Local Wildlife

he Virginia/Maryland/DC wildflowers are essentially at their peak NOW! We will hike the Windy Run Trail in north Arlington down to the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River. Upstream for a bit and downstream for a bit will show us many of the currently blooming wildflowers. This is timed for later in day so that you can take care of your other responsibilities and still get outside. There will be plenty of light for good pictures. Also, the birds get more active and noisier towards dusk. Bluebells, spring beauty, wild phlox, snowbells (even though it is done snowing) , May apples (even though it is April). These are a few of the flowers blooming now that you will see. The Spring ephmeral wildflowers take advantage of the light and bloom quickly before the trees leaf out and put them in shade. When the trees leaf out, the spring wildflowers begin to go to bed until the next year. Wear shoes with tread that will grip. There are a handful of stream crossings and a set of steep stairs (with a handrail part of the way down). If you have treking poles, consider bringing them. No dogs. I will also show you I-Naturalist. Load the App before you come if you wish. The Appalachian Mountain Club uses this as a citizen science project that can track blooming dates and locations. Meet at 2433 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA

Join us as we do an invigorating outdoor walk and talk in Historic Greenbelt MD. Our goal is to walk twice around the 1.4 mile path. Should take about an hour. Afterward, those of us interested will head to nearby Cedars of Lebanon restaurant for lunch and conversation. The address for GPS is Buddy Attic Lake Park. 555 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD. Meet us in the parking lot. Thank you! .....Ross A.

👉 Enroll at **[www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html](http://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html)** Our ***Beginner Banter Club*** meets online and is available to all Spanish learners at the A1-B1 levels who want to start speaking and build confidence. Each week, we’ll explore vocabulary and cultural themes like holidays, food, and daily life in the Spanish-speaking world. **​**Location: Zoom Day: Mondays, 5pm - 6pm ET ​Price: $27.50 / session or FREE with monthly credits 🎁 **FREE Trial Event Available!** Use code **FREECLUB** when you sign up. 👉 Enroll at **[https://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html](https://www.worklifespanish.com/conversational-spanish-clubs.html)**

Loop around Lake Accotink. **Meet at Lake Accotink Park carousel parking area.** Trail is fairly flat, paved and gravel, easy, brisk walking. A few steep sections Views of Lake Accotink About 4 miles. We will leave promptly at **600 pm**, please arrive early so you are ready. We walk briskly, not this is not an evening stroll. The rest rooms at the meeting spot are closed for renovation. Make sure to bring water. We will meet at the traffic circle near the carousel. Goggle maps calls it Lake Accotink Park. You can park at the Hemming Ave lot, or under the railway bridge. the lot at the carousel is small and usually full.

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Summer is starting with a bang next week, and only 3 weeks into spring. Looks like 84° on Monday is as cool as we'll get, so let's take a jaunt around the northern end of Fairland Regional Park! We will meet by the bathrooms off of Greencastle Road. At 6:00 sharp we'll do a very brief introduction and then head off on a combination out-and-back with a loop in the middle. The terrain is gently rolling throughout most of the hike, with perhaps four short but fairly steep climbs. [Follow on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fairland-rec-holly-loop) With sunset at 7:43, I expect to be off the trail by 7:25, though probably earlier. If everyone feels they've sufficiently burned a few spare calories, we could possibly grab a pizza at Bella Indian Italian Cuisine, a short drive away.

This is not your ordinary hip-hop dance class. Get moving and grooving to upbeat music while your fitness level improves. It's all fun and all good in this energetic workout. Level: All. Ages 13 & up Fitness in the Parks is a FREE program that brings a variety of fitness opportunities to parks and natural areas across Prince George’s County, MD! We invite you to find the class that best suits your fitness goals and to come discover the benefits of exercising in nature. Ages 13 & up. Register at pgparksdirect.com. No classes on federal holidays (Memorial Day 5/25). Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. **Register Here:** [pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532319886) Activity Code: 17681-279B For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com **Westphalia Community Center (located on tennis courts)** **8900 Westphalia Road** **Upper Marlboro 20774**

At some point, every nature lover should make a pilgrimage to the tropics. There, the wildlife diversity is truly amazing. Costa Rica is a great choice. It is a small country with diverse habitats, is relatively close and has a stable government. Come join us for a brief introduction to the wildlife and habitats of this wonderful country. Patuxent Bird Club President Dave Mozurkewich will present stunning (and some not-so-stunning) photographs of birds and other wildlife. Light refreshments will be served. Program is free and open to the public. Door opens at 7:00 for informal socializing. Program starts at 7:30.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Regularly scheduled walk to see birds and sights.

Join our Chief Creative Mind, Judy Gula, during the last day of our Creative Minds Summit 2026. Create a playful mixed media bird collage using a combination of vintage and contemporary design! In this popular class (first created by Judy and Liz Kettle of *Textile Evolution* for our inaugural Creative Minds Summit) you will learn fabric collage, discover tons of hand and machine stitch ideas and try out screen printing and block printing. Using vintage quilt blocks, linens and fabrics, you will create the first layer of your collage. It will then be enhanced using Thermofax screens and hand carved [wooden printing blocks](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wooden-printing-blocks) using [Artistic Artifacts Textile Paints](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/op), while both machine decorative stitches and hand stitches depth and interest. Learn more about this class, your student supply kit fee & list via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-birds-gone-wild-fabric-collage-with-judy-gula](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-birds-gone-wild-fabric-collage-with-judy-gula) \*\*\* Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for [through our website](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. [View our complete class policies »](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

Wakefield High School Plant Sale plants available for sale on April 18 10-2 pm Come buy plants as well as other fun activities at the school, including a car show (weather permitting) and the Spring Bazaar. The plant sale is one of the largest fundraisers for the PTSA and strongly supports teacher and student activities and programs. If you are in need of flowers, baskets, planters, herbs, or vegetables, we hope you will take a look at what is on offer for this year. If you are interested in volunteering 5:30 am to 8 am, contact Leeanna

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

**💝 Cincinnati Speed Dating – Personality Matched & Hosted on Zoom** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Cincinnati local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - ⚡ **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough.** Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - 🔥 Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Singles in Cincinnati who want to meet people from home 📌 **What to know** - 🎯 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed **How the event unfolds** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Cincinnati singles. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Cincinnati locals tonight. � ✨ Short-form version for faster scanning. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - The community matters as much as the session itself - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly It is meant to feel like the start of ongoing relationships, not just a single session on the calendar.

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤

**� Zoom Speed Dating for Fort Wayne Locals – Matched by Age & Personality** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. A hosted online speed dating experience for Fort Wayne locals. Join from home, get paired with Fort Wayne singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy. **Find your age group below:** - 🎯 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 👥 **Best for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - Singles in Fort Wayne who want to meet people from home 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Fort Wayne locals. 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 🫶 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The community matters as much as the session itself The long-term goal is a room people want to come back to, not a one-off event people forget about.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

**💝 Cleveland Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Meet Cleveland singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Cleveland singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 💡 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Singles in Cleveland who want to meet people from home - 🔥 Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting 📌 **What to know** - 🔥 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - 🎯 **Host:** Experienced host steering the session 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Cleveland singles. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Cleveland locals. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. **What's the personality quiz for?** **How long are the chats?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🥰 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."