Trail Building and Maintaining

It's our first Book Swap & Thought Shop so you know what that means?! I am going to bribe you with a good time!! Come with a book in hand, spare change for a coffee & sweets & a blanket just in case (you never know what may happen\*wink\*)!!

https://www.trolleytrailday.org/ https://www.trolleytrailday.org/itinerary ## Trolley Trail Day \| Saturday\, June 13\, 2026 ## Join the communities of College Park, Riverdale Park, Hyattsville, North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mount Rainier for a full day of activities to celebrate the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail and its connection to the regional trail network in the DMV.

Greetings Meetup friends of the outdoors and AMC -- here is an opportunity! Wilderness First Aid – National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Road, Rockville, MD, June 13 and June 14 Required for AMC backpacking volunteer leaders, recommended or suggested for hiking volunteer leaders, AMC Members and friends. Even just outdoors people will benefit greatly. Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. This course is great for people of all experience levels. You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments! This is a fast-track, two-day course that certifies you in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. **The minimum age to participate is 18.** **Schedule:** **Wilderness First Aid:** 8am–5pm both days (lunch break included) **CPR:** Evening of Day 1, up to 3 hours. The instructor will finalize the timing on the first day of the course. Please anticipate either 5:30pm-8:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm. You are required to register to attend. To register and for more details: [https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001rtQn2AI/act00016887) If you took Wilderness First Responder from NOLS (a 10-day class), this class can be used for recertification Local contact for questions: Peg Barratt [barratt@gwu.edu](mailto:barratt@gwu.edu)

**NEW RIDE!!** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Bike and Bird - Dyke Marsh Preserve * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 7:30 am * SPEECH: 7:45 am * ROLLING: 8:00 am * LEVEL: Beginner(+) (but all welcome) * DISTANCE: 15 miles (bike) 1.5 miles (on foot) * PACE: 12-13mph * TERRAIN: Flat Asphalt * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_BIKE_BIRD_DYKEMARSH_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55620581](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55620581) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Rolling @ 8:00am * Dyke Marsh @ 8:45am (Lock up Bikes) * Birding @ 9:00am - 10:00am * Back in Shirlington @ 10:45am (ish) for Brunch **NOTES:** * MUST have a spare tube * MUST bring a bike lock * MUST bring walkable shoes * OPTIONAL: Load the Merlin Bird app on your phone. [https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/](https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Are you slightly "bird curious" but afraid to admit it? This started as a joke around the camp fire, but why not actually go ride our bikes and do a little "birding"? We will ride our bikes from Shirlington to the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (15 miles round trip) ... but once at the Preserve we will lock up our bikes at the Dyke Marsh Trail head then walk 1.5 miles (round trip) to go listen to the birds "Dawn Chorus". Bring binoculars if you own them if you want to "see" any birds too. OPTIONAL: Load the Merlin Bird app on your phone. [https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/](https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) **We will meet in front of the Bearded Goat**, next to the Shirlington Library. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Brunch someplace in Shirlington. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood [MEETUP.com's:](http://meetup.com's/) * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/) * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ [http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY](http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY) Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

This Saturday's weather promises to be warm but not too hot, and no rain is forecast. Shade should be plentiful, Ah, what is so rare as a day in June? Starting at noon from the east side of CT Avenue at the Van Ness-UDC Metro station, we’ll first take the Soapstone Valley Trail to the Rock Creek Park Trail and head south. Bathrooms/water will be available at Peirce Mill. Then we’ll continue south beneath a couple of bridges before turning west through the Dumbarton Oaks area. After a rest stop at Trader Joes on Wisconsin Avenue, we’ll continue west on the Whitehaven Trail, which is surprisingly rugged for a short stretch. At the Glover-Archbold trail junction we’ll head north to the trailhead at Van Ness Street and finish at the nearby Tenleytown Metro Station, probably around 4:30 p.m. Beers at Guapos for those that are interested afterwards ([https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google](https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google)) Meet at noon Saturday at the top of the escalators on the east side of CT Avenue (near the CVS and Giant) at the Van Ness-UDC Metro Station. Bring plenty of beverages, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Please read and agree to the following waiver: [MVD Mountain Bikers Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6YtRf6ZWXqLqcQN3g44BsKtwbHqsRMG/view?usp=sharing) generally, we roll about 15 minutes after the meeting time. please text me if you're running late. Here is a non-competitive but a little up-pace ride. If you mountain bike regularly then this ride is for you. This is a No-Drop ride. Feel free to text or call if you need to 240-603-6948. Also please call me if you get separated from the group. Depending on the endurance and skill level of riders, this ride will be around 10 miles. The pace I aim to keep is no more than 7-8mph with rest stops as needed. We will wait for every rider at the trail crossings. About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. Video of our ride at Fairland: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08) What to bring: ID and emergency contact info in an easy to find spot! Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review Here ([http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all](http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all)) Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to the waiver posted at the top of this description

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Let's enjoy a hike on this next-to-last Sunday of spring in DC's Rock Creek Park! This one’s for car-free DC folks, those who want a short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of the region's great urban parks. This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring 2 liters of water with you. **Start location and time:** We’ll meet at 9 am at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic) We'll gather at covered picnic table shown in the image below. I'll have a large blue hiking backpack. Note: We plan to start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals. Route: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd) **Transportation Options:** Driving or rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Yes! the meeting point is easy to get to and parking is free and plentiful. Buses: Indeed! Several buses go past this location on 16th Street. You can pick them up from Silver Spring metro (red line) or various metro stations in downtown DC. Please allow a little extra time if taking the bus, given variability in arrival times. Bikeshares - Of course! There are stations close by. CARPOOLING: Although this is one of our rare public transportation-accessible hikes, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. We look forward to hiking with you! **Background Info About LMH:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning walk around one of Prince George's County's most beautiful urban lakes, followed by an optional brunch nearby. 📅 When: Sunday ⏰ Start Time: 9:00 AM 📍 Meeting Point: College Park Metro Station The Hike We'll begin at College Park Metro and walk through the Paint Branch Trail system to scenic Lake Artemesia. The lake is surrounded by paved and gravel paths, wetlands, open water views, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. We'll make a full loop around the lake before returning toward College Park. The route follows mostly flat, well-maintained trails with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Distance: Approximately 4–5 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Pace: Moderate social pace with opportunities for photos and nature observation What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Sun protection Weather-appropriate clothing Optional Brunch After the Hike Those interested can join for brunch after we return to College Park. Possible options include: Board & Brew Vigilante Coffee The Hall CP Bagels 'n Grinds Marathon Deli Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start walking at 9:00 AM. Looking forward to a morning of nature, conversation, and good food!

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.

Grab a drink or some food and get to know each other. This is our first event and we can take it slow. I’d love to meet everyone and hear if there’s anything you like to get out of the group. Looking forward to meeting you all!

**🎉 Orlando Gay Singles Night — Speed Dating Over Zoom** Spend an evening meeting Orlando gay singles face to face on Zoom, matched by age and personality before you arrive. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Choose your group and register:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped. Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 😊

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.