Snowshoeing

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. Seneca Park has some of the best Bluebell fields in Northern Virginia. We did a shorter version of this hike last Friday, 3 April 2026, and the bluebell fields were spectacular. Go take a look athe photos posted for the 3 April 26 Bluebell hike if you'd like a preview. They should be in their full glory next week. This is an enjoyable \~ 7.3 mile hike with \~780 feet of elevation gain. We'll start by hiking through a full growth hardwood forest of Elm, Ash Trees, and Tulip Poplars, the tallest deciduous tree in North America. We'll then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail with its wildflowers and massive Sycamore trees. The hike is a loop with an "out and back" tail. Part of the hike will be along the Patowmack Channel created by a series of islands in the river. We hike at a pace of aprox. 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. There are no formal restrooms available at the Park. GPS Coordinates:39.03'00.1"N 77.20'04.3"W for the Trailhead. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Willem Janssen cell 202-280-4307 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd)

📚 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.

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

*Sometimes what keeps you stuck is not yours alone to carry.* In a **Systemic or Family Constellation workshop**, your inner world is brought out of abstraction and into living form. Instead of staying caught in cycles of overthinking, your challenge is mapped into physical space, revealing the hidden relationships, forces, and emotional patterns shaping your experience. As representatives step into different parts of your system, unconscious material begins to speak through sensation, posture, emotion, and impulse. What emerges is not merely insight but a direct encounter with the deeper structure beneath the issue. This work often reveals **hidden loyalties, interrupted bonds, inherited patterns, and unseen dynamics** that the mind alone can’t always access. By working through image, body, and energetic field, Family Constellation reaches layers of the psyche beyond words, creating shifts that can feel profoundly immediate. But this isn’t only about uncovering pain. It’s about reconnecting with what has always been within you: **strength, belonging, dignity, resilience, and ancestral support.** *If you’re ready for clarity, healing, and a new way forward, this work can open the door.* ✨ 💫 **Must register online FEE: $65** **Learn more and register** [here!](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/)

Discover a hidden ribbon of trail that transitions from open lake views to the rustic charm of an old-world mill. his route tracks the peaceful flow of the water through deep stream valleys, connecting two of the area's most iconic parks via a canopy-covered trail. Spring is here! What a wonderful time to get out and hike beautiful trails across the DMV! You must register here \*\*\*https://www.destinationhike.com/events/gristmill-hike\*\*\* **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 Spring\, you need to pay attention to what the weather may be for that day\. There is always a possibility for rainy weather\. Allergens may be higher\, and there may be more bugs out\. You will want to dress in layers\, so you can take off and put on layers as necessary\. Also\, make sure you wear solid footwear with grips on the bottom\. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged\. Spring can bring wet 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

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

Hey, everyone! I’m going to cycle through some regional classics in the coming months as I come back from plantar fasciitis. So this is Ramsay’s Draft, a roughly 16-18 mile circuit described in my book under the Wild Oak chapter. In a nutshell, we’ll meet up Saturday morning at Vienna, rationalize cars, and drive out. We’ll hike along ridge line in the afternoon before reaching Hiner Springs, one of the higher campsites we routinely use in our area (it could be cool). Sunday, we’ll wake early and descend the draft, which will involve many, many water crossings before we regain the cars. Dry clothes. Pub. Home. I can take 10. The trip is ideal for new people. I will need a gear list, though. Join me. U-Turn 571-225-6763

**Registration required;** [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-april/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org)*

**A Family Constellations workshop addressing individual inquiries, healing inherited traumas, and accessing inherited resources.** The Family Constellations approach offers an opportunity to witness and experience how previous generations can influence our lives today. It also provides pathways to untangle from these negative impacts, allowing us to live our own lives more fully. You can participate as a focus client to address a specific issue, or as a representative and observer, to hold the space and support the client's constellation process. Family Constellations are a good option if you: * Find yourself encountering a blind spot in something you would like to change. * Have not seen significant progress despite analytical efforts to address issues. * Experience recurring relationship challenges and seek their root cause. * Feel stuck in repetitive patterns. * Feel disconnected from others, etc. **MUST register online** General Participant-**$40** Focus Client-**$195** Learn more and sign up **[here!](https://www.tealcenter.com/classes-and-events/):**

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/)

