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 […]
‘It’s important to get the mill running again’: Group works to restart Peirce Mill’s milling operations after an August breakdown
The 2026 milling season at Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park typically begins in April. But this month, the grinding stones remain idled while devices critical to the mill’s operation are in the shop. Two water recirculating pumps were installed during the major restoration project that allowed the historic mill to reopen to the public […]
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. […]
April in the Neighborhood: Primary election candidate forums; ‘Yoga on Connecticut’; 3 flavors of jazz
Watch a DC politics miniseries. Over three nights in April, candidates for DC mayor, DC delegate and at-large Council member will appear on stage at St. Johns College High School’s Frana Auditorium (2607 Military Road NW). The candidate forums will also be streamed on Zoom (links below). Each forum will start at 7 p.m.: April […]
Pedestrian safety updates: New walk signal at Conn. and Chesapeake, Reno Road issues, Soapstone-Rock Creek trails gap
by Marlene Berlin Let’s start with some good news: After 15 years of study and advocacy, Chesapeake Street at Connecticut Avenue finally has a fully operational traffic light. Installation started in December, and the signal was activated on March 10th, but its origins go all the way back to 2010, when Connecticut Avenue Pedestrian Action, […]
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 […]
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 […]
In appreciation: Erica Carlsson, formerly of DPR and DOEE, for her environmental stewardship and community-supporting work
We like to periodically express our appreciation for DC and federal government workers who have done so much to make our lives easier and better. They include the Ward 3 mayor’s office liaisons, a former MPD commmander, and the National Park Service crew who quickly clears fallen and unsafe trees from roads and trails. Now, […]
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 […]