Nature Forward: Tree Walk at Theodore Roosevelt Island
2026-05-01 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Field Trips & Walks
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Usher in the merry month of May with a springtime nature stroll on the trails and boardwalk of DC’s Theodore Roosevelt Island! Join long-time field trip leader and author of the award-winning Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island, City of Trees, Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, and several other nature books, for a May Day exploration of this 90-acre island in the Potomac River. The scenic island serves as a fitting memorial to our conservationist and naturalist 26th President – and Nature Forward (then-Audubon Naturalist Society) member. This springtime tree walk will take you deep into the island, where swamp and tidal inlet can be explored by boardwalk as willow, bald cypresses, and cattails frame views of the city beyond it. We’ll see basswoods, sycamores, cottonwoods, silver maples, pawpaws and many other tree species decked out in their freshest greens as we look for herons, ospreys and songbirds. In addition to sharing her knowledge and love of the island’s trees, Melanie will share details of this National Park’s
fascinating history. We’ll also do a bit of forest bathing next to a tidal inlet. Expect a flat walk of nearly two miles at a leisurely pace. Our circuit walk will traverse natural surface trails as well as boardwalk, both of which may be muddy and/or slippery. The island lies under the flight path of Reagan National Airport and so frequent planes passing may present challenges for those who are sound sensitive.
Register Here.

Casey Trees: Spring Tree Walk in Rock Creek Park with Melanie Choukas-Bradley
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Piece Mill, 2401 Tilden Street Northwest, Washington, DC, DC, 20008, United States
Join us for a historic, scenic tree walk through Rock Creek Park, led by author and naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley.
More than twice the size of Central Park and the oldest urban national park in the U.S., Rock Creek Park is an 85% forested gem coursing through the heart of our city.
Join Casey Trees and nature book author Melanie Choukas-Bradley for a three-hour tree walk along scenic Rock Creek and through the upland woods of the Western Ridge Trail.
Melanie will show you how to identify American hornbeam, American elm, river birch, American sycamore, boxelder, black walnut and other stalwarts of the floodplain forest. She’ll then lead us into the upland woods where several species of oak, including DC’s official tree, the scarlet oak and a large spreading post oak, mockernut and pignut hickories, American beeches, and sugar and red maples flourish.
While gazing into the boughs of DC’s official tree we’ll listen for DC’s official bird, the wood thrush, recently returned from Central America. We’ll begin our tree walk near historic Peirce Mill, an early 19th century gristmill, and walk past an heirloom orchard and a fish ladder built to assist migrating herring.
During our walk we’ll stand on Boulder Bridge, built in 1902, and gaze at the precise spot where President Theodore Roosevelt scaled a wall during his famous rock scrambles.
The walk should take approximately 3 hours and cover a little over 2 miles with moderate elevation change. In the case of light rain, we will proceed as planned. However, in the case of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the rain date is Sunday, May 3, at the same time and place.
Meeting Place: We’ll meet at Picnic Grove #1, just south of Peirce Mill, at 9:45 am to start the walk by 10 am.
Parking and Public Transportation: Limited parking is available at Picnic Grove #1. The Cleveland Park Metro station is a 15-20 minute walk away and the Van Ness-UDC Metro station is a 25-30 minute walk.
What to Expect: While it will be an easy-paced walk, please note that there will be uneven surfaces and perhaps muddy areas.
What to Bring: We recommend clothes to protect you from the sun and closed-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking. Bring water, snacks, and wear sunscreen, a hat, and tick/mosquito protection.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the start and close of the walk.
Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know so others may attend.
Youth Attendees: Youth attendees may participate with an adult present. However, the content is designed for adults and may not be appropriate for youth.
Animals: Please no animals, except for service animals.
Register Here.

Politics & Prose: WALKING TOUR: A Magical Spring Forest Bathing Walk at Tregaron Conservancy
2026-05-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Tregaron Conservancy, 3031 Klingle Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Join Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, The Joy of Forest Bathing, A Year in Rock Creek Park, and several other nature books for a magical spring forest bathing walk through the enchanting Tregaron Conservancy, a woodland garden tucked away in the midst of northwest Washington that has been restored and stewarded by a non-profit organization since 2006. We will meander under tall trees in autumn glory, cross picturesque bridges over musical streams, and climb stone steps through a century-old cultivated and wild woodland landscape reminiscent of “the secret garden.”
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, began in the 1980s in Japan and it is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for nature. Forest bathing is a mindfulness practice akin to meditation, yoga and tai chi that involves tuning in to the beauty and wonder of your natural surroundings with all of your senses.
Sign Up Here.

