by Marlene Berlin Hikes through Rock Creek Park in recent weeks have featured several encounters with fellow hikers sporting field glasses and all sorts of fancy cameras and accessories. They are birdwatchers on the lookout for migratory birds, especially warblers. Many are recording their sightings and photos here. “Spring migration turns Rock Creek Park into […]
Beech leaf disease is the latest threat to our urban forest (Sponsored)
This article is sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts. by Bill Eck, Board Certified Master Arborist If you’ve lived in the DC area long enough, you’ve witnessed major changes to our neighborhood canopy. More than a decade ago, the emerald ash borer swept through and quietly removed most of the green and white ash trees from […]
Backyard Nature: Steer clear – but don’t fear – the black rat snake
Last week, we suggested that Rock Creek and Soapstone hikers keep their eyes peeled for native emphemeral wildflowers. From a reader, we get a timely suggestion to be on the lookout for another seasonal arrival: snakes. From Anne Myers: “I was in Soapstone Park [one recent] afternoon and came across a black snake (teenager) in […]
Backyard Nature: Fleeting ephemerals and amorous amphibians
by Marlene Berlin American toads have a distinctive sound, one I listen for beginning in March. Their song is barely imperceptible early in the season, and it took longer to make it out this year. I first heard them the morning of April 1, while on the Rock Creek Valley Trail north of Military Road. […]
Where to enjoy cherry blossoms away from the Tidal Basin crowds
They get all the media attention and are adored by locals and tourists alike, but the cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin aren’t the only ones putting on a show each spring. This interactive cherry blossom map from Casey Trees tells us where to find the closest trees in granular detail, even describing the species […]
Photos: Signs of spring begin to bloom
by Marlene Berlin Wednesday, with temperatures reaching up to 51, was a great day for a spring-seeking hike. I was keeping my eyes peeled for the green shoots and blossoms that typically appear in February, but sometimes appear as early as January. First, however, I could not resist taking a good look at the beauty […]
Backyard Nature: The beauty of trees in winter
We’re ready to see some flowers. Or really, any signs that spring is on its way. But we’re also mindful of the need to appreciate the here and now. As the late, great Marjorie Rachlin wrote in January 2020: “Winter is a great time to take a good look at our trees. With no leaves […]
Photos: Snowy Soapstone trail
by Marlene Berlin When sidewalks and trails are slick with ice and snow, ice cleats or mini crampons are a lifesaver. I put mine to good use last Sunday, walking into the Soapstone Valley. I started at Audubon Terrace and found it very well plowed, with chunks of “snowcrete” piled at the end. I entered […]
Reminder: It’s illegal (and bad for plants and animals) to dump pumpkins and Christmas trees in parks and forests
by Kathy Sykes Area park managers and stewards have been telling us for years that parks and forests are not suitable places to dump pumpkins and Christmas trees. View this post on Instagram A 2022 post shared by Rock Creek Conservancy (@loverockcreek) The people who do this are likely well-intentioned, and may have heard that […]
These plants are climbing and destroying our trees. Winter is a good time to stop them.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to free some trees from nonnative invasive vines. Winter is a great time to this work, says National Park Service-certified Weed Warrior Kathy Sykes. At one chilly invasive removal event at Reservation 630, she explained to the volunteers that the winter dieback makes it easier to spot […]