**IMPORTANT:** This event is weather relate, if rain is forecast for the event date it will be reschedule for the next Saturday **Play to Play event** \- $25 x spot Venmo or Zelle to Darwin Castillo - 202-848-2436 You will be add to the RSVP list when event fee is send. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have ever wondered what outdoor rock climbing is all about this is a great opportunity for you to give it a try...You will be hooked on a new activity and I will be your personal coach, we both will make this happen. The DC Wild Outdoor Adventurers members will be there to help, we fit you in a harness, get you a pair of climbing shoes, and give you all the intel you need to know to get you started in this trilling sport. The clinic itself will show novice climbers the basic skills necessary to safely rock climb and scale rock walls with confidence. Specific items covered in the class: knot craft, harness wear and adjustment, belaying, climbing techniques, and climbing safety. Participants will spend the remainder of the class practicing the skills and climbing. **Clinic hours**: 9:00AM-2:00PM. **Meet at** Great Falls \* This location has a entry fee x car or America the Beautiful passes Be on time, you may wont find us as soon we move from the parking lot, cellphone signal is very week or nonexistent. The clinic will start promptly at 9:00am and last until about 2:00pm. **Important:** If weather is adverse to our purposes (rain) event will be reschedule. **What to bring:** We are climbing through lunch time, so make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch to keep you going, bug spray maybe necessary **What to wear:** Look at the weather conditions the day prior to the event and wear accordingly. **Equipment**:: All equipment (Helmets, harness, climbing shoes, ropes, etc.) will be provided. **Where to meet**: Rock climbers parking **GPS coordinates**: 38.993328, -77.254035 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Climbing** is a dangerous sport and serious injury may and can happen You are solely and completely responsible for choosing outings and activities that are within your physical and medical ability level, for taking proper clothing, provisions, and equipment along on outings to provide for your personal comfort and for making appropriate decisions to ensure your very own safety. By reserving and or participating in any of our activities you have agree to all the term stated on our Liability waiver: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgXQ3bWkQqli5zQuYWmluK8I_pQ9IE2q/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgXQ3bWkQqli5zQuYWmluK8I_pQ9IE2q/view?usp=sharing)

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 (we’ll keep it relaxed and take breaks) * **Trail:** Difficult Run → Great Falls overlook We’ll wait about **10–15 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: We’ll meet at the **Difficult Run Trail parking area** Parking can fill up, so arriving a few minutes early is a good idea.

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 this lovely 8.5 mile hike at Sugarloaf Mountain near Dickerson, Maryland with 1572 feet of elevation gain. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:45 am and start hiking at 9:00. This hike has plenty of ups and downs, with a long climb late-ish in the hike, and then a final climb to the summit before we return to our cars. The climb to the summit is quite steep and rocky. However, you can choose to skip this section and follow the well-marked White trail back to the parking lot. We will hike at a moderate pace of 2.5-2.7 miles per hour and stop at all intersections. Although there are no serious water crossings, there may be small streams to get across. We will enjoy a brief lunch or snack at White Rocks, about 4.5 miles into the hike. We will park at the East View Parking Lot, take the White Trail down the mountain, the Yellow Trail back up, connect to the Blue Trail to enjoy the White Rocks overlook, then go up and over the Purple Trail, back to Blue, back to White, up Red to the summit, then Orange back to the parking lot--not quite a full rainbow hike, but close! There are two porta potties available near the parking area, as well as one at the base of the mountain. There is a suggested donation of $5, and I encourage hikers to contribute. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. If you plan to bring a dog on this hike, please contact me about the dog’s prior hiking experience in winter conditions on rocky trails. Leader: Becky Reickel 301-471-3641 Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30 a.m. Suggested carpool fee is $5.00 per rider. The leader will not be at the carpool location and will meet the group at the trailhead. Anyone intending to carpool should post a message to the group to be sure someone else will be there. GPS coordinates for Centreville Park and Ride: 38.836080, -77.455327. https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18 Trailhead: Meet at the Sugarloaf East View Parking lot at 8:45 am for our 9:00. start. GPS coordinates: 39.260338, -77.390338. https://goo.gl/maps/HyHoWHCFEJXrcDYB8 Park entry fee: Suggested Donation is $5 Rating: A Map for the hike: 01302025 Sugarloaf Color Hike on AllTrails https://api-v5.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-january-30-2025-5807a68-3?p=-1&sh=zg5qvz&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

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.

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