Smithsonian Associates: An Immersion in Nature: Japanese Forest Bathing in Rock Creek Park
2026-06-04 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-05 08:30 - 10:30 | Rock Creek Park
Experience forest bathing as Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest-therapy guide and author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons and A Year in Rock Creek Park, leads a 2-hour walk along a scenic stretch of Rock Creek in the nation’s oldest urban national park. Move slowly to soak up the beauty of the flowing creek and the lush June greens of the bountiful trees. Focus on the sights, sounds, and woodsy fragrances of Rock Creek Park, letting go of cares while slowly exploring the surroundings through all senses. This restorative celebration of the beauty of late spring in the wooded heart of the nation’s capital is the perfect way to learn why forest bathing is becoming popular all over the world.
Register Here.
Code: 1CSA02
Location:
Tour meets at Picnic Grove 6 in Rock
Creek Park, located along
Beach Drive NW, Washington, DC

Aspen Ideas: Forest Bathing at Hallam Lake: A Guided Walk in Nature
2026-06-23 07:30 - 08:30, 2026-06-24 07:30 - 08:30 | Aspen Meadows
The beauty and wonder of nature and trees can produce mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. Guided forest bathing, or forest therapy, is said to lower blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol levels; improve mood; and may even boost our immunity. Join us for a morning walk at Hallam Lake to experience the benefits of this healing practice for yourself and to learn the history and background of forest bathing with author, naturalist, and certified forest therapy guide Melanie Choukas-Bradley. Buses load at 7:30 AM at the Aspen Meadows, Walter Isaacson Center. First come, first served. Limited to 24 participants.
More info Here.

ACES: Joy of Forest Bathing
2026-06-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-26 09:00 - 12:00 | ACES
Join ACES and certified nature and forest therapy guide, Melanie Choukas-Bradley, for a magical morning forest bathing walk in the aspen groves above the Catto Center at Toklat. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, began in Japan in the 1980s and is rooted in the ancient Japanese reverence for nature. This mindfulness practice has since gained popularity all over the world. On our morning walk, we will breathe deeply and move slowly, as we soak up the beauty and wonder of the meadows and forests above the lodge, with their glorious mountain views. We’ll engage all of our senses as we explore the trees, wildflowers, meadow grasses and icy waters of a picturesque tributary of Castle Creek. Our walk will last for three hours and we’ll close with maple sap tea.
Register Here.

Montgomery Parks and Casey Trees: 2026 Urban Tree Summit
2026-09-23 08:30 - 17:00
Shaping the future of urban forestry to create greener cities and healthier communities.
The 2026 Urban Tree Summit, hosted by Casey Trees and Montgomery Parks, is an annual conference focused on the field of urban forestry.
Learn from our outstanding lineup of industry-leading experts on their research and contributions to urban forestry. Plus, meet with other leaders and organizations, tour the exhibition hall to meet local partners, sponsors, and vendors, and network with other urban forestry professionals throughout the day.
This is an all-day conference with breaks planned for networking, exhibitor space, and lunch. This year, lunch will be provided and is included with your ticket!
We invite all arborists, landscape industry professionals, environmental/green industry professionals, engineers, designers, housing developers, students, and interested citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts, experienced peers, and local, tree-focused, and mission-driven organizations.
This ticket is for the conference day on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Field sessions will take place on different dates, and each will have a separate registration page.
Register Here.

Rock Creek Park Tree Tour with Melanie Choukas-Bradley
2026-09-26 10:00 - 12:00
Join naturalist and author Melanie Choukas-Bradley for a guided walk through the rich landscapes of Rock Creek Park. This immersive tour invites participants to slow down and observe the intricate relationships between native trees, understory plants, and wildlife. Drawing on her deep knowledge of the region, Melanie will show you how to identify many of the park’s venerable trees, highlight seasonal changes, ecological connections, and the cultural history embedded in this urban forest. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or simply curious, this walk offers a chance to deepen your connection to nature and gain a new appreciation for one of DC’s most treasured green spaces.
Sign- Up Here.

Smithsonian Associates: Theodore Roosevelt's North Dakota
2026-10-10 - 2026-10-15
Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist. Follow the future president’s steps in these landscapes – filled with dramatic vistas, vividly colored canyons, and wandering herds of wild bison.
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Register Here.

Politics and Prose: WALKING TOUR: A Mystical Fall Forest Bathing Walk at Tregaron Conservancy
2026-10-30 09:30 - 12:30 | Tregaron Conservancy, 3031 Klingle Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Join Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, The Joy of Forest Bathing, A Year in Rock Creek Park, and several other nature books for a magical fall forest bathing walk through the enchanting Tregaron Conservancy, a woodland garden tucked away in the midst of northwest Washington that has been restored and stewarded by a non-profit organization since 2006. We will meander under tall trees in autumn glory, cross picturesque bridges over musical streams, and climb stone steps through a century-old cultivated and wild woodland landscape reminiscent of “the secret garden.”
