Thanks to the sweat and muscle of more than two dozen volunteers, the Soapstone Valley trail is safer and more stable, and the stream itself is in better shape.
Last Saturday, the 26 volunteers, led by Alex Sanders of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, rebuilt the stream crossing by Broad Branch Road, removed a log that was blocking the stream and eroding the streambed, and reinforced the trail near Hillwood’s boundary fence.
Sanders provided these photos, and you can find more on PATC’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/DCPATC.
This was PATC’s second visit in less than a month. The April volunteers worked on the trail’s staircases and two stream crossings.
A big thank you to Alex Sanders for organizing the May work day! Want to hear about the next one? Email [email protected] and watch this space.
Ellie Pfefferman says
Thanks for all your hard work on the Soapstone Valley Trail–it’s my favorite trail in DC. Today when I hiked it there was a sign at the northbound trailhead–near Connecticut & Albermarle, with all the construction, that read: “Warning: Do Not Enter. No swimming, walking, or fishing. SPILL IN THE AREA AVOID CONTACT. For more information call the DC Water Emergency Command Center 202-612-3400. I called and they said it’s probably over-sewage, but to call back on Monday to find out more. Do you know anything more about this? Thanks!
Tracy Johnke says
I’m afraid we don’t know more than you do, Ellie, but thanks for bringing it to our attention. Here’s the post about the leak: https://www.foresthillsconnection.com/news/dc-water-warning-soapstone-visitors-away-due-to-sewer-leak/
And we’ll be checking in with DC Water Monday.