Bird Hike

We host a morning bird walk on the third Saturday of every month at Governor Bridge Natural Area in Bowie, MD. Walking speed is usually close to glacial. Binoculars are encouraged (if you ask ahead we should be able to bring an extra pair to loan).

Join us as we keep our boots moving this winter on a moderate 5 mile trail. Designed for steady pacing, fresh air, and community—because hiking is better together. Register Here: https://www.destinationhike.com/events/better-together-hike-3 Winter is on it's way out. Let's go and enjoy hiking fun and beautiful moderate trails. **Once you register, please look for a detailed email from info@destinationhike.com.** \* Excerpt from Destination Hike Waiver\* *Hiking is a recreational activity that has an inherent risk of danger. While hiking I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, not limited to: heat, stroke, dehydration, bee stings, tick bites, snake bites, loss of balance, inclement weather, falling rocks, fatigue, wildlife, negligence of others, drowning, and/or death. Please review full waiver prior to registering for any Destination Hike event.* How to prepare? 1\. Wear comfortable shoes\. If you have hiking boots that would be preferred\. However\, if you have not committed to buying hiking shoes\, wear comfortable tennis shoes\. 2\. Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately\. When you are hiking in the Winter\, you need to pay attention to what the weather may be for that day\. The start of the hike will be cooler than the the end of the hike\. You still will want to dress in layers\, as you will start off cold\, but as we move you will warm up\. Also\, make sure you wear solid footwear with grips on the bottom\. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged\. Winter can bring snowy trails that can be slick if you are not wearing appropriate footwear\. 3\. Bring a small to medium size back pack\. This is to carry any personal items; cell phone\, water\, personal medication\, and any other items you may need\. 4\. Always bring a at ***least*** 1L of water. Make sure you have hydrated the day before, and the day of the hike. 5\. Remember\, there are no bathrooms in nature\, so stay hydrated but make sure you are good to hike without needing a bathroom\. If you do need to use the bathroom\, nature will be your stall\. 6\. Suggested: Download the AllTrails app\. Trail app will be provided in confirmation email\. Any additional questions, comments, or concerns, email info@destinationhike.com

Happy New Year, Folks! On Saturday, we will hike to the National Cathedral from Cleveland Park. Our hike will combine glorious architecture, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in DC, the least-known best trail in the city, and a shortcut through the woods past the International School to Macomb Street. The featured photo is from a hike last Spring. John kindly updated the map to parallel the route we take. The hike has some uphill stretches going to the Cathedral but tame stuff mostly. There is an [old-style Italian deli](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=vace%27s%20italian%20deli&tbs=lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=10778690468746188451&lqi=ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA&phdesc=clTALiFHOKU&ved=2ahUKEwiK9_Te7bv8AhUoM1kFHZdeCKYQvS56BAgLEAE&sa=X&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:10778690468746188451,l,ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA,y,clTALiFHOKU;mv:%5B%5B39.1842519,-77.05127639999999%5D,%5B38.9198496,-77.1609544%5D%5D;tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9) named Vace's a block from the hike start/finish point that has great pizzas by the slice. ❶ **What we'll do:** * Let's meet at Cleveland Park Metro (on the formerly TARGET side of Connecticut Ave NW) and walk down Connecticut Ave NW, cross at the Kennedy-Warren, follow Devonshire and Courtland Pl NW to 29th St NW, and follow 29th St south to Cleveland Ave SW. We'll turn right onto Cleveland Ave NW and follow in northwest to Garfield Ave NW, turn left, and follow Garfield to the cathedral grounds. * After walking through the cathedral grounds we will exit on the north side, go down Woodley to Klingle, and then head down the Klingle Valley Trail. There is a dirt turnoff that leads via twists and turns up past the Washington International School and over to Macomb St NW, coming out very close to Cleveland Park Library. From there we will follow Connecticut Ave NW back to our startng point. * Total distance is roughly 4 miles and should take slightly over 2 hours. The surface is mostly paved. It's uphill 266 ft to the Cathedral, fairly level in the Cathedral area, and then a downhill jaunt to Rock Creek and uphill 46 feet back to the Metro, for a total of 312 feet elevation gain. * Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3zpy9aeh ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: Cleveland Park Metro Station is on the Red Line. * Driving: The street address is 3599 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, and there is parallel parking available on surrounding streets: ○ From the north, along the I-495 Beltway, take the MD-185S / Connecticut Ave exit and drive south 5.1 miles on Connecticut Ave. The meetup location will be on your left. ○ From south of the Potomac, cross Arlington Memorial Bridge, turning right onto the ramp for Rock Creek Parkway/Kennedy Center. Merge onto Ohio St and turn left onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, staying to your left onto Rock Creek Parkway/Shoreham Dr and continuing onto 24th St NW. Turn left onto Connecticut St NW and the meetup location at Cleveland Park Metro Station will be on your right, just past the zoo. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is sunny and 55. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/mrywcdte ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near Cleveland Park Metro and the Cleveland Park Public Library. The National Cathedral has accessible bathrooms as well. ❼ **Notes:** * Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 * Vace Italian Delicatessen, 3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 363-1999, https://vaceitaliandeli.com/

