DC Climate Week Community Walk: Reimagining the Shepherd Branch Trail

Dear Community Leaders and Neighbors,

The DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River invites you to join us in celebrating DC Climate Week with an interactive community walk on Saturday, April 25 at 10 AM to reimagine the future of the Shepherd Branch Trail and build the community power needed to move this project forward.

We will walk along the Shepherd Branch Trail segment between G Street, SE and Nicholson Street SE, near the Anacostia Park entrance. The distance is about 1.3 miles, one way.

🕙 Start Time: Saturday, April 25 @ 10:00 AM

📍 Meet at the Joy Evans Therapeutic Center (3030 G St SE, Washington, DC 20019)

🥾 Please wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and long pants, sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks.

As part of DC Climate Week, we will:

• Explore the trail segment between G Street SE and Nicholson Street SE (approximately 1.3 miles, one way)
• Discuss opportunities to integrate green infrastructure and sustainable design
• Share ideas for a climate-resilient trail that reflects community priorities.

Your voice is critical in shaping a greener, healthier, and more connected future East of the River.

New drawings of the future trail will be created for the community and posted to The DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River social media and future website.

NOTE: Following the walk, you are welcome to continue the conversation with us at Thai Orchid Kitchen for an informal gathering. Please note that food and beverages are not included with this event, and attendees are responsible for their own purchases.

If you have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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With gratitude,

Nicole Retland, Ph.D.

DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River & Ward 7 resident

PAST EFFORTS

The Pope Branch Restoration Alliance, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), the Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative (APACC), and many other dedicated partners have worked tirelessly to bring a shared vision to life: transforming the former CSX rail line along Fairlawn Avenue into a vibrant, safe trail that connects Ward 7 and 8 neighborhoods to Anacostia Park and beyond.

Thanks to their commitment and collaboration, significant progress has already been made — laying the foundation for what could become a cherished community asset. The Shepherd Branch Trail holds the promise of being more than just a path; it can be a vital connector, a safe space, a catalyst for healthier living, and a source of neighborhood pride.

Now, we have an opportunity to build on this momentum. By raising awareness and inviting more voices into the conversation, we can ensure the trail reflects the hopes and needs of the people who live here.

We’re grateful for all who have contributed so far — and we warmly invite you to join us. Your voice matters in shaping the future of this trail.

ABOUT US

The DC Go-Go Trails Collective: East of the River is a new community-based coalition.

Vision: A thriving, cleaner, and greener community in Washington, D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8, where vibrant land and water trails connect residents, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, to parks, nature, and each other. This fosters joy, social connection, and community pride while mitigating environmental impacts, enhancing neighborhood resilience, and supporting family success through local initiatives.

Mission: The DC Go-Go Trails Collective is a community-led coalition of residents, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and public agencies, working to improve health and quality of life in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 and 8 through the planning, creation, and activation of safe, interconnected land and water trails. By bringing residents onto trails and into nearby parks through community walks, bike rides, cleanups, and educational events that promote active living, environmental stewardship, and community pride east of the Anacostia River.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Nicole Retland