Off-Leash Dog Training

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

Azaleas should be peak by Sunday. For those of you with enthusiasm we can walk over to see the dogwoods on the other side of the park that are just passing peak bloom. Meet at the columns!!! Come walk the Azalea trail loop which is accessible and pretty level ground. There is always overflow parking at the NY avenue entrance so if you are running late and can't find parking feel free park there and catch up to the group. As always bring whatever you need (poop bags, water, stroller) for your corgis and RSVP the number of CORGIS attending. Normal rules apply for us (need full dog vaccination, no females in heat, no aggressive behavior allowed, mixes always welcome if corgi friendly, be responsible for your own corgi and "human puppies" behavior if bringing kids) but you may want to double check the venue rules. Entrance should be free but as this is not my venue venue may surprise us with events or fees so always be prepared.

## Lake Artemesia Walk Join us for a relaxed, social walk around the scenic Lake Artemesia loop in College Park. This is an easy-paced group walk—perfect for fresh air, light exercise, and good conversation. We’ll complete the paved lakeside loop (\~1.5–2 miles) at a comfortable pace, enjoying peaceful water views, birds, and greenery along the way. Those who want to go around the lake multiple times, can do so. ### Meeting Point Parking lot of Lake Artemesia Berwyn Rd & Branchville Rd Entrance 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\.

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum consisting of a 4 - 5 miles. Botanically diverse scenery with a wide variety of different trees, bushes, etc. The terrain is mostly flat with paved trails and easy to hike. This hike is very scenic and is located only 40 minutes from Rt 295 and Baltimore's Beltway (I695). There is also a bonsai and rock garden near the parking lot that you can tour after the hike. Optional Lunch: Ivy City Smokehouse, 1356 Okie St, NE Washingtion. About 1 mile from the Arboretum. We'll meet at the large parking lot just off Rt-50/New York Ave. It can only be accessed from the outbound lane, so if you're coming into the city, stay in the left lane and make a hard u-turn just before Bladensburg Rd. Then stay in the far right lane, exit onto the frontage road, and the parking lot is through the gates on the right. We'll meet near the handicap parking spaces. Please give yourself some extra time to get there in case you miss the turn or your GPS leads you astray. \*\*\* IMPORTANT \*\*\* BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ([https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view](http://clicks.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=XbaZ37larFA-2FuV5MohrYpeeFH8SaLELkoIStEoknzd-2F8ocdenjTgD5soQhFNgggmWva8A0tCKWxpUrYSXDJc0HNd3pwGBIu3iGY9781cqXs-3DZUsn_5HU9VSXfINaig1mgAliT7bZcdaYCO12jq19ifkqRO4A7DIJJeSb9-2FKLm8lq-2FRjh939SQJ6NlTY2LgvZXRtfRmp3bfjWqhqu0wT-2FWGIkWy5kyowTf3bpWRj-2F5RRt9qsSXC30BH72Vr1y7fRmJ246DD2MbtGj5eycR7k9msYih5bIP9tvP4wVPX-2FKqsgDtCSZQw2o3F3EpF-2BrYKH-2B3dvAhB-2FmIjsdgs-2BCznNJU7Xyd-2FKafw2ja-2BmCN189XAKtKWF04SY5jet-2BNMUn96TFLFt05k9QPugr7ytnehT-2FnD8KmYEnXoSBhyENsOEUes8cfIokgK0FHF0xlvA6b5FTSDkHljzLUgsr-2BwupNXl7Pz7fanHe-2FuECvRRrbzeUBPZNRfe2oH344ki9cKKyiKtnu2sRpiLPxgT4wRwy20mb3dGNP98GzdzVvHealc7rOF0W6j0waj7kZ1XUsdwP3ekwktMwSg-2BHZiyYG3nMeWBNppzAdNC4-2FNvMrgX7EgCUDGndOLJuzhmT8zriWoSvOMIi2VzgqtpiFEFmTBmjhNpH8Y22bNbrrFw7nfqQR3Do-2Butg5pE7SbLdH-2F5OJqIAtZvZD7IeOCeO7ZE7f-2B3-2FhFVvjXswZUl4zCVZ0PVtxCAUkYaVlttq32hw7DQL3vHyxOOntsQYsxQ-3D-3D)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