Hello Hikers!! Welcome to our Saturday morning hike at 9:00 AM! Many - but not all - of our hikes originate at Great Falls Park, off Georgetown Pike. Unless you already have an appropriate pass, the park entrance fee is $20/car for a single visit or $35/car for a 12-month pass that is good for the Maryland side of the river too. Come twice and you'll save 5 bucks! For the record, all scheduled hikes will be held even when it rains, snows or is super hot or cold unless the weather is too extreme to be safe. Our standard hike is a relatively easy 1 hour plus loop hike at a moderate pace. Usually a hike-extension is offered for those wishing to add a few miles more, up to 7 miles or so total. In spite of our Meetup name, we also hike in nearby parks such as Riverbend, Scott's Run, Turkey Run, Seneca, and Billy Goat A or C on theMaryland side of the Potomac. We have also scheduled hikes in Shenandoah NP and at Sugarloaf in Maryland. Please note that phone connections can be iffy in the park so don't call you are running late, but texting may work. It's best for you to be on time as we set out pretty much on time. This 1+ hour of hiking (or more) is a great way to relax, turn off your cell phones, make new friends, and get some exercise. I hope to see you on the next hike!! Thanks Dick, Julie, and Katie P.S. We will meet at the lower parking lot. Once you pass the ranger's booth, make an immediate U-turn to the right and follow the road downhill to the parking lot. We meet by the big rock at the far end of the lot.

Let's meet in the parking lot here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAZS8yjuztMnuza16 Bring your longest telephoto lenses to capture birds and other wildlife. I can help you with camera settings to capture birds on a stick, birds in-flight, close-up and macro photography, and general landscape. At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at IHOP, 7694 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA. 22306. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RuWPZvy6Normy3p39 From the parking lot near the visitor center off Lockheed Blvd, there is Cedar Trail which is about a 15-minute hike to the Heron Trail boardwalk. The Cedar Trail goes through a great forest that has some wildlife like deer and many birds, The Boardwalk is where the majority of the wildlife is located. The Group has seen deer, foxes, beaver, snakes, frogs, green tree frogs, huge snapping turtles, and many types of birds including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Marlins, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, King Fishers in the marshy wetlands. The boardwalk can become crowded before sunrise. The crowd, notwithstanding, the early arrivals have been rewarded with sightings of foxes and Bald Eagles. There is a point on the boardwalk that splits. The left side features sightings of shorebirds snapping turtles and beavers. The right side leads to one of the smaller overlooks and has several benches along the way. In the wintertime, the Group gets to photograph many migrating ducks, such as Green-winged teals, Northern Shovelers, and Northern Pintails! In the springtime, the park provides bird boxes for the Wood Ducks and Mergansers to lay and protect their eggs until their offspring fledge and leave the nest. The Group then continues around the boardwalk to the right towards the forest where Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds are photographed. Next, the Group approaches a two-story overlook complete with benches for the Group to rest and survey the park. Following a brief respite, the Group continues to Marker 8, the end of the boardwalk. At this point, the forest reappears. And on that edge of the wetlands, there are Red-Headed Woodpeckers. This is one of the few places in the Washington, DC area where they live. After a couple of hours on the wetlands, the Group retraces the route by continuing on the boardwalk to the right towards Cedar Trail, past the visitor center onto the parking lot. There is a small pond behind and to the south of the visitors center that frequently has small frogs. While they are a true find to photograph, mosquitoes have been known to swarm at the pond! The north side of the visitor center features bird feeders that attract hummingbirds and other small birds. Park Info: [http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/](http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Join us for a **scenic, social hike at Rock Creek Park** as we explore the "Southern Loop," starting from the Nature Center. Starting at the **Nature Center**, the "Southern Loop via Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail" is a well-loved route. With over 2,700 glowing reviews on AllTrails, it offers beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and a refreshing escape close to the city. This **easy hike** winds through lush forested trails, showcasing the beauty of Rock Creek Park. While the trail is mostly straightforward, please note that sections may be **slippery**, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. Get ready for fresh air, great conversations, and plenty of scenic moments! This hike is perfect for all levels, so bring your good vibes and let’s hit the trail together! **Meeting Time & Location:** Meet us at 9:30 AM at the **Rock Creek Park Nature Center,** located at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. There’s plenty of parking available at the Nature Center. We’ll gather right in front of the building to start the hike. **Distance:** 5.6 miles **Elevation Gain:** 685 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Walk/Hike This hike is a moderate walk with natural trails and a few gentle inclines to get your heart rate up. The terrain includes some uneven sections, and the fallen leaves can make it a bit slippery in spots. With sturdy footwear, it’s an enjoyable and accessible hike for most levels. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, with additional overflow parking located across the street. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Rock Creek Park - Southern Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/rock-creek-park-nature-center-a2f0474?u=i&sh=ylk43q) With over 2,700 reviews on AllTrails, this popular route offers insights into the trail’s conditions and highlights. Click the link above to learn more and prepare for your hike! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Nature Center, our meeting point at the start of the hike. They open at 9:00 AM. Additionally, there are restrooms approximately 1 hour into the hike, where we’ll take a brief break. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** After the hike, join us for an optional lunch at **Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza** (4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW), an affordable, counter-service spot just a 10 minute drive away. They serve New England-style pizza, pastas, salads, antipasti, and local brews—something for everyone!

