On a hike in Soapstone Park over the Fourth of July weekend, I was surprised to see a water strider zigzagging in the stream as I took my first step at the crossing closest to Broad Branch Road. I had never seen striders there, but maybe I had not looked hard enough. Certainly there are not […]
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 […]
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: A ‘toothy’ frog
by Marlene Berlin This frog, hanging out in Linnean Park stream by the footbridge, gave me a start. The reason? For a moment I was certain I saw a big toothy grin. The appearance of teeth here was a trick of the water and light. But it got me wondering: Do frogs have teeth? Here’s […]
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 […]
Backyard Nature: Slime mold brings people together
by Marlene Berlin On my many hikes in Rock Creek Park, I often get to meet wonderful and interesting people who teach me wonderful and interesting things. That’s what happened one day in July. I happened upon a trio of hikers who had stepped off the trail a bit. They were examining something – yellow […]
Backyard Nature: A hotspot for the amphibian set is missing some voices
by Marlene Berlin If you ever wish to commune with bullfrogs (and who doesn’t?), one of the best local spots is Lily Pad Pond at Tregaron Conservancy between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. Or so I thought. The pond was hopping when I first sought it out in July 2018. And one day in early […]
You’re Invited: Pokey’s 30th birthday party
Happy 30th birthday of one of our favorite millennials: Pokey the Eastern box turtle. Pokey is also a 30-year resident of the Rock Creek Nature Center (5200 Glover Road NW) are celebrating Pokey’s birthday on Saturday, August 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special exhibits and activities – and the story of Pokey’s […]
Stream and stormwater updates: Broad Branch’s bad report card, Linnean trail work, and the late arrival of some of our favorite seasonal neighbors
Broad Branch stream health Alicia Ritzenhaler, environmental protection specialist at the DC Department of Energy and the Environment, says the stream has a new water quality sensor. The data it collects is used to score the stream’s health. DOEE’s Stream Condition Index assigns A-F letter grades, and the Broad Branch report card not looking good. […]
April evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the romantic songs… of frogs
by Marlene Berlin One of my favorite seasons of the year has begun: frog mating season. I was walking the Western Ridge Trail this week when I heard it: a familiar faint hum. I knew at once it was the American toad. And as I approached level ground at creek level, I heard two toads […]