(Bus hike) Compton Peak is notable for its set of columnar jointing of basalt crystals with their distinctive hexagonal shape. Long hikers start in Chester Gap at Rt. 522 and ascend the AT into park, with moderate hikers joining their route at Compton Gap Trail. Both hikes end at Hogwallow Flats Overlook on the Skyline Drive. The high point of the hike, both literally and figuratively, is the 2,909-ft. Compton Peak, where optional side trails lead to the columnar basalt outcrop and to a viewpoint of the Shenandoah Valley below. Each side trail adds about ½ mile and 100-200 feet of ascent to the total hike mileage and elevation gain. Est.: 10 miles, 3200' elevation and 6 1/2 miles, 1900' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. The weather report for Sunday is looking favorable. The rain in the forecast should be out of the Front Royal area well before the hike starts. Also, the unseasonable heat will subside by Saturday. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**This 'Grand Circuit' hard 8mile hike is an adventurous & scenic scamper! Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses varying terrain, with rolling hills that total to \~1000ft. of elevation gain, as well as repetitious rivulet crossings**... All while circumnavigating the lustrous Lake Frank, with two tantalizing trees (including MD's 8th biggest) along the way! The hike rock hops across Rock Creek, paralleling it and another stream, sauntering up to the green and serene SUNFISH POND. The trek then weaves through the wonderous woodland, eventually arriving at a former/ historical parking lot at the Lake. The circuit shortly shies away on a spur-loop down to the official Rock Creek Trail (RCT) afterwards, creeping by a CORRODED CAR, before approaching a **rocky & abrasive, yet awesome ascent nicknamed "P.R.A.T.N.E.W"\*!** The trek then dawdles over the earthworks of the Lake Frank Dam, offering vast views (as seen above), before skirting along the shoreline. An awful ascent up the *Old Nasty trail* leads to a spur-trail en route to the PRATHER FAMILY CEMETERY/ OBELISK (pictured)... After another look at the Lake, the hike may reveal another spur to "the Point", a dramatic (maybe marshy) spot where Rock Creek feeds into the lake! The latter of the circuit begins with a 'fork in the road', of which the 'hard option' trails a narrow ridgeline via a tricky **"TRAVERSE"\***! A beguiling boulder lies just beyond. The trek then continues beneath a COVERED BRIDGE before snaking through the Smith Center-- home to a pioneer farmstead, a fire watch tower, and an obstacle course (-- possibly a future Meetup??). The hike concludes by visiting some farm animals as well as Birds of Prey, terminating with an overlook of a puny pond. NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/lake-frank-meadowside-trails-map_a11y.pdf) \| Boots & Trek poles advised\.\.\. Trek trajectory subject to change\. 2.\*= **P**ainter's **R**ocks **A**nd **T**he **N**ew **E**ngland **W**ay... Please heed that this as well as (the) "TRAVERSE" ascents are precarious & not suitable for beginner hikers. 3\. Post\-social BYO Picnic Lunch\, but be sure to pack a snack too\!

**10 miles, 500" elevation on a paved road closed to cars with a few manageable hills. For Beginner Riders who want to ride with a group and begin to increase their riding distance. Leisurely pace (8 - 10 miles per hour).** **Register here:** **[Beginner Rock Creek Bicycle Ride](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6644529)** $15.00 for non-members, free for members. Have you wanted to ride with a group but you weren't sure you were ready or that you could ride far enough? This is the ride for you! On this social-paced ride, you'll enjoy the beauty of Rock Creek Park as we ride an easy five miles out and five miles back on Beach Drive (approximately 1.25 hours of riding), which is now closed to traffic. Before we start, we'll go over guidance for riding in a group, basic bicycle maintenance and safety tips. (Note: this is not a "how-to-ride class.") This is a no- drop ride, with a leader and a sweep and no one will be left behind. Suitable for all bicycle types. 1. **You must register and pay for this event on our website at this link:** **[Beginner Bicycle Ride in Rock Creek Park](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6644529)** Register early on our website to reserve your spot! 2. ***No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.* Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email**. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder. If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: **[bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org](bike@washintonwomenoutdoors.org)** **Find out about WWO Member benefits [here.](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/Membership)**

Please join us for this out-and-back go-at-your-own-pace hike on the C&O Canal towpath from Whites Ferry, MD NORTH to Spinks Ferry (for 50k trainees) or beyond to Point of Rocks (for 100k trainees). Although this is the final training hike for the One Day Hike (ODH) on May 2 (NEXT WEEKEND!), everyone is welcome to participate. The towpath is certain to be adorned left and right with an assortment of beautiful spring wildflowers. Birds, waterfowl, and possibly a bald eagle or two will charm you as you walk along. This hike never fails to delight. Come prepared with snacks, lunch, hydration, footwear that can go the distance, and clothing appropriate for the day's forecast. Each participant must sign a liability waiver at the start. We're still in need of volunteers to support the ODH; please ask family and/or friends if they can help out and if so, they need to get in touch with Mike.Darzi@gmail.com. There is no cost for this event although SCPRO appreciates a voluntary donation of $2.00 to support club expenses. FYI, the Whites Ferry Store & Grill won't be open at the start of this training hike, but will be open when you finish (hours are 9AM-7PM).