[REVISED 2/19] Join us for a go-at-your-own-pace hike with options of 14-15 miles on a paved trail and sidewalks along MacArthur Boulevard between Maryland and DC with little elevation change. Meet 9:00 AM at the lower parking lot for Glen Echo Park. To get there, head for 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, MD 20812; but instead of parking in the smaller lot for the Clara Barton National Historic Site, continue to the larger parking lot near the southeast wall. Public restrooms are available in a red brick building next to the multicolored round building in Glen Echo Park. Dress for the weather (sun protection recommended) and bring sufficient water, lunch, and snacks. No pets please. Initially we’ll head southeast on MacArthur for about 4.5 miles, with an option to use the restrooms at Sibley Hospital’s Medical Building (A), 5215 Loughboro Road. We’ll retrace our steps and go beyond Glen Echo Park for about 2.5 miles, then retrace steps back to the Glen Echo parking lot/original meeting place. A $2/person voluntary donation is requested to help defray costs of our all-volunteer program. You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia . Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, (703) 946-8111, and Frank Wodarczyk (703) 624-1040. Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the One Day Hike (ODH)—two concurrent hikes of 100 and 50 km along the C&O Canal Trail—on May 3, 2025.Other training hikes will be posted on SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/). If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) and/or contact Mike Darzi ([mike.darzi@gmail.com](http://mike.darzi@gmail.com/)). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to [onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io.](http://onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io./)

