Starting in March 2022, the signs above greeted people at the Soapstone Valley trailhead on Albemarle Street. DC Water closed the park for a sewer rehabilitation and stream restoration project that it initially expected to last one and a half years. Four years later, the project is complete, and DC Water is throwing a party […]
On the Soapstone trail, solving two problems with one stone
by Marlene Berlin On a recent hike along the Soapstone Valley trail, I was greeted by a surprise at the first stream crossing: no more wobbly or submerged rocks. This is thanks to Doug Rosenthal, a runner in the park, and two volunteer trail maintainers from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club at work on another […]
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 […]
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: 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 […]
Albemarle Street reopening is the latest Soapstone sewer project milestone
Now open: Albemarle Street east of Connecticut Avenue, for the first time since a major DC Water closed the section of roadway to vehicle traffic in September 9th, 2024. Tuesday’s reopening was one of the final and largest steps toward completion of the Soapstone Valley sewer rehabilitation project. Last week, road crews repaved and repainted […]
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 […]
Getting Around: Albemarle Street repaving dates; Weigh in on DDOT’s Strategic Bikeways Plan on Dec. 10 or online
DC Water’s Soapstone sewer rehabilitation project is almost done. Since the project started in March 2022, the century-old system of sewer lines running through the valley have been sealed and strengthened with new linings. Soapstone Creek has been reconstructed to protect the sewer system and watershed from stormwater erosion and damage. The most recent milestone, […]
Backyard Nature: A hiker’s pain is the squirrels’ gain as slippery acorns drop in large numbers
by Marlene Berlin Autumn in Rock Creek Park is a paradox. You want to lift your gaze to behold the unfolding beauty of autumn. But if you don’t watch your step, you could slip on an abundance of acorns. Have you hiked on a trail virtually carpeted in acorns? It is like trying to walk […]
A ‘significant milestone’ in DC Water’s Soapstone sewer project, but completion is still weeks away
The Soapstone Valley sewer rehabilitation project has taken a big and “important step” toward completion. “We are pleased to share that the Soapstone project has reached a significant milestone with the successful [September 26th] installation of Shot #10, the final segment of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP),” wrote DC Water on October 2nd. “This achievement marks an […]