Insects or Entomology

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

In an era focused on scalable efficiency, the pursuit of absolute service consistency is often seen as the ultimate goal. But what is gained and what is lost when service offerings are entirely predictable? Does aiming for uniformity stifle necessary adaptation and human connection? Join us for an intimate discussion exploring the often overlooked trade-offs of **service consistency**. We'll dive into when consistency builds “trust and reliability”, and when it becomes “a barrier to designing flexible, empathetic, and truly customer-centric experiences”. **#ServiceDesign #ServiceConsistency #ServiceManagement** **What’s a Service Design DC salon?** Our salons are an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow designers, engage in meaningful conversations, and gain fresh perspectives on the evolving landscape of our field. Space is limited to ensure an intimate atmosphere and encourage deeper conversations. Whether you have been to a past salon or will be a first timer, we’d be happy to have you join this group discussion of service design practitioners and enthusiasts in the Washington D.C. area! **Evening Agenda** * 6:00 P.M. - Doors Open / Socializing \* * 6:30 P.M. - Salon begins * 8:00 P.M. - Salon Wraps up \*We will provide light refreshments, including food and drinks, during the salon. **Note about RSVPs:** * Due to the limited number of available spots, we kindly request that you update your RSVP if you are unable to attend so others may have the opportunity to join. Thank you for your understanding. *** Many thanks to our host and sponsor, **Technical Assent!** *At Technical Assent, we believe that government can be a platform for service innovation where services can be designed to be more relevant to customers, more reliable, and delivered at a lower cost.* *Our company exists to build high-performing government service organizations — government-to-citizens (G2C), government-to-government (G2G), and shared services. Our approach is unique in that we improve service performance from the bottom-up, starting with customer experience. We use that insight to design and modify the talent, tools, and technology that deliver government services to each customer. Technical Assent is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business appraised at CMMI-SVC Level 3.*

Join Solice Therapy's mental health provider peer consultation to connect with fellow mental health professionals, and sharpen therapeutic skills. This is a time to share experiences, gain valuable insights, and foster collaboration while exploring various topics related to mental health support. This event is designed to help you tackle challenges, refine your skills, and promote self-care within the profession. Together, let's create a community that champions mental health and promotes personal and professional growth.

**\*Please only sign up if you are committing to attend as space is limited. If you are interested in participating and RSVP is full, you may join the wait-list and we will open spots as the date gets closer.** Join the DC Pokemon League and DCGG to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Pokemon! The night will have activities that celebrate all aspects of the Pokemon franchise including Pokemon trivia, Pokemon Stadium Minigames, a Pokemon XD tournament, craft and trading stations, and more! Win prizes, make friends, and celebrate the world of Pokemon! TRAINERS! We'll have tables set up for trainers to trade Pokemon cards and trinkets! Bring things to trade, cards, pins, plushies, and Pokemon from games from the DS and Switch (TCG Pocket and PokemonGo too!). **Trades only.** Trainers found selling items for cash or equivalents will be asked to leave. **Schedule**: * 6:30pm - Check In & Social Bingo * 7:00pm - Pokemon Group Trivia, make friends and join a group, win prizes! * 8:00pm - Pokemon Coliseum and Stadium mini-games matches * Ongoing - Trading Station and Crafts Station **This is a 21+ event.** Food and drinks available for purchase at Penn Social. Can't make the event? Join our discords for future events! DC Gaming Group Discord: [https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF](https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF) DC Pokemon League Discord: [https://discord.gg/ys4VM2TC3Q](https://discord.gg/ys4VM2TC3Q) DMV Pokemon VGC Discord: [https://discord.gg/f95HrBk9ky](https://discord.gg/f95HrBk9ky) Disclaimer and Community Code of Conduct: The DC Gaming Group is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for participants. To learn more about our code of conduct, you can read more here. Events may be recorded for promotional material.

AI agents are quickly moving from buzzword to workplace reality. These systems can research, write, analyze data, interact with software, and even coordinate other tools — tasks that were traditionally performed by knowledge workers. But what exactly is an AI agent, and why is it becoming so important? This session breaks down how AI agents actually work in plain language. We will explore the components that make an agent “agentic,” how they plan and execute tasks, and how organizations are beginning to use them to augment teams and automate complex workflows. More importantly, we will discuss what this shift means for professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs: how roles are changing, why directing intelligent systems is becoming a core skill, and how individuals can use AI agents to increase their impact or even build new businesses. Attendees will leave with a clear mental model of AI agents, practical examples of real-world use, and an understanding of how to prepare for a future where humans increasingly work alongside — and supervise — intelligent digital workers.

