Anacostia Park

01/13/2022

Have you seen a white-tailed deer recently? White-tailed deer are all over Anacostia park and the Anacostia bike trail. They are known for their white tail that is exposed as a warning to others when a threat is near. White-tailed deer usually live 4.5 years and can become as large as 250 pounds. They have excellent night vision and smell, however they do not see well during the day. They can travel up to 40 miles per hour. Next time you see a deer in the park, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and athleticism!

Have you seen a white-tailed deer recently? White-tailed deer are all over Anacostia park and the Anacostia bike trail. They are known for their white tail that is exposed as a warning to others when a threat is near. White-tailed deer usually live 4.5 years and can become as large as 250 pounds. They have excellent night vision and smell, however they do not see well during the day. They can travel up to 40 miles per hour. Next time you see a deer in the park, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and athleticism!

01/11/2022

Happy New Year! New year, new you! Anacostia park is a great place to get some exercise and work off those extra pounds. The Anacostia bike trail is paved and mostly flat, excellent for walking, running or biking your way to better health!

Happy New Year! New year, new you! Anacostia park is a great place to get some exercise and work off those extra pounds. The Anacostia bike trail is paved and mostly flat, excellent for walking, running or biking your way to better health!

01/07/2022

We have had a little snow this year in Washington, DC. But do you know what the biggest snow storm on record for the District is?
The Knickerbocker Storm of 1922 gave us 28 inches in a single storm!
It was so much snow that is collapsed the Knickerbocker Theatre in Adams Morgan.

We have had a little snow this year in Washington, DC. But do you know what the biggest snow storm on record for the District is?
The Knickerbocker Storm of 1922 gave us 28 inches in a single storm!
It was so much snow that is collapsed the Knickerbocker Theatre in Adams Morgan.

01/05/2022

Happy National Bird Day!
Anacostia Park is an excellent space to celebrate with our avian friends. Come visit us and see if what birds you can spot in our park today.

Happy National Bird Day!
Anacostia Park is an excellent space to celebrate with our avian friends. Come visit us and see if what birds you can spot in our park today.

01/02/2022

Did you have company stay with you over the holidays? Were they good house guests? Our resident beavers allow muskrats to cohabitate with them in the winter. They have a simliar diet of roots and stems although muskrats will also eat fish, insects and amphibians. Winter is a great time to come out to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and spot muskrats and beavers!

Did you have company stay with you over the holidays? Were they good house guests? Our resident beavers allow muskrats to cohabitate with them in the winter. They have a simliar diet of roots and stems although muskrats will also eat fish, insects and amphibians. Winter is a great time to come out to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and spot muskrats and beavers!

01/01/2022

Happy New Year!
We at the National Park Service want to wish all of our visitors a Happy New Year. We hope to see you visiting us in 2022!

Happy New Year!
We at the National Park Service want to wish all of our visitors a Happy New Year. We hope to see you visiting us in 2022!

12/30/2021

Are you having trouble deciding on your New Years Resolution? What if you visited National Parks?

Many sites in the DC area are fee free. If your looking to travel to other sites in the region or beyone make sure you know whether or not its fee free. Annual Park Passes can be purchased at most parks that have an entrance fee and can allow you access to parks nationwide. Keep track of your travels with a scrapbook or check out the Americas National Parks Stores for a Passport to your National Parks!

Are you having trouble deciding on your New Years Resolution? What if you visited National Parks?

Many sites in the DC area are fee free. If your looking to travel to other sites in the region or beyone make sure you know whether or not its fee free. Annual Park Passes can be purchased at most parks that have an entrance fee and can allow you access to parks nationwide. Keep track of your travels with a scrapbook or check out the Americas National Parks Stores for a Passport to your National Parks!

12/28/2021

Did you know that there is an app for National Parks?
Some parks offer videos that accompany driving tours while others offer interesting maps and details. Every park is different! For #NationalDownloadDay check out if your local parks are available and plan a trip outdoors to give it a try! All NPS apps are free in the app or google store.

12/26/2021

What are your favorite outdoor holiday memories? Ranger Emily says her family would go to Navy Pier in Chicago to go ice skating. Ranger Joe would go fishing with his grandpa over Christmas break in South Carolina. Please share some of your favorite holiday memories enjoyed outside, or make new ones by taking a walk along the Anacostia River or roller skating at the open-air rink!

What are your favorite outdoor holiday memories? Ranger Emily says her family would go to Navy Pier in Chicago to go ice skating. Ranger Joe would go fishing with his grandpa over Christmas break in South Carolina. Please share some of your favorite holiday memories enjoyed outside, or make new ones by taking a walk along the Anacostia River or roller skating at the open-air rink!

