (toward Markham). Left on VA-688 Right on VA-55W (4.2m). Right on State Rte 638 -Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8m) From the west: Take I-66 East to exit 13 for VA-79 toward Linden/VA-55. Right onto VA-79S. Left onto VA-55E (1.3m). Left onto State Rte 638 – Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8 m)

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us for a fun moderate 3.5 mile hike at the **National Arboretum** then vegan Ethiopian brunch at **Ethio Vegan** (1362 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002)! For the hike, we will meet in the parking lot next to the visitor center. Don't forget to bring your water bottle, and feel free to bring a vegan snack to share! **Parking**: There's a parking lot at the Arboretum and street parking at Ethio Vegan We do encourage carpooling. Feel free to leave a comment under this event to find someone to carpool with. Any questions, call/text Ajani at 202-528-4700 or Christine Marie at 443-252-3512

**A Divine Connection to Nature (Free Event)** **Who is responsible for taking care of the earth?** **We talk about the environment in many contexts – politically, economically, socially and morally – but do we also have a spiritual responsibility to the world around us?** **Concern over the changing climate continues, with more and more questions about what it means for our future. And there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on what to do about it, leaving us overwhelmed and confused. But what if the way we’re treating the planet is really a symptom of something else? Is it actually an indication of how we’re treating ourselves and each other? How might our actions change if we wanted the best for others just as much as we do for ourselves? Can a spiritual lens help us see the way forward to having healthy and growing societies and also a healthy environment?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the earth and its natural environment. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can work together for the betterment of us all.** **“Consider how all created things eloquently testify to the revelation of that inner Light within them.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese inspired Gude Garden, Idea Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Parking and admission to the gardens are free. **Event Details:** This will be a study of lens focal length and how they affect the look of your photographs. How aperture effect the look of the subject (depth of field). **Lens Exploration** Organize sessions around different lens types: * **Macro photography** for close-ups of individual petals and delicate textures. * **Telephoto lenses** for compressing a scene, making rows of trees look overwhelmingly full of blossoms, and isolating subjects to manage crowds. * **Wide-angle lenses** for capturing the entire landscape, such as an avenue of trees, or placing a subject in the foreground to emphasize depth. * How to isolate your subject by the use of depth of field. **Recommended equipment:** DSLR or Mirrorless camera, Macro lens, Wide angle to telephoto zoom lens, flash with diffuser. **Brookside's Photography Guidelines:** * **Do not disturb any gardens, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb garden or fountain walls.** * **The photo session must not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the gardens.** * **Absolutely no tripods are allowed in the Conservatories.** * **Published photographs should credit location of photograph, i.e. “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD”.** **RAIN DATE:** April 4th **Share Your Work:** We encourage you to share your images with us on the [Harford County Photography Group's Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcphotogroup)page.

The blossoms are at their peak between March 29 and April 1. Feel free to visit at times that work for you. For directions, use the What3words app: https://what3words.com/enable.level.fortunate Also, feel free to go at other less crowded times, like during the week, and still upload your photos to the photo album of your best up to five photos. I prefer to park along Ohio Drive if it isn't blocked off. Otherwise, I park in the parking lot closer to the bridge. [https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'42.2%22N+77%C2%B002'16.1%22W/@38.8783851,-77.0403919,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.878381!4d-77.037817](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'42.2%22N+77%C2%B002'16.1%22W/@38.8783851,-77.0403919,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.878381!4d-77.037817) You need to have ParkMobile, and they charge from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for $2.30 per hour. Enforced 7 days a week According to the National Park Service, on March 5, the current peak bloom predictions are between March 29 and April 1. [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) Every year, photographers from all over flock to the Tidal Basin to capture photos of the cherry blossoms at sunrise. This is a fantastic time to take photos when the only crowds are our fellow shutterbugs (hundreds of them). Bring Water, a Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens SEED SOCIAL SATURDAY, MARCH 28 | 11 AM - 1PM Mark your calendars for a morning of gardening and community connection! On Saturday, March 28 from 11 AM - 1 PM, we’re gathering at the AEP Foundation Educational Pavilion for the annual Seed Social. Free Seeds & Plants: Take home something new for your garden. Expert Tips: Learn quick growing tricks and seed-saving stories. All Welcome: This event is free and open to all AEP FOUNDATION EDUCATIONAL PAVILION | 1846 FRANKLIN PARK S, COLUMBUS, OH 43205

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Join WQC for our monthly Queer Birding outing at Shale Hollow Park! No gear or experience necessary. March 29 from 9-10:30 a.m. (Location/event may change if weather does not cooperate.) Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOAdQlIaKro1dFCgfp26IcwsaxQjzbYMZVQ7mLg3dViQDrsQ/viewform