Leave no trace
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Weverton Heights toward Compton Gap via the Appalachian Trail (Rating: A)
*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.*
This is a 9.75-mile out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Weverton Park and Ride and head north on the Appalachian Trail up to Weverton Cliffs for the view. Then another 4 miles or so on the AT for lunch. Then back the way we came.
**Start time:** 9:00 a.m. (meet at the trailhead parking area 15-30 minutes early for sign in)
**Pace:** 2.0 to 2.5 miles/hour when moving
**Hike map:** [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/weverton-heights-to-ed-garvey-shelter-via-appalachian-trail-75c58d3](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/weverton-heights-to-ed-garvey-shelter-via-appalachian-trail-75c58d3)
**Trailhead:** GPS: 39.33295, -77.68326 https://maps.app.goo.gl/NduJqpjG7UiG86Je6
**CARPOOLING:** Meet at the Dulles Transit Park and Ride at 7:45am, GPS Coordinates: 38.976317, -77.433659, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8).
Go to the end of Pacific Blvd and turn left into the Park and Ride lot. ***The leader will not be at the carpool location.*** Suggested carpool fee is $6.
Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
**Leader:** Dick Pregent 703-587-2359
**Dogs:** Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please contact the hike leader in advance if you intend to bring a dog.
[https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)
Learn Heart based Meditation on Wednesday evenings in MD
Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Wednesday at 730 PM at MD. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.
Evening Meditation for Peace & Clarity in Virginia, Mon-Fri 7:00PMā7:30PM
**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.**
Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if youāve never meditated before.
* **Time:** 7:00 PMā7:30 PM
* **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection
* **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators
* **What to bring:** Just yourself
**Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.**
* **Reserve your spot** (recommended)
* **Free Event - Donations Appreciated**
* **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!**
* **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**
Outdoor Tennis Games for Advanced 3.0 Match Makers - PREPAY ONLY
Note: This is an RSVP with Prepay only event. Coaches have the right to deny your participation if you haven't prepaid for the event. MAKE SURE YOU CAN RECEIVE MESSAGES AND NOTIFICATIONS WITH UPDATES FROM THE LESSONS. Profile->settings->manage notifications.
**3.0 ā Match Makers**
Players can consistently rally at a higher pace and maintain depth closer to the baseline. They are developing offensive tools, including more aggressive groundstrokes and put-away volleys, and show improved ability to handle deeper, faster shots. They started developing a faster kick serve, but are still working on increasing its speed.
The lesson will start with rally drills then play games to emphasize on the rally drills. Finally, we will finish up with service games. Players will constantly hit and move with minimal break. All lessons are different. 1. RSVP "YES" Then PREPAY if you are coming to secure your spot on the lesson. Update RSVP to "NO" if you are not attending before RSVP deadline.
**COACH TO PLAYER RATIO:**
1\. Maximum 1/8 for Coach/Player ratio for a 90\-minute session
2\. Make sure you RSVP to the lesson according to your level\. If we notice your level doesn't fit in the lesson you RSVP\, we will ask you to RSVP for a different session that matches your level\. I hope everyone understands\.
**Cancelation Policy:**
* If only two or fewer RSVP for a group lesson, the lesson will be canceled. The minimum requirement for a group is three participants.
* If the host cancels a session, you get an option for a refund or credit for the next session.
* The prepaid fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another session when participants cancel on the same day.
**Your contribution:**
* Your contribution:
A one-time donation request per year of $20 to support our tennis equipment expenses.
* Four sessions package to use within five weeks: $112
* single session prepay; $35
**PAYMENTS METHODS:**
1-VENMO APP: joseph_awadalla
2.Zelle:202-746-1094,joseph.awadalla@gmail.com
3.Paypal: joseph.awadalla@gmail.com
Thank you for your support.
Leave no trace Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Backpacking 101, Session 1 (Event is Full)
**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry.
Get ready to hit the trail with confidenceāletās make adventure happen!
**Requirements**
Ā· Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member
Ā· **Fee:** $100
Ā· **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students.
Ā· **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC.