12/24/2021

Often called the Christmas bird, Northern Cardinals are all around us
Did you know that they are the state bird for 7 states, including Virginia?
Did you know 2 professional sports teams are named for cardinals?
Did you know that cardinal couples work together to build their nests?
The males collect materials while the females do the building. Take some time to appreciate the Christmas bird this winter, we have lots of them here at Anacostia Park

Often called the Christmas bird, Northern Cardinals are all around us
Did you know that they are the state bird for 7 states, including Virginia?
Did you know 2 professional sports teams are named for cardinals?
Did you know that cardinal couples work together to build their nests?
The males collect materials while the females do the building. Take some time to appreciate the Christmas bird this winter, we have lots of them here at Anacostia Park

12/14/2021

Santa, the kids need roller skates!
For those of you who are making a list for Santa, consider roller skates for the kids (big and small). You can come to Anacostia Park's skating pavilion and enjoy hours of fun and fitness!

Santa, the kids need roller skates!
For those of you who are making a list for Santa, consider roller skates for the kids (big and small). You can come to Anacostia Park's skating pavilion and enjoy hours of fun and fitness!

12/13/2021

Happy 385th birthday to the U.S. National Guard!

The National Guard was founded with the formation of our Nation's first militias in 1636.

Happy 385th birthday to the U.S. National Guard!

The National Guard was founded with the formation of our Nation's first militias in 1636.

12/11/2021

Happy International Tie Month!
December is international tie month
Despite many changes to our uniforms over the years, you will still find many Park Rangers showing off their green ties with their winter uniforms.
Share with us your favorite ties in the comments below!

12/09/2021

We’ve made a list, and checked it tw(ice), so take a look at our winter driving advice!

Did you know that as the temperature drops so does your vehicle’s battery power and tire pressure? Add that to slippery roads and reduced visibility due to snow or fog and even the most experienced driver can have difficulties driving in winter conditions. Before hitting the road this winter:

❄️ Check the weather before leaving your house

❄️ Plan your route to and within the park

❄️ Check park alerts and closures for the most up to date park conditions

❄️ Pack emergency supplies in case you become stranded

❄️ Check tire chain requirements of the park

❄️ Prepare your vehicle for winter

What are some of your best winter driving tips?

Learn more about winter driving at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/winterdrivingsafety.htm

We’ve made a list, and checked it tw(ice), so take a look at our winter driving advice!

Did you know that as the temperature drops so does your vehicle’s battery power and tire pressure? Add that to slippery roads and reduced visibility due to snow or fog and even the most experienced driver can have difficulties driving in winter conditions. Before hitting the road this winter:

❄️ Check the weather before leaving your house

❄️ Plan your route to and within the park

❄️ Check park alerts and closures for the most up to date park conditions

❄️ Pack emergency supplies in case you become stranded

❄️ Check tire chain requirements of the park

❄️ Prepare your vehicle for winter

What are some of your best winter driving tips?

Learn more about winter driving at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/winterdrivingsafety.htm

12/08/2021

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Catch up on the latest science news from national parks in #ParkScienceMagazine. The newest edition is out today, and it’s packed with cutting-edge natural and cultural resource science from across the National Park Service . From archeology in Acadia National Park to mangroves in Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve to rescuing a church from literally falling off a cliff in Alaska, the new issue of #ParkScience is sure to have something for everyone.

Check it out: Nps.gov/parkscience

📷NPS/Shina duVall/The Ascension of Our Lord Church lifted onto cribbing and beams in place in preparation for the move.

12/08/2021

Photos from Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site's post

12/08/2021

Do you ever look at a street corner and remember what it looked like before something was built there?
Or know a neighborhood that used to be a field?
Or do you simply wish to go back in time to skate to the Go-Go music at the Anacostia Skating Pavilion?
Would you rather go back to the 19th century when the Navy Yard was a busy shipyard, Bladensburg was a port town, the river was deep enough for larger ships, and Anacostia Park was natural wetlands?
If you could travel back in time where and when would you go? #PretendtobeaTimeTraveller

Do you ever look at a street corner and remember what it looked like before something was built there?
Or know a neighborhood that used to be a field?
Or do you simply wish to go back in time to skate to the Go-Go music at the Anacostia Skating Pavilion?
Would you rather go back to the 19th century when the Navy Yard was a busy shipyard, Bladensburg was a port town, the river was deep enough for larger ships, and Anacostia Park was natural wetlands?
If you could travel back in time where and when would you go? #PretendtobeaTimeTraveller

12/08/2021

Timeline Photos

After a couple false starts, it looks like winter is settling in.

