Bird Watching

Come watch the Cubs take on the Brewers. We'll be at Crystal City Sports Pub on Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30 pm. Hope to see you there!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, \*\*[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf ](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)\*\*and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept**" to be permitted on the hike. **7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 282 feet.** **Description:** **[DC250](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE): July 4, 2026** marks the **250th anniversary** of the **United States Declaration of Independence**\-\- a celebration of the people\, by the people\, for the people\. We will begin our **[visit of DC in festive mode](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE),** from the **[Theodore Roosevelt Island](https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)** parking lot. heading over the **[Key Bridge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/francis-scott-key-bridge.htm).** From here we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the **[Georgetown Waterfront](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)**[ ](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)towards the **[Kennedy Center](https://www.kennedy-center.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=299478384&gbraid=0AAAABBMbcUh7UQT5nce6nYQ3paUCb_DrL&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp5w1UgZNtq8gE-NQ3JD9fZgxYLyANQGxAe__JuFytV7LnFE4j-pa6RoCYZQQAvD_BwE).** Once inside, we will go up to the **[Terrace Level](https://washingtonphotosafari.com/home/photo-tours/night-safaris/sunset-and-twilight-from-the-kennedy-center-terrace-rooftop/)** which allows one to see a **panoramic view** of **Washington DC.** From there we will take the **pedestrian walk way** to the **[Lincoln Memorial.](https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm)** The newly re-done **[Reflecting Pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Memorial_Reflecting_Pool)** is the **centerpiece** on our way to the **[Washington Monument](https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm)** which offers a view of the entire **Mall** in both directions. From there we head back to the **Lincoln Memorial** along the **Reflecting Pool** and over the **[Memorial bridge](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/memorialave.htm)** to the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)** back to **Roosevelt Island.** **Facilities:** Kennedy Center and along the Mall. **Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)** **Weather:** weather for this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/434885816dced9dd270292ef3091a4d5d474bc898df914d47c36585a0f98d1c2).** **Wher** **e to Meet:** Meet at the **Roosevelt Island parking lot** at 9:00 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up. **By Metro:** Roosevelt is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right. **By Car:** Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot. **Coordinates**: **38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W** **[LINK to Roosevelt Island](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zAGUtpjj1Qd5MQ39?g_st=im)** Feel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.

**Let’s enjoy a shady “through the woods” hike in the north district of Shenandoah National Park! This 5.6 mile moderate to moderately strenuous loop hike with about 750 ft of elevation gain utilizes the Elkwallow and Traces trails. We typically hike about 2 mph when moving; however, we leave no one behind and strive to maintain a pace that is comfortable to all.** **Optional Rehydration:** **Join us for a byob picnic lunch and/or purchase something from the Wayside after the hike. Wayside Menu (subject to change): https://www.goshenandoah.com/dining/food-groceries/elkwallow-menu** **Hike Route:** **https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/elkwallow-traces-5-6-750-lollipop-31ff003** **Time to Meet:** **Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.** **RSVP:** **If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hrs before the hike if possible to open a spot for another hiker. This request applies to hikers on the Waitlist as well.** **Meeting Location/Parking:** **Elkwallow Wayside parking area, milepost 24 on Skyline Drive. We will meet near the restrooms. NOTE: Follow signs to the Wayside. Do not go to the Picnic Area, which Is a different place.** **Facilities:** **Restrooms are located between parking and the Wayside building.** **Park Admission:** **Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm** **Contact Information****: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.** **Hike Cancellation****: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates the evening before the hike.** **What to Bring:** **Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear.** **Please leave pets at home. Thanks!** **Notes:** * **RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.** * **To find out more about PATC,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/)**.** * **Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership)**.** **Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.**

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

**Welcome to Men's Circle, hosted at Sticks and Stones!** This is a group oriented towards fostering connection between men in our local community, while also accomplishing magickal working and intentional discussion around metaphysical topics. Please read the following code of conduct for our group, and message the facilitator or call the shop and ask for Merlin for any questions. Code of Conduct 1. We are all, in good faith, men. Whichever way that manifests, we take it on good faith that all attendees are male identifying. 2. We respect all walks of life and spiritual practice. We honor and respect men from every walk of life and spiritual practice. Freedom ends where it infringes on the practice of another. We do not evangelize, prostelitize, or talk down on others. There is no initiation, or universal code of spiritual conduct here. 3. What happens in Men's Circle stays in Men's Circle By attending, you accept a sacred duty to keep the trust and faith of the other attendees, do not share or discuss anything we share in circle. *(The secret answer to the question is "Salt on the Wind")* 4. Respect the circle Once the circle is cast, we are focusing our energy on magickal topics, and making the best use of everyone's time. With great love, we may ask you to redirect or keep a line of thought shorter or more intentional. 5. Arbitration is immediate and help-oriented If you run into a pain point or offense in our group, please speak up immediately and let your thoughts be heard. We are here to respect and grow and support each other as a community, let us help and grow together. **The next few weeks, we will be focusing discussion and practices around the following topic:** TBD

Craving community? Just want to take a walk in nature with others? Want some time in nature? Join folks from Church of the Covenant, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church, for a casual walk in nature on the 4th Sunday of each month. We're channeling calmness, community, and connection in hopes that we'll leave the walk feeling refreshed, renewed, and recharged. We call this our "Early Bird Fellowship." We'll meet at the playground at Potomac Overlook Regional Park then take a 30min stroll. All are welcome --- pets, kids, all ages https://covenantchurcharlington.org/ \*\* This is a no pressure gathering for folks who want intentional community.

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) 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 and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

Explore the flora and fauna of two dredge islands in the Anacostia River, linked from the mainland by a boardwalk across Kingman Lake. The trails out and back are approximately 3 miles of easy if sometimes muddy terrain. We'll discuss history of the islands, ecological management, and DC's draft wildlife management plan. Great for birding and other critters, and possibly river otters. Bring hiking shoes, water, tick repellent, and weather appropriate attire. We will meet at the SE corner of RFK lot #6, nearest the entrance to the Park. It is possible to park at that location. Additional directions for metro, bus and bike here: https://www.kingmanisland.com/visit A voluntary $2 donation in exact change is requested to help support the Sierra Club outings program. The event will cancel if there is a steady rain.

\*\*NOTICE: The park is open for Sunrise Opening at 5:15 AM \*\* [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-515am-opening](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunrise-in-the-gardens-515am-opening) From the website: Sunrise is the perfect time for a peaceful walk, birding, or nature photography. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will open at 5:15am for guests to enjoy nature in the early morning hours. Please note: * Regular admission ($5-$9) and memberships apply. * Posed photography reservations are not available during extended hours. * These extended hours may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Please check [Meadowlark's Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/MeadowlarkGardens/) or novaparks.com for an inclement weather alert or call 703-255-3631 x0. * We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: [https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y](https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y) For breakfast, after the field trip around 8:30 AM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/ 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.

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.