***In Person Location:*** Rockville Library, second floor meeting room (Collaboration Room 3). We are experimenting with a new virtual join link - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) If you can make it in person, that's always recommended! Let's resume repeated full end-to-end testing cycles and continue to iterate our design and resolution. We are getting close. Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. Does it sound hard? Perhaps.. However! I have every confidence that we are now operating at a level were we can take on this mean, cross-functional project. We continue to build on our past successes, and a key technology we previously applied was increasing the signal of small voltages using OpAmps - which we did during our custom pH Probe project - [https://www.mocomakers.com/ph-probe/](https://www.mocomakers.com/ph-probe/) \- That technology is exactly what we need to get this machine working\, and at a high precision\! To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We have a bit over $2,000 in materials costs, so if you want to sponsor this project, and get banners at events with 20K attendees, and access to our email broadcast of 30K members, please contact matt@mocomakers.com We are also open to university, lab, or community partnerships so feel to reach out if you want to be part of this project. Together, we can do incredible things. ***In Person Location:*** Rockville Library, second floor meeting room (Meeting Room 3). To Join Virtually: https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers

Social Sips & Bites, we’re checking out Kaldi's Social House. Join us in Arlington for a laid-back happy hour featuring great drinks, great food and the Social Sips & Bites energy we all love. Perfect for unwinding after work, catching up with friends, and meeting new faces. What to expect • Happy hour drinks & cocktails • Delicious bites with bold flavors • A cozy, stylish setting • Easy conversations and great company Come out, grab a drink, and help us officially add this spot to our Social Sips & Bites rotation. RSVP early - good vibes and good spots always fill up https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/

This event is for women only. We will meet for coffee and a bite to eat at a local cafe.

We vote every week on what to play, and this week we had a very rare tie for the winner. To be fair to these games, because they have feelings, we're going to play both. We'll bring both games on Thursday and we'll separate into two groups, one group playing each game. Then two weeks from now we'll come back and do an ol' switcheroo and play the other games we didn't get to play the first week. Flotilla BGG Description: **Flotilla** features two distinct and interwoven modes of gameplay, as you try to outpace your opponents in bringing prosperity to humanity’s new home. You begin the game as a **“Sinkside”** Fleet Commander, commissioned by world leaders to explore the new face of the ocean, scour the depths for resources, and rescue any survivors you come across. At any point in the game, you may choose to turn **“Skyside,”** by selling your skiffs, and leaving your seafaring life behind to now grow the Flotilla itself. Manhattan Project: Energy Empire Description: From the ashes of war, nations rise to power in the atomic age! In ***Manhattan Project: Energy Empire***, each player takes control of a nation struggling for power in the latter part of the 20th century. They build up their nation’s industry, commerce, and government by acquiring resources, building structures, and tapping sources of energy. The major threat in *Energy Empire* is not war, but uncertain global impacts, that result from side effects of industrialization and pollution. Many actions come with a cost. So, as nations become more industrious, they also increase the amount of pollution in the environment. Careful use of science can mitigate the harmful effects of industry, and can also help avert global crises. *Energy Empire* uses worker placement, tableau-building, and resource management mechanics. On each turn, a player can choose to either work or generate. On a work turn, a player plays a single worker on the main board, then uses workers and energy to activate cards in their tableau. Players may spend energy to use an occupied space on the main board, so no spaces are ever completely blocked. On a generate turn, players get to renew their supply of energy by rolling "energy dice" that represent nuclear, coal, oil, solar, and other forms of energy.

[More Than a Flower | National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower) [https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower) **More Than a Flower Exhibit \| National Museum of African American History and Culture** ***More than a Flower* shares the fresh and fragrant beauty of live orchids and connects stories, scholarship, and art to this extraordinary species.** **I have 4 tickets, and Sri has 9 tickets for 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 28th.** ***SO, there are 13 tickets, and I limited the number of attendees to 13.*** ***Feel free to go at another time that works for you. The exhibit will be there until April 26.*** Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, and comfortable shoes Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, 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.

