Springtime in DC is truly like nothing else. The weather is amazing, the buds and flowers explode with color (okay, also pollen - sympathy to our allergy sufferers!), the outdoor cafes fill up, and things are literally buzzing. And that amazing buzz is especially potent in Van Ness, thanks to the Pollinator Gardens up and down Connecticut Avenue. Lovingly maintained under the educational leadership of Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Kathy Sykes, plus an array of amazing volunteers of all ages, our pollinator gardens demonstrate the beauty and impact native gardening can have, even in an urban community.
So naturally, it's time to celebrate spring in Van Ness! Our Spring NOW program features a series of events designed to get our community outside, enjoying the amazing weather, exploring our small businesses, building connections and relationships, and educating ourselves about the sustainability and positive impact of our Pollinator Planting Program.
Spring NOW runs from April 1 - May 18 and we truly have something for everyone! Explore below and register for our exciting events so you don't miss a thing this spring!
So naturally, it's time to celebrate spring in Van Ness! Our Spring NOW program features a series of events designed to get our community outside, enjoying the amazing weather, exploring our small businesses, building connections and relationships, and educating ourselves about the sustainability and positive impact of our Pollinator Planting Program.
Spring NOW runs from April 1 - May 18 and we truly have something for everyone! Explore below and register for our exciting events so you don't miss a thing this spring!
Spring NOW Bee Hunt at VNMS Small Businesses
Bees are vital to our ecosystem and are among our most treasured visitors to the pollinator gardens! We'll keep the real bees outside, but we've hidden some of their plush friends inside our small businesses. Find them, scan the attached QR code, and be entered to win fantastic prizes donated by our small business community. The more individual bees you scan, the more chances you have to win! It's a fun scavenger hunt for all ages, and a great opportunity to visit your favorite VNMS businesses and discover some new gems!
April 1 - May 10, at small businesses up and down the corridor! - Learn more
Bees are vital to our ecosystem and are among our most treasured visitors to the pollinator gardens! We'll keep the real bees outside, but we've hidden some of their plush friends inside our small businesses. Find them, scan the attached QR code, and be entered to win fantastic prizes donated by our small business community. The more individual bees you scan, the more chances you have to win! It's a fun scavenger hunt for all ages, and a great opportunity to visit your favorite VNMS businesses and discover some new gems!
April 1 - May 10, at small businesses up and down the corridor! - Learn more
Pollinator Planting Program - Volunteer Opportunity!
Those amazing pollinator beds are maintained by volunteers throughout the year and we have several spring opportunities during Spring NOW! Get back to nature and get some hands-on learning about tending to native pollinator gardens. Join Kathy Sykes, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist on any of these Pollinator Planting Program dates!
April 5, 6 & 12 and May 3 & 4 - Learn more
Those amazing pollinator beds are maintained by volunteers throughout the year and we have several spring opportunities during Spring NOW! Get back to nature and get some hands-on learning about tending to native pollinator gardens. Join Kathy Sykes, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist on any of these Pollinator Planting Program dates!
April 5, 6 & 12 and May 3 & 4 - Learn more
Spring NOW Art Contest - Inviting Artists of all Ages!
We're looking for artists of all ages and experience levels to help us celebrate the beauty of pollinators and native plants so we can highlight their critical role in our community. That's right, we're asking you to BEE creative! Get out your cameras, paints, crayons, and paper and show us what the pollinators mean to you!
April 15 - April 30 - Drop your artwork off at the UPS Store at 4401 A Connecticut Ave. We'll display it in the VNMS storefront windows and give everyone a chance to vote for their favorite! Get all the details here
We're looking for artists of all ages and experience levels to help us celebrate the beauty of pollinators and native plants so we can highlight their critical role in our community. That's right, we're asking you to BEE creative! Get out your cameras, paints, crayons, and paper and show us what the pollinators mean to you!
April 15 - April 30 - Drop your artwork off at the UPS Store at 4401 A Connecticut Ave. We'll display it in the VNMS storefront windows and give everyone a chance to vote for their favorite! Get all the details here
Dance Party at Forest Hills Park and & Playground
Come on over to the park and show us that spring in your step! The Good, Clean, Fun Initiative is hosting an outdoor dance party for all ages! We'll have a live DJ, refreshments, crafts, and get our groove on! Tickets are $5 per household and proceeds will support VNMS's Good, Clean, Fun Initiative.
April 26, 4-6 pm - Get your tickets here
Come on over to the park and show us that spring in your step! The Good, Clean, Fun Initiative is hosting an outdoor dance party for all ages! We'll have a live DJ, refreshments, crafts, and get our groove on! Tickets are $5 per household and proceeds will support VNMS's Good, Clean, Fun Initiative.
April 26, 4-6 pm - Get your tickets here
Pollinator Garden Walks with Kathy Sykes, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist
Take a closer look at those pollinator beds and the bees and butterflies who enjoy them. Learn from Kathy about the plants that have been selected, as well as their visitors, and why it all matters for DC and the greater ecosystem. Kathy will guide you for one hour and you'll leave with a new appreciation for the pollinator beds, plus a few ideas for your own balcony or garden! Tickets are $15 for one person and $25 for two people. All proceeds support the Pollinator Planting Program.
May 3, 4 & 17 - Get your tickets here
Take a closer look at those pollinator beds and the bees and butterflies who enjoy them. Learn from Kathy about the plants that have been selected, as well as their visitors, and why it all matters for DC and the greater ecosystem. Kathy will guide you for one hour and you'll leave with a new appreciation for the pollinator beds, plus a few ideas for your own balcony or garden! Tickets are $15 for one person and $25 for two people. All proceeds support the Pollinator Planting Program.
May 3, 4 & 17 - Get your tickets here
Spring NOW Artisan Pop-Up Market and Book Sale
The Pop-Up market is back in Van Ness on Saturday, May 10! We will have local artisans and vendors showcasing their spring collections inside and outside. Our friends at Carpe Librum will be back with another amazing collection of used books, vinyl, CD's, and DVD's. Check back soon for a list of vendors and event updates!
May 10 - 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW - Learn more
The Pop-Up market is back in Van Ness on Saturday, May 10! We will have local artisans and vendors showcasing their spring collections inside and outside. Our friends at Carpe Librum will be back with another amazing collection of used books, vinyl, CD's, and DVD's. Check back soon for a list of vendors and event updates!
May 10 - 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW - Learn more
Forest Hills Park & Playground Clean-Up - Volunteer Opportunity!
We're so lucky to have an amazing park and playground in our community and our Good, Clean, Fun Initiative is committed to giving it a little TLC - with some help from our neighbors. Join the team for Coffee, Community, and Clean-Up and help keep our play spaces clean and safe for everyone!
May 10 - Learn more
We're so lucky to have an amazing park and playground in our community and our Good, Clean, Fun Initiative is committed to giving it a little TLC - with some help from our neighbors. Join the team for Coffee, Community, and Clean-Up and help keep our play spaces clean and safe for everyone!
May 10 - Learn more
