by Marlene Berlin One of my daily jaunts in Rock Creek Park last week was a delightful hike along Valley Trail north of Military Road. It began to rain, which for me is a happy occurrence. I enjoyed the activity and the surroundings but my head was also full of thoughts, mostly of the parks […]
Photos: A rainy respite from the drought drying up our streams
by Marlene Berlin On Wednesday morning, I set off early on a hike through Rock Creek Park. I wanted to beat the heat and the sun, but ran into some rain instead. Soon after I started, around 6:45 a.m., I started to feel a light misty rain. It soon turned into drops. I could have […]
More things to do in June: Violins and pickleball in our parks
One of the joys of walking neighborhood streets and trails is the unexpected encounters along the way. Here’s just one example: A year ago, our editor-in-chief heard the faint strains of violins while on a hike in Rock Creek Park. Following the sound, she eventually stumbled upon a violin concert at Picnic Grove #13. You […]
The spring bird migration brings out the birdwatchers in Rock Creek Park
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 […]
‘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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Photos: Rock Creek Park after the season’s first snowfall
by Marlene Berlin Last Friday, the first measurable snowfall of the season dusted the region with around an inch of snow. And what a welcome sight it was. I set out that morning, eager to enjoy the beauty of the falling snow in Rock Creek Park. My route took me down Davenport Street and across […]