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we discuss ***Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* by Cory Doctorow** Here's the summary: **Explaining the process of the “enshittification” of digital platforms over time and what to do about it.** Cory Doctorow's *Enshittification* takes a witty yet incisive look at the tech landscape, where platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Google start off great—before they inevitably turn terrible. In this contemporary moment of digital decline, Doctorow explores how tech giants lure users in with convenience and then degrade their services over time, squeezing profit at the cost of user experience. With a mix of sharp humor and deep insight, he unveils the slow creep of "enshittification," turning the online world into a worse place, one algorithm at a time. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

**ANY QUESTIONS OR ISSUES PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE BELOW - DO NOT MESSAGE THE MEETUP GROUP** This is not a hosted meetup. Own your journey making new friends during the event. **Salsa con Candela Fridays at Pikio Taco** Join us for DC's hottest Friday night Latin dance party! Whether you're a complete beginner or seasoned dancer, this weekly event has something for everyone. The night kicks off with a bachata/salsa workshop at 8:30pm — no partner or experience needed. Then dance the night away to salsa, bachata, merengue, and more with DJ Diezel spinning and Andy Caceda on live percussion. **What to Expect** * 8:00pm: Doors open * 8:30pm: Bachata/Salsa lesson (all levels welcome) * 9:00pm - 1:00am: Social dancing with live DJ + percussion * Full food and drink menu available all night **Dress Code:** Casual — come as you are, but bring your dancing shoes! No partner required. 21+. \-\-\- **About the Venue** Pikio Taco is a vibrant social taqueria inside Generator Washington DC, featuring stunning Mexican murals, hanging greenery, and moody purple lighting. They're known for craft margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine. **Location** 1900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Inside Generator hostel, Dupont Circle) **Getting There** * Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line) — just three blocks * Parking: Available at Generator hostel * Rideshare: Drop off at 1900 Connecticut Ave NW **Food & Drinks** Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, signature margaritas, mezcal, Mexican beers — order throughout the night! **Links** * Venue: https://pikiotaco.com/washington * Phone: 202-448-1575 4pm-9pm * Event IG: https://instagram.com/salsaindc See you on the dance floor!

Join NVBA bird guides Arielle and Gabrielle this Saturday for a rewarding morning of birding followed by an invasive species removal project at Monticello Park! Late winter is one of the best times to tackle invasive plants in our parks and backyards as there’s no poison ivy to worry about, roots are easier to pull, and visibility across the landscape is much improved. Because habitat loss is the leading cause of bird population declines, urbanized (and rapidly urbanizing) areas like Northern Virginia play a significant role. Through the *[Stretch Our Parks](https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/stretch-our-parks)* program, volunteers are working to reverse that trend! **Timing & activities:** The event begins at 9:00 AM with a peaceful bird walk to observe and learn about the park’s species. Around 10:00 AM, we’ll shift to hands-on habitat restoration, focusing on clearing invasive plants. The upper corner and along the fence line is in need of some maintenance to improve habitat health and open the area for wildlife. Attendees should wear hard-soled shoes and long sleeves. Gloves, binoculars, & tools will be available. *We ask that those who RSVP plan to attend both portions of the program to fully experience how habitat restoration benefits birds and birders alike.* **Interest form:** Let us know you’re joining us by filling out the google form **[[linked here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEdjDjYTfNFrLx4EjCVP429JP2jIgta_4BUu9_tgEtVi4edQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor)],** we will use this information to plan accordingly and send reminder messages! **Parking:** Street parking is available on Beverly Dr. There is no parking lot - please do not park on the driveway of the park as that's reserved for service vehicles.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Hosted by Licking Parks District Planning and Growing a Cut Flower Garden Thursday, March 12, 2026 Are you a plant lover or garden enthusiast who would like to add growing cut flowers to your garden repertoire but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’d like to grow flowers instead of grass to attract pollinators? Whatever your flower dream is, let’s dig in and start here! Join Tracey Barnes of Moon Maiden Flower Farm to learn the basic foundations of growing a cut flower garden, which includes planning, choosing the right varieties, succession planting for continuous blooms, maintenance, harvesting and post harvest care for making bouquets. Whatever your horticulture experience level is, you’ll gain confidence in your decision making, and before you know it, you’ll be slinging flowers and sharing their beauty with others. Register by Mar 11. [Register here for free https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026) 6PM - 7:30PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Hosted by Licking Parks District Backyard Conservation: Composting 101 Thursday, March 5, 2026 Join us to learn how to create nutrient-rich compost right at home! Whether you have a small garden, a backyard, or just a few potted plants, this program is perfect for anyone interested in reducing waste and boosting soil health. We will go over what compost is and how to use it, what can and cannot be composted, when to turn and water your compost, and troubleshooting! Free. [Register by March 1. Click here ](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026) 6PM - 7PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park