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Saturday, April 6 Roots & Shoots Earth Day Join our Roots and Shoots Program at Cub Run RECenter from 9 a.m. to noon and get involved with nature, the environment, and endangered species. Earn some community service hours or maybe just enjoy being outside. Activities include: planting, weeding, mulching, trash clean-up, crafts for kids and visit with some small animals from the local 4H group. Participants must be at least age five. This is a free program. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, garden gloves, and bug repellent. For information, call 703-817-9407. Spring Wildflowers of Scotts Run Meet at Scotts Run Nature Preserve at 10 a.m. and walk the trails in search of spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches and other spring ephemerals in these rich woods. Meet in the west parking lot. Participants must be at least age 13. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018. Kite Fun Day at the Farm Make and decorate a kite at Frying Pan Farm Park, and then watch it soar. Children ages 2 to 10 years old will have fun with kite flying activities. This program is scheduled from 10:30 to noon, and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $7 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101. Earth Day at Cub Run RECenter Volunteers will be cleaning the water retention pond, weeding, planting and mulching the front of the RECenter from 9 a.m. to noon.  Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. This is a great opportunity for scout groups and community service. Participants must be at least age five. To register, contact Debbie Lodato at 703-814-7788. Workshop: Ikebana Flower Arranging Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is a disciplined practice inspired by nature. Learn the rich symbolism and fundamentals of this art at Green Spring Gardens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and take home an arrangement of your own. Floral material and containers are provided with the $20 supply fee. Participants must be at least age 15. The cost is $35 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173. Hands-on History Drop-off your child at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and let them travel back in time with a costumed interpreter to explore the lives of 19th century children. Various activities include games, penmanship, washing clothes, churning butter or making ice cream. This program is suited for children ages 4 to 11 years. The cost is $10 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013. Japanese Teas Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival by learning more about Japanese teas. Taste the many styles beyond what is used in the tea ceremony in this educational tasting at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from 1 to 3 p.m. Shade grown, roasted, and twig style, are some examples. Experience Japanese teas and tea treats beyond the traditional! This program is presented by certified tea specialist chef Laurie Bell. The cost is $25 per person. To register, call 703-759-2771. Spring Babies It is spring, so baby birds, frogs, insects, fish, and flowers are here! Children ages two to five will meet some spring babies at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Learn how they adapt to their new world. Enjoy activities, games and stories. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065. Burke Lake Park Amusements Come ride the train, take a spin on the carousel, and play mini-golf. Burke Lake Park’s amusements are open for the season. For information, call 703-323-6600. Watershed Clean-Up Day Volunteers of all ages are welcome from 9 to 11:30 a.m. to join students, families, scouts and other community groups in removing litter and debris from local waterways. Help collect tires, bed springs, bottles, cans and other trash. Wear boots, old clothes and bring gloves. Trash bags will be provided. Call one of these sites to reserve your section of the watershed: * Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 703-941-1065 * Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588 * Huntley Meadows Park, 703-768-2525 * Riverbend Park,703-759-9018 * Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-3464 Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 Discover Great Parks in Great Falls Explore nature and history at Riverbend Park on a 45-minute wagon ride, then continue your journey at Colvin Run Mill where you will see the miller and his dusties harness the power of water to grind grain. Rides depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Participants must be at least age five. The cost is $10 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018. Saturdays, April 6 & 13 Tasting Party: Umami Means "Delicious" Sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the fifth taste that’s fundamental to Japanese cuisine. Explore the savory taste of umami, its history, health benefits, and the taste research science behind it at Historic Green Spring from 10 a.m. to noon. Sample umami-rich foods and learn how to use its attributes to enhance your cooking. The cost is $27 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-7987.