**Topics Covered**
* Dressing for Success ā Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials
* Gear Up! ā Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system
* Backcountry Basics ā Water purification & cooking on the trail
* Home Sweet Campsite ā Selecting and setting up your ideal spot
* Leave No Trace ā How to protect nature while enjoying it
* Trail Hygiene ā Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild
* Plan & Navigate ā Trip planning, maps, and finding your way
**Class Structure**
* Pre-Class Prep ā Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start
* 2 Gear Demos & Discussions ā Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions
* Overnight Adventure ā Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip!
**Classroom Sessions**
Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA
Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously.
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
* Tuesday, April 7
* Tuesday, April 14
**Weekend Option #1:**
This trip will be in Northern Virginia and includes a **6.5 miles hike (each way)** with 2,000 foot elevation. Iād rate this as āmoderate"
* Weekend Option #2: April 18-19
* Rain Date for Option #2: May 9-10
All Clearances Cleared Job Fair April 16
Security cleared professionals please join us for the in-person All Clearances Cleared Job Fair, Thursday, April 16, from 2pm ā 5.30pm at the Westin Tysons Corner.
Whether youāre between contracts, transitioning out of the military / government, or just casually looking around, please join us for this in-person event. Our hiring employers include Amentum, Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University, AT&T, Core4ce, E-infosol, Leidos, PCI Federal, PingWind, System High, Teksynap, Tom Sawyer Software and more.
Opportunities for Intel, Program and Project Managers, Data Scientists, Cyber, Geospatial, Malware Analysts, Malware Programmers, Software Engineers and Developers, CNO Engineers and Analysts, Database Administrators, System Administrators, Software and Application Developers, Network Designers and Engineers, Help Desk, Trainers and more.
For more info and to pre-register visit: [https://clearedjobs.net/events/all-clearances-cleared-job-fair-westin-7801-leesburg-pike-falls-church-virginia-8?utm_source=event+posting+april+16%2C+2026&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=job+fair&utm_term=april+16%2C+2026](https://clearedjobs.net/events/all-clearances-cleared-job-fair-westin-7801-leesburg-pike-falls-church-virginia-8?utm_source=event+posting+april+16%2C+2026&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=job+fair&utm_term=april+16%2C+2026)
NEW - CCT Trail 6 miles | Lake Anne Brew House (Reston) Moderate
We will hike the famous Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). Weāll depart from the Lake Audubon pool area and follow the trail north for six miles. The route features a pleasant mix of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces, with a few gentle hillsānone exceeding 200 feet. Along the way, weāll also enjoy a one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. After the hike, weāll head to Lake Anne Brew House, an award-winning spot known for its small-batch beers and beautiful views overlooking Lake Anne. Hike parking along Twin Branches and Glade Dr. A detailed map of the CCT is located here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy
Friday Mini Tournament Style Volleyball
** You must RSVP and pay to Play!!!
**COST:** $10
***RSVP ends 4:30pm every Friday***
**WAITLIST:** *\*First Pay and you're in!*
**NO credits are given for this event!
**Payment deadline: 4:30 PM**
*\*\*WALK ONS after 4:30pm will pay an extra $5.\*\**
NO DISCOUNTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT MINI
ā©ā¢ Venmo Only - @no-panic-volleyball (PREFERRED - Fastest confirmation)
⢠No Cash Accepted
ā©ā¢ Zelle: serve@nopanicvolleyball.com (IF venmo unavailable - slower confirmation) PREFERRED - Venmo:** @no
* **STATE WHAT EVENT YOU ARE PAYING FOR**
* Players bringing guests must submit payment for themselves and their guests. Note their names in the payment notes.
* Individual payments from guests will be returned.
* No Team Requests - one person sign up and submit one payment for you and your guest.
**WORK TEAM REQUIREMENTS:**
* Players must provide an up referee and down referee during work team assignments. Knowledge of current USAV rules is required.
*Machine middle is NOT a USAV rule!*
**LATE ARRIVAL:** Arrival after 15 minutes of start time, you will be dropped. No refunds will be given.
* If arrangements are made for your team, you may be excused. Once schedules are made, the opposing teams will accrue points at the work team's discretion. Minimum 5 players may compete.
**EARLY DISMISSAL:** If you do not complete your evening playing or working for your peers, you will be noted and removed from this meetup.
**POSITIVE SPORTSMANSHIP:** We encourage a positive environment and proper etiquette. Opponent acknowledge after matches is mandatory and human. Work teams must be fulfilled:
* up ref, down ref, scorekeeper, 2 line judges.