Visit an area of Rock Creek Park frequented by President Theodore Roosevelt 100 years ago. This 3.1 - mile loop hike travels through the forest and along the creek, following the route identified by pink tape wrapped around wooden posts and along the trail. It's rated as moderate due to narrow dirt trails, gentle ascents and rolling hills. There are obstructions such as rocks and tree roots along the path, and if it's rained recently, it could be slippery. Trail Map: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/boulder-bridge-hike.htm Meeting Point: Rock Creek Park, Picnic Grove #1, Washington, DC Meeting Time: 10:00 am Distance: 3.1 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr) Elevation gain: 337 ft Duration: 2 hours Type of trail: Dirt, stones, rocks, tree roots TRANSPORTATION By Metro, option #1: Take the Red line to Van Ness/UDC. Exit the station and head three blocks south along Connecticut Avenue, making a left on Tilden Street, NW. Walk down the hill until you see Peirce Mill on your left and Shoemaker Street on your right. Turn onto Shoemaker street and walk to the picnic area parking lot. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Metro. By Metro, option #2: Take the Red line to the Cleveland Park station. Exit the station on the east side, and follow Connecticut Avenue north, past Porter Street, NW. Just after the Wilshire Park Condominium (on your right), turn right onto the Melvin C Hazen Trail. Follow this trail about half a mile, with several easy stream crossings through natural wooded terrain. Turn left at Western Ridge Trail, and follow the parking lot to the picnic grove. It's about a 17 minute walk from the Metro. By Car: The Rock Creek Park Picnic Grove #1 parking lot is off Tilden Street, NW, across from Peirce Mill. Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times. Bathroom Facilities: Located at the Rock Creek Grove 1 parking lot, and mid-hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy after the hike at the picnic area near Peirce Mill and the parking lot. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather. *For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below.* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* *Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description* \*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ \* RULES Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles. Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes. --- **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Let's go for a hike at Lake Accotink Park! Maybe we'll see some early snowdrops... ❶ **What we'll do:** * Starting from the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam, we'll walk clockwise around the lake. The total distance is 4 miles and should take about an a hour and a half, so we should finish before noon. The trail is a mix of fine gravel and paved paths, with a short stretch on sidewalks halfway through the walk. There may be some patches of snow and ice and snow left from Winter Storm Fern. There are some inclines here and there, but overall it's pretty flat. * Google map: [http://tinyurl.com/zk8qo6n](http://tinyurl.com/zk8qo6n) ❷ **How to get there:** From I-95, take Old Keene Mill Road west. (If you are coming from Franconia, note that Franconia Road becomes Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield.) Turn right on Hanover Avenue and drive north about a mile. Turn left onto Highland Street and drive west about a quarter of a mile to a slight right turn onto Accotink Park Road. Follow Accotink Park Road and watch for the entrance to the park on the left; then follow the road through the woods to the parking lot by the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam. See [https://goo.gl/maps/UodjwqQx1MH2](https://goo.gl/maps/UodjwqQx1MH2) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes with some tread on them, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 52F, with 7 mph WNW winds. No rain in the forecastduring our hike Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/y6o9tgqq](https://tinyurl.com/y6o9tgqq) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are public restrooms and drinking fountains near the park marina. ❼ **Notes:** * Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, 703-569-3464. [http://tinyurl.com/d928nn9](http://tinyurl.com/d928nn9) * Park trails: [https://tinyurl.com/y7mn8h3r](https://tinyurl.com/y7mn8h3r)

With the forecast calling for a fairly nice day on Saturday, let’s take advantage of this late winter thaw and get outside before Old Man Winter comes back. Sweet Run State Park in western Loudoun County, Virginia – less than 10 minutes from Harpers Ferry – opened in 2023 as Virginia’s newest state park. It offers a quieter, nature-focused experience centered on rolling meadows, forested trails, creek crossings and gentle ridge scenery. The park’s trails wind through historic farm landscapes and natural habitats, giving hikers a mix of open Blue Ridge views, shaded woodland paths and scenic streamside sections. The large trail network provides a lot of different hiking options. Our hike will be about 5-7 miles in length with some elevation change and possible stream crossings (note that we can choose alternate routes if a stream crossing is impassable). For carpooling, we will meet at the Forest Glen Metro Kiss & Ride lot at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 departure (we’re meeting at Forest Glen to avoid the single-tracking and reduced frequencies this weekend on the western branch of the Red Line). Parking at the trailhead is limited so participating in the carpool is encouraged. We will make a brief pit stop at Sheetz en route and arrive at the trailhead by 10:15. Hiking boots are recommended for this hike as there are some stream crossings (see note in previous paragraph). Dress appropriately for the conditions and bring water, lunch and sunscreen. You may also want to bring an extra pair of shoes to change into after the hike. There will be an optional stop at the nearby Harpers Ferry Brewing Company – an Adventuring favorite – afterwards. The Adventuring trip fee is $5 and carpool passengers should be prepared to pay $14 to their driver (this includes $3 for the parking fee which is $10 per vehicle – unless someone has a Virginia State Parks pass). We’ll aim to be back by no later than 5:00 p.m. IMPORTANT NOTE: When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Please **[click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf)** to review our release form. Everyone must register on their own behalf.

Join fellow Queer birders on February 22nd for birding at Pickerington Ponds Metropark. No expertise required!

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.