February in the Neighborhood: The Nature Center is closed for HVAC repairs, but the ranger programs continue

Rock Creek Nature Center

When it’s cold outside, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is supposed to be warm inside. That hasn’t been the case lately, so the facility is closed through March 20th for repairs.

While the HVAC work is under way, many Nature Center programs will continue at other locations, including Peirce Mill. February events at Peirce Barn include the Nature Center’s Flora and Fauna Expo, Fridays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. National Park rangers will be on hand to provide information on native plant and animal life, and Pokey the box turtle will make the occasional appearance.

Thursdays at 3 p.m., they’re showing nature films at the barn. And if you stop by between 10 a.m. and 1p.m. on Friday, February 14th or any weekend this month, you’ll be invited to write a love letter to Rock Creek Park.

Another way to show your love for the park is to help clear out invasive plants that prevent natives from thriving. Rock Creek Conservancy hosts several invasive species removal events each month. Its calendar includes one such event at Peirce Mill on Saturday, February 22nd. Friends of Peirce Mill is a co-host.

The Peirce Mill group is also inviting us to a tea party on March 1st. This special event, with Rock Creek NPS, is a Women’s History Month celebration about Hattie Sewell and other women who operated a teahouse at the mill in the early 20th century. Watch the Friends of Peirce Mill website for details.

Hillwood has reopened. The Nature Center may be closed, but Hillwood is welcoming visitors after its annual cleaning. Even in February, the gardens are blooming, and Hillwood’s famous orchids are thriving in the greenhouses.