* Failure to complete the work team, will be noted and is not proper sportsmanship.
* It's also a good time to analyze other teams and learn something!
* Leaving at the end of the night after a loss and not working for final teams, will not be tolerated.
**PLEASE NOTE THE EVENT IN THE PAYMENT NOTES**
*This meetup maxes at 63 people with a max of 7 players per team. 3 teams max on one court with the 3rd team being the work team. We expect work teams to call lines, doubles, carries, line and net violations. To uphold the standard of play in our gym, it is imperative to learn the rules of competition.*
**Location:** 7410 Merritt Park Dr, Suite 100, Manassas, VA 20109
**Max Players:** 63
***SKILL-WISE, does this sound like you?***
* 2.0 COMPETITIVE PLAYER: Pass 1.3 serve receive, freeballs 50/50, has played competitive volleyball at the high school level. Understands basic concept of a standing float serve.
* 2.5 COMPETITIVE PLAYER: Pass 1.5 serve receive, freeballs 30/70, has played club volleyball at the high school level. Understands concepts of the standing float serve and jump float serve. Can spot serve and hit balls to zones 1 and 5 consistently.
Come on out and prove yourself! Work your way to our top level open play (3.0+ available upon request) for a chance to be at the top of the mountain!
**Our open play rating system:** [https://www.nopanicvolleyball.com/player-resources/15yo-adult-rating-system/8054](https://www.nopanicvolleyball.com/player-resources/15yo-adult-rating-system/8054)
Spring ephemerals on Billy Goat Trail B&C 6 miles hike
Come out and enjoy hiking amongst the spring flowers blooming along the Potomac this time of the year.
We will hike about 6 miles on the Billy Goat Trail section B & section C.
Billy Goat Trail section B re-opened this spring after being closes since after a flood in 2018
We will do an 8 loop alternating hiking on the Billy Goat trails and on the towpath, we will be on natural terrain trails, Billy goat trail is pretty rocky with some rock scrambling and stream crossing, C is easier with a 2d stream crossing, the towpath is flat and graveled.
Meet: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366)
At 8:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 9 am.
Bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, hiking shoes for a good grip on the rocks.
Hiking poles for the stream crossing if needed.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
There is a portable toilet on the Carderock north parking lot.
For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore.
Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own.
To participate in this event, you must:
1: Read the liability waiver (officially, the Sierra Club Participation Agreement) http://bit.ly/3Qd4F1B
2: Tap ATTEND at the bottom of this event
3: When prompted, type āI acceptā to the liability waiver, your first and last name, your contact cell number, and an emergency contact number ā Example: I accept, Jane Doe, (703) 555-5555, (301) 666-6666ā
D&D Adventure's League: DM David, Tier 1, Divining Evil DDAL10-03
A gruesome murder sends you into the frozen wastes in search of answers. Will you find what you seek, or will your journey simply create more questions?
[Join our Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurerās Leagueās Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord
MO: Half Massanutten (38 miles)
Classic Half Massanutten to run on the same weekend as the full. We'll setup a car shuttle on Friday night and camp near Waterfall mountain. Then Waterfall to Little Fort Campground near Woodstock Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). All mileages are -ish.
We'll need some cars to make the shuttle work. We'll meet on Friday at 7:30 PM at Vienna for carpooling since I want to avoid driving the beltway at rush hour. Probably 8:45 PM or so at Signal Knob Parking lot for the car shuttle. The trailhead on the south side is labeled "Massanutten Trailhead" in Google maps and it's located near Waterfall mountain. The parking lot on the south side is small vs the Signal Knob parking lot is pretty large. It's TBD if Chrisman Hollow Rd will be open. If not, we'll park just of US-211 again like last year.
Due to the mileage, you should have already be at the member rank for the club. E.g., have done a LM trip with the club in good style. If you're new to the club, there might or might not be a mini-Massanutten the same weekend.
By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)
Leave no trace Events Near You
Connect with your local Leave no trace community
šæ Great Falls Hike (Difficult Run Trail) ā 4 Miles
Join us for a relaxed late-morning hike along the **Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls**! This is about a 4-mile out and back trail with a mix of wooded paths and beautiful river views.