12/07/2021

Photos from Harry S Truman National Historic Site's post

12/07/2021

80th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration

80th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration

12/07/2021

#OTD Doris Miller Displays Heroism at Pearl Harbor

When Japan attacked the US Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, Doris “Dorie” Miller was a 22-year-old mess attendant on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor. Miller was collecting laundry at 6:00 AM when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and an alarm sounded on the USS West Virginia.

According to Navy Rear Adm. John Fuller, "Miller went topside, carried wounded on his shoulders, made several trips up and down, wading through waist-deep water, oil-slicked decks, struggling uphill on slick decks." Next Miller took control of a .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and fired it until it was spent. Miller said, "It wasn't hard…I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine. I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about 15 minutes. I think I got one of those [Japanese] planes. They were diving pretty close to us."

Despite Miller’s valiant efforts the USS West Virginia was damaged beyond repair and slowly sank. For his bravery, the Navy presented Miller with the Navy Cross in May 1942. In 1943, Miller would die aboard the USS Liscome Bay when a Japanese torpedo struck his ship. Miller was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his actions that day. A Navy aircraft carrier is now named after him.

#FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #AfricanBurialGround #PearlHarborNM #PearlHarborNPS

Image Caption: Doris "Dorie" Miller
Image Credit: US NAVY

12/07/2021

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Survivors, veterans, and visitors from around the world come together in remembrance. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, home of the USS Arizona Memorial, you can learn more about one of the most pivotal moments in US history and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.

Details about the 80th commemoration ceremony and other commemorative events can be found at https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm

Image: A line of park rangers salute commemorative wall of names within USS Arizona Memorial. #NationalPearlHarborRemembranceDay

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Survivors, veterans, and visitors from around the world come together in remembrance. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, home of the USS Arizona Memorial, you can learn more about one of the most pivotal moments in US history and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.

Details about the 80th commemoration ceremony and other commemorative events can be found at https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm

Image: A line of park rangers salute commemorative wall of names within USS Arizona Memorial. #NationalPearlHarborRemembranceDay

12/06/2021

Homestead Holiday Research Game

Homestead Holiday Research Game

12/06/2021

"Be careful of the icy patch!" - Emily ‘Ma’ Bear

When winter comes around, it brings with it the opportunity to experience parks in a whole new way. Colder temperatures can present its own set of risks and can make your trip challenging if you are unprepared. Whether you are hiking, driving, camping or visiting friends and family, don't let winter weather take you by surprise.

Did we mention the icy patch? Use extra caution when in a park. During the winter, trail surfaces may be covered with snow or ice making them extremely hazardous. If you don’t have the proper footwear or gear, or if the trail becomes too difficult to travel on, your waka waka may turn into a wert der ferk bork bork plop!! (You may need to turn around.) There are other beautiful locations at the park that you can enjoy. Oh, one more thing. Careful of the icy patch!

For weather updates and park alerts be sure and visit a park website before heading out!

Image: Four hikers make there way up a trail of packed snow and ice during the a winter at Grand Canyon National Park. NPS/Michael Quinn.

"Be careful of the icy patch!" - Emily ‘Ma’ Bear

When winter comes around, it brings with it the opportunity to experience parks in a whole new way. Colder temperatures can present its own set of risks and can make your trip challenging if you are unprepared. Whether you are hiking, driving, camping or visiting friends and family, don't let winter weather take you by surprise.

Did we mention the icy patch? Use extra caution when in a park. During the winter, trail surfaces may be covered with snow or ice making them extremely hazardous. If you don’t have the proper footwear or gear, or if the trail becomes too difficult to travel on, your waka waka may turn into a wert der ferk bork bork plop!! (You may need to turn around.) There are other beautiful locations at the park that you can enjoy. Oh, one more thing. Careful of the icy patch!

For weather updates and park alerts be sure and visit a park website before heading out!

Image: Four hikers make there way up a trail of packed snow and ice during the a winter at Grand Canyon National Park. NPS/Michael Quinn.

12/06/2021

Have you seen the final episode of our Scotty's Castle update "A Jewel of Death Valley"? This episode explores some of the things which make Scotty's Castle special and the work which is being done to preserve this iconic place.

Work at the castle is ongoing and the earliest opening projected date is April 2023. We thank you for your patience while we work to reopen this special place and look forward to seeing you at the castle soon! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this short video: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=A7F3AD02-A9D7-4B2F-8A72-25E6F40B9C48

Special Scotty's Castle Flood Recovery tours are now open for reservations through the Death Valley Natural History Association:
https://dvnha.org/program-events/scottys-castle-flood-recovery-walking-tours/

📷: Two white and beige castle towers with red tile roofs and mountains in the distance.