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

**Join us for virtual hike leader training on Tuesday, May 5th 7-9pm. Space is limited!** **[Register Here](https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=80&)** **\*Do not RSVP here on Meetup, it will not secure your registration. Must register at the link above.** PATC hike leader training is open to experienced hikers in the Mid-Atlantic who are current PATC members. Hike Leader Education courses are offered periodically online and in person. The goal is to provide PATC standards for hike leaders to support safe hiking. **Attaining certification is a 4 step process:** 1\. Take American Red Cross Basic First Aid online or in person\. 2\. Read the [PATC Hike Leaders Handbook](https://irp.cdn-website.com/a2272c1b/files/uploaded/HikeLeaderHandbookOct2025.pdf) 3\. Complete the Hike Leader Education course online or in person 4\. Lead 2 hikes to include planning route\, advertising hike\, vetting hikers\, and leading the hike with under the guidance and assessment of a certified hike leader\. 5\. Lead or co\-lead one hike independent of a mentor\. Class fee: $20.00 for PATC members. For non-members, one must become a PATC member before registering for the course. PATC membership for an individual is $50.00, annually. *\*The leader of the class will reach out a few days prior to send the zoom link.*

PET EXPO HAS CHANGED LOCATION TO MANASSAS SO I NEED TO FIND ANOTHER DATE FOR THIS. Please note park charges admission but meetup itself is free. I highly recommend folks invest in a NPS annual pass as it will pay for itself quickly. We will be exploring the Virginia side of the Great Falls National Park. Please meet at the visitor's center promptly at 9 am. Dogs must follow NPS rules (be kept on a leash and be 4 months/fully vaccinated). We will depart after the group picture along the ramp to the visitor center. This will be a gentle slow walk to take in views.

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 hike runs at 8.90 miles and 380 feet elevation, just at the upper limit for a C hike. We will start at the Bike Lane Brewing &Café, at 11150 Sunset Hills, Reston VA 20190, **at 9.00 am.** From there we will follow the W&OD trail to Sunrise Valley Avenue. There we take a left and walk for half a mile through a residential area, then hitting the Difficult Run trail on Brittenford Drive. After about a mile, the Difficult Run trail merges with the Cross County Trail that brings us to Colvin Run Mill, where we will stop for our break. We may have a quick look at the tunnel to nowhere, to see if the works on the passway have started. After the break we will hike through Colvin Run Mill Park, all the time staying close to Colvin Run. The final part of the hike takes us through Lake Fairfax Park, and then ……. back to the Bike Lane Brewery, where we can rehydrate with noble liquids, maybe sitting outside. The weather forecast for Friday April 24 is promising. Most of the surface is easy going, but there are some rocky parts, especially towards the end. There are two river crossings, one on well-spaced concrete pillars and one on large and well-spaced boulders. Please make sure that you take enough supplies and that you are prepared for the weather: sunscreen or raincoat! **Pace:** 2½ mph when moving. **Leader:** Willem Janssen, cell 202-280-4397 **Rating:** C **Map:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-october-23-2024-e3958a8?u=i&sh=g8n9nn **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Trailhead:** We will start at the parking lot at 11150 Sunset Hills, Reston, VA 20190 **Coordinates:** 38.948128, -77.330420

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Looking for a spring weekend for this one. We will be gathering in front of the Tavern at 2 pm and will walk south along the towpath or Berma Road (depending on crowds) until we reach the wide water bridge entrance (across the street from Old Anglers). Please note that on perfect fall days it may be very long wait to get into the park so please check announcements related to park entrance wait times. If you miss us at 2 pm I'm sure you can catch us if you enter the park around 3 at wide water entrance. Otherwise just run along the tow path and ask where the corgis are and I'm sure you will catch up to us. This walk should be roughly 2-4 miles total. You may turn back at any point on your own if you or your corgi is exhausted. However, please note this is NOT the "death march" version of the walk as it starts at 2pm - I will schedule the death march version by poplular request as most folks don't want to walk til they drop.