From the National Park Service:

“On Sunday, May 14, an off-leash dog attacked a wild beaver in Rock Creek Park near Boulder Bridge. Due to the severity of its injuries, the beaver was euthanized. The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors that dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet in Rock Creek Park and other local national parks at all times—it’s the law.

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe, including your dog, park wildlife, native plants and other park visitors. Federal regulations require all pets to be always on a leash no longer than six feet: Read More

Thanks to Victoria for sending: “From a trail in Rock Creek park this morning. God bless the youths.”

“Dear PoPville,

Jogging in rock creek park around 330 Sunday I saw a group of people crowded on boulder bridge looking down into the creek at a beaver that wasn’t moving. Word going around was that an off leash dog had attacked it about 20 minutes earlier. Read More

Thanks to Ivan for sending: “huge eagle spotted in rock creek!” Read More

Thanks to Sam for sending this awesomeness:

“Last night on “Planet Earth: Cleveland Park Edition” we witnessed 2 foxes barking at and corralling a lone Coyote away from their den in Rock Creek Park. My wife Molly and I awoke to the sounds of fox barks (not rare this time of year) at our apartment on Connecticut Ave around 12:30a.

What ensued was partially captured in the photos and videos attached. We have affectionately named the Fox pair ”Penelope and Felix” after seeing them on many occasions over the last few months and years. Very cool to see right on the (formerly known as) Melvin Hazen trail (now Reservation 630) in the city!”

To the videos: Read More

via DC Fire and EMS

Thanks to all who sent word. DC Fire and EMS reports: “Update large brush fire Rock Creek Park vicinity Piney Branch Pkwy NW. Several additional units requested. Continue efforts to surround fire & protect structures where necessary.”

via DC Fire and EMS

“Update large brush fire Rock Creek Park at Beach Drive & Piney Branch Pkwy. NW. working to surround fire. Putting hose lines in place to protect homes on Quincy St NW, where fire is traveling uphill. Hose line used to protect a home on Quincy St NW towards which the brush fire was extending. All homes have been protected.”

From AlertDC: “DC FEMS reports that motorist should avoid the area of Beach Drive and Rock Creek Parkway until further notice due to Fire Department Activity.”

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been googling and googling and can’t find it: What is this cement marker, which is along the Reservation 630 trail in Rock Creek Park near Picnic Area 2 at Pierce Mill? Read More

“Dear PoPville,

This bridge is located on Rock Creek Trail down the steep hill from Shoreham Drive (Near Connecticut Avenue and Calvert Street) heading south past the recreational area. It appears that a vehicle may have been on the trail at speed and was unable to negotiate the turn thus Read More

Photo by Phil

From the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service (NPS), in coordination with National Links Trust (NLT), is seeking public comment for a proposed plan to improve the Rock Creek Park Golf Course. The proposed improvements will increase playability, address the site’s maintenance backlog, and broaden course appeal to the local community. You’re invited to review the plans and submit comments from Jan. 9 through Feb. 8.

The proposed plan would prioritize the historic significance and integrity of the original William Flynn-designed golf course, while making the site more environmentally sustainable. The NPS and NLT recognize that it is essential that each course maintain its historically and architecturally significant elements – this is part of what makes these courses so special and beloved by the golfers who play them.

The proposed plan would allow the park and National Links Trust to: Read More

via DDOT

Ed. Note: Rep. Eleanor Holmes “Norton Disappointed National Zoo Refuses to Extend Zoo Loop Trail Hours, Will Explore Legislative Options to Extend Hours”

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced that the rehabilitation of the Rock Creek Trail is now complete, offering bicyclists and pedestrians nearly 3 miles of reconstructed trail as well as a new 110-foot pedestrian bridge.

Originally expected to be completed in Spring 2023, the $14.6 million project was finished six months ahead of schedule. It rehabilitated more than 2.8 miles of the paved, multi-use trail, spanning from Wards 1 through 4 from M Street NW in Georgetown to Broad Branch Road NW. Read More