January in the Neighborhood: Free the trees, and sing to them too

Some of the January happenings around the neighborhood:

The art of the sea: The last day to see Hillwood Museum’s special exhibit, Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, is January 5th. After that, the museum itself will close for its annual deep cleaning. Hillwood will reopen in February.

Happy New Year! We look forward to a new year of beauty, resilience, and inspiration. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2025. pic.twitter.com/9ayIQdgyna

— Hillwood Museum DC (@HillwoodMuseum) January 1, 2025

Let’s clean up around here, outdoor edition: Among the many events listed on the Rock Creek Conservancy calendar this month are cleanups tied to the MLK Day of Service, such as trash and invasive species cleanups at or near Peirce Mill on January 18th and 19th. Also, check out the cleanups at Reservation 630 West on January 3rd, 18th, and 25th, and in the wooded area behind Politics and Prose (listed as Broad Branch – NOTA) on the 17th, 26th and 31st. The trees, newly freed from non-native vines, will thank you.

Hands-on history: Learn about flipbooks, parlor games, and other old-fashioned fun at Peirce Mill on January 4th. And for members of the mill, the winter wassail is January 11th. They’ll be carrying on the ancient English tradition of singing to fruit trees to wake them from their winter slumber. Mead and cider from Silver Wheel Cellars will be served. Learn about becoming a member here.

Silver Wheel Cellars serving Peirce Mill members at the 2024 wassail. (photo courtesy of Peirce Mill)

Tango! And sing!  Levine Music’s own tango orchestra performs on January 13th. And on the 22nd, singers of all abilities are invited to Levine’s Community Sing. RSVP here.

Show Pokey more love: The Rock Creek NPS’s Instagram shows us that “Pokey’s Pookies” showed up for the Rock Creek Nature Center’s favorite box turtle in 2024. Pokey and a ranger also put on a little show every Friday at 3 p.m.