Spring Tree Walk in Rock Creek Park with Melanie Choukas-Bradley

More than twice the size of Central Park and the oldest urban national park in the U.S., Rock Creek Park is an 85% forested gem coursing through the heart of our city.

Join Casey Trees and nature book author Melanie Choukas-Bradley for a three-hour tree walk along scenic Rock Creek and through the upland woods of the Western Ridge Trail.

Melanie will show you how to identify American hornbeam, American elm, river birch, American sycamore, boxelder, black walnut and other stalwarts of the floodplain forest. She’ll then lead us into the upland woods where several species of oak, including DC’s official tree, the scarlet oak and a large spreading post oak, mockernut and pignut hickories, American beeches, and sugar and red maples flourish.

While gazing into the boughs of DC’s official tree we’ll listen for DC’s official bird, the wood thrush, recently returned from Central America. We’ll begin our tree walk near historic Peirce Mill, an early 19th century gristmill, and walk past an heirloom orchard and a fish ladder built to assist migrating herring.

During our walk we’ll stand on Boulder Bridge, built in 1902, and gaze at the precise spot where President Theodore Roosevelt scaled a wall during his famous rock scrambles.

The walk should take approximately 3 hours and cover a little over 2 miles with moderate elevation change. In the case of light rain, we will proceed as planned. However, in the case of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the rain date is Sunday, May 3, at the same time and place.

Meeting Place: We'll meet at Picnic Grove #1, just south of Peirce Mill, at 9:45 am to start the walk by 10 am.

Parking and Public Transportation: Limited parking is available at Picnic Grove #1. The Cleveland Park Metro station is a 15-20 minute walk away and the Van Ness-UDC Metro station is a 25-30 minute walk.

What to Expect: While it will be an easy-paced walk, please note that there will be uneven surfaces and perhaps muddy areas.

What to Bring: We recommend clothes to protect you from the sun and closed-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking. Bring water, snacks, and wear sunscreen, a hat, and tick/mosquito protection.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the start and close of the walk.

Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know so others may attend.

Youth Attendees: Youth attendees may participate with an adult present. However, the content is designed for adults and may not be appropriate for youth.

Animals: Please no animals, except for service animals.

About Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Walk leader and naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley is the author of A Year in Rock Creek Park and City of Trees, which celebrates its 45th anniversary coinciding with the nation’s 250th. She has also authored several other regional nature books and books on forest bathing. Over the years Melanie has led tree tours on foot, by bicycle, kayak and canoe for Casey Trees.

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Donate to Casey Trees to Restore, Enhance and Protect D.C.’s Tree Canopy! Casey Trees relies on the support of friends, neighbors, and volunteers like you to make our work possible.

Questions?

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

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