### Details:
* **Start Time:** 10:00 AM
* **Distance:** 4 miles round trip
* **Pace:** Easy to moderate (weāll keep it relaxed and take breaks)
* **Trail:** Difficult Run ā Great Falls overlook
Weāll wait about **10ā15 minutes at the start** before heading out so no one feels rushed.
### What to Expect:
* Scenic views along the water and at Great Falls
* Time to pause, take pictures, and just enjoy being outside
### What to Bring:
* Water (definitely bring some midday sun can be warm)
* Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
* Snacks if you want
* Sunscreen / sunglasses
### Parking:
Weāll meet at the **Difficult Run Trail parking area** Parking can fill up, so arriving a few minutes early is a good idea.
Earth Day Festival At Lake Fairfax Park, Fairfax County Virginia
Celebrate Earth Day with Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings at Lake Fairfax Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. First started on April 22 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson in order to bring awareness to the importance of the environment, Earth Day is now celebrated throughout America and the world. This years Earth Day Festival for Northern Virginia takes place at Lake Fairfax Park near Reston. Located in the Difficult Run Watershed by the damning of Colvin Run, beautiful Lake Fairfax offers camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking on 15 miles of trail. The Earth Day Festival includes many outdoor organizations, live music, guest speakers, food vendors, outdoor activities, and great spirits as we both celebrate and promote further protection of our precious Earth. Meet throughout the day at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia.
Leaders: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477 and
Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011.
Backpacking 101, Session 2 (This session is FULL)
**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry.
Get ready to hit the trail with confidenceāletās make adventure happen!
**Requirements**
Ā· Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member
Ā· **Fee:** $100
Ā· **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students.
Ā· **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC.
**Topics Covered**
* Dressing for Success ā Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials
* Gear Up! ā Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system
* Backcountry Basics ā Water purification & cooking on the trail
* Home Sweet Campsite ā Selecting and setting up your ideal spot
* Leave No Trace ā How to protect nature while enjoying it
* Trail Hygiene ā Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild
* Plan & Navigate ā Trip planning, maps, and finding your way
**Class Structure**
* Pre-Class Prep ā Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start
* 2 Gear Demos & Discussions ā Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions
* Overnight Adventure ā Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip!
**Classroom Sessions**
Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA
Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously.
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
* Tuesday, April 7
* Tuesday, April 14
**Weekend Option #2:**
This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. Iād rate this as āeasy"
* Weekend Option #2: April 25-26
* Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3
Mclean Business Connections - Power Networking
Please join us every week for power networking! Our Chapter Passed $1,666,736 USD in the past 12 months!
BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other.
Come for our meeting -- stay for the referrals!!!
We have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meeting. Just one person per professional specialty is allowed in each chapter.
Visit a meeting to find out more and lock out your competition!
Register Here: https://bninovanorth.com/va-nova-north-bni-mclean-business-connection--n136/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=16988
Energizing Walk for Busy People!
Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05.
Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half.
Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day.
This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine.
By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.
Fred Crabtree Park Nature Walk (Rating: D)
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.
Join me on a new NVHC **GUIDED NATURE WALK** with Heidi Allen, a dedicated volunteer with Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management program for the past 11 years. She has spent a decade caring for Fred Crabree, Deerlick, and Waples Mill Parks, helping to restore the health of our native habitats. She co-founded the NOVA Tree Rescuer program and spent several years coordinating volunteers to protect our tree canopy. We'll learn interesting facts from Heidi as we look for vernal pools, bellwort, wild azaleas, Christmas ferns, Virginia spring beauties, trout lilies, skunk cabbage and different varieties of club moss while walking along Little Difficult Run. Thanks to NVHC member/Crabtree volunteer Margaret Coffey for helping with this event.
**DETAILS**: We'll do a 2 mile slow-paced guided loop with Heidi in Fred Crabree Park from 9:00-10:30. It is mostly flat, with a small hill. Trails are natural surface. Option for an additional 2.5-3 miles at a moderate pace on other trails within Crabtree Park. There is one stream crossing over large rocks in this second section.
**LIMITED PARKING**: Please note that due to limited parking at Fred Crabtree Park and the preference of our nature guide for a smaller group, this hike will be limited in size. Please only sign up if you are fairly certain that you're able to attend. Thank you.
**RESTROOMS**: One porta-potty
**FEES:** No fee
**DOGS**: No dogs allowed on this one




















