Rock Creek Park

Today* in Hawks*** around Town – “2 foxes barking at and corralling a lone Coyote away from their den”

By Prince Of Petworth

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: (more…)

Large brush fire in Rock Creek Park, “avoid the area of Beach Drive and Rock Creek Parkway”

By Prince Of Petworth


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.”

“Share your thoughts on improvement plans for Rock Creek Park Golf Course”

By Prince Of Petworth


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: (more…)

“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.”

By Prince Of Petworth


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. (more…)

Celebrate Beach Drive with Rock Creek Conservancy this Sunday!

By Prince Of Petworth

From Rock Creek Conservancy:

“I am still buzzing with excitement over this month’s announcement that upper Beach Drive will remain permanently open to recreation. My thanks go out, once again, to Rock Creek Park (National Park Service) and to all the advocates who helped pave the way for this essential car-free open space. Together, let’s celebrate this historic decision!

Join us this Sunday, November 20 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for a Beach Party celebrating all the ways we can enjoy Rock Creek. It will also be a beech party, savoring the fragile forests that define our urban oasis.

The event will feature: (more…)

“Norton Disappointed National Zoo Refuses to Extend Zoo Loop Trail Hours, Will Explore Legislative Options to Extend Hours” and “Norton to Invite National Zoo, NPS, and DDOT to Participate in Town Hall Meeting with D.C. Residents to Discuss Zoo Loop Trail Hours”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: The recent Beach Drive reassessment gives a bit hope this wrong will be righted too!

From the office of recently re-elected Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who met with the National Zoo, the National Park Service (NPS), and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) to discuss the Zoo Loop Trail’s limited hours, today said she was disappointed the zoo rejected her request to extend the hours. Norton said she will explore legislative options to extend the hours and continue to have discussions with the zoo, NPS, DDOT, and the community on options for extending the hours.

The trail, which runs through the zoo’s grounds in Rock Creek Park and recently reopened to the public, is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (more…)

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