Ward 8 Woods

10/29/2020

The other day we found this cute little guy. Sadly, he was laying dead on the ground.

According to users of iNaturalist, it is a Northern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda). They live mostly underground and eat insects.

10/26/2020

The Bellevue Neighborhoods Civic Association is putting on a costume parade at 3 pm on Halloween.

10/24/2020

Maryland Foam Ban Begins October 1 | DCist

Good news: foam food containers are now restricted statewide in Maryland. This could be a reduction in the amount of foam flowing into DC from our neighbors.

Time for Virgina and the rest of the country to get with the program!

https://dcist.com/story/20/09/30/maryland-styrofoam-ban-oct-1/?utm_source=October+2020+RU+-+FINAL&utm_campaign=River+Update+-+October+2020+RU&utm_medium=email

Maryland is the first state to ban foam containers (though D.C. banned the material in 2016).

10/24/2020

Quiz: The bats in your backyard! — Potomac Conservancy

October, appropriately enough, is Bat Appreciation Week. Any recent citing in Ward 8?

Test you knowledge of our only flying mammals with this quiz from the Potomac Conservancy.

https://potomac.org/blog/10/1/potomac-river-bats-quiz?utm_source=October+2020+RU+-+FINAL&utm_campaign=River+Update+-+October+2020+RU&utm_medium=email

Did you know that there are dozens of bat species that call the Potomac River region home…and that many of them are under threat or endangered? Luckily, the work we do to conserve our local lands and waters can also help protect these vulnerable creatures. Take this quiz to get to know some of the...

10/20/2020

Report: Families of Color Have Less Access to Nature

Report: Families of Color Have Less Access to Nature

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Low-income families of color in California, especially those with children, are twice as likely as their white counterparts to live in areas without easy access to parks and other natural areas, according to a new report. Researchers looked at how much land has been lost to dev...

10/20/2020

2020 Potomac River Report Card

Our friends at the Potomac Conservancy have given the river a grade of B- for this year. This is the healthiest it's been in a long time.

https://potomacreportcard.org/?emci=97a73477-4812-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&emdi=bbfa3a11-bb12-eb11-96f5-00155d03affc&ceid=7973942

Our hometown river is in the middle of a comeback and is cleaner than in decades past, but it remains too polluted for safe swimming or fishing.

10/17/2020

Red oak (left) and white oak (right) growing side by side. Each tree us about three feet in diameter and 100 feet tall. Suitland Parkway near 25th and Savannah Street SE.

10/13/2020

Ward 8 Woods Fall Hike: Oxon Run Parkway

We are excited to announce that starting this month, we'll be leading a hike in one of the wooded areas of Ward 8 each season.

These guided walks are free of charge and open to all residents and visitors. As with our volunteer events, attendance is limited to 10 to allow for social distancing, so reserve now.

For the inaugural outing, we'll explore Oxon Run Parkway, Ward 8's most pristine and secluded woodland. Bounded by Mississippi Avenue, Southern Avenue, and 13th Street Southeast, this 126-acre parcel belongs to the National Park Service and is distinct from the larger, District-owned and mostly not-wooded Oxon Run Park.

We'll begin in the dry upland forest of beech trees and mountain laurel near the Southern Avenue Metro, descend a fern-lined valley into the rare magnolia bog, and finally arrive at the sandy, meandering stream.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ward-8-woods-fall-hike-oxon-run-parkway-tickets-124647139951

Discover one of Washington DC's least-visited natural treasures with Ward 8 Woods founder Nathan Harrington.

10/11/2020

Yesterday 10 volunteers removed 1,850 pounds of junk from Shepherd Parkway along Parkland Place and Malcolm X Avenue.

Now if only folks could find it in themselves to put their trash in the designated pins and dumpsters instead of on the ground, we'd be freed from cleaning the same areas over and over and could focus on trails, education etc.

10/08/2020

https://u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net/ss/c/P8Elou2Rvc0qoMPEUZrMXXz8yfnXyo5ylcrZXCKJCfuKf6rtgXtPapcRFUSHGfUP5yOMy7qnPvwkmyvB70i-7K6dvQaypLO47E-ZWALybJ6haLk7qbAhsxAgHjZsxHZe_7x8ChSMVgRmI0wHr8GBJLnbPILlHUqk8dIu6iPkL9_71BkqgrMqqWvuNfQVgqnGKURxiJfPdI89ofIpRhndqI00e0DLhPdksm7Mf9oKyjt8tTOunVAaLar7PNFl2VbUx7XayFBZZNHsFyTpbb3GLfeQrZ803GsDdfFOzr0K4iQflDQb-WSCtfaZpMDeiELCpNaDPEgkV1RjTNy-YTFJzi3rq13khf61F0ldl5cOCM9ZtK0chRfHJFQp22MW5-8-/35s/ZgVpvk2gTOyWirUYlAz29A/h4/R2YpBZanJBHgKbr2fFcTgQm0SREonLC5YFoRSL37urQ

10/08/2020

NativeLand.ca

In protest of the conquest of North America by Europeans, including the atrocities committed by Christopher Columbus against American Indians, fourteen states and Washington, D.C., now officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day.

Type in your zip code on their online world map and see on whose land you live.

https://native-land.ca/

Welcome to Native Land. This is a resource for North Americans (and others) to find out more about local Indigenous territories and languages.

10/05/2020

Anacostia Watershed Survey 2020

Please share and take this quick survey about the local environment to help the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments improve communication about the Anacostia River. It should take under 10 minutes and you can enter your email into a random drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. Survey ends October 19. https://surveymonkey.com/r/W9TJ8QK.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

10/01/2020

2020 Virtual District Sustainability Awards

Last night Ward 8 Woods was presented with a District Sustainability Award in a ceremony featuring Mayor Bowser, Tommy Wells of the DC Department of Energy and the Environment, and climate activist Rev. Lennox Yearwood.

We are grateful for the recognition and redouble our efforts to make our community greener by the week.

Our section of the video starts at 19:40.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgnWK4mnRfk&feature=youtu.be

2020's District Sustainability Awards were held virtually on September 29, 2020, featuring: Tommy Wells, Director of the Department of Energy and Environment...

09/29/2020

It continues to be a killer season for wild mushrooms.

We're using iNaturalist app for help identifying them.

https://www.inaturalist.org/

09/29/2020

Ward 8 Woods Trails Survey

We're up to 41 responses to our trails survey. That's not so great when you consider that there are over 80,000 residents in Ward 8.

Please make your preferences known!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZHcVNpBS6g4iHUbVa1I4Cd1z-gkBuvHG0BMSfl-NnmB--UA/viewform

There are more than 500 acres of forested parkland in Ward 8, but most of it is difficult to access. Of the four wooded areas in the ward, only two have established trails. The Fort Circle Hiker Biker Trail crosses Ft. Stanton Park for a mile, and the George Washington Carver Trail makes a half-mile...

09/29/2020

On Friday while working along Suitland Parkway near Stanton Road, our crew witnessed a serious car crash. A Porsche that was going way too fast and swerving between lanes jumped a curb and slammed into one car, then another.

When the Porsche came to a stop, two men jumped out and ran way. They left behind three injured people: two elder women and a little girl. Four other passengers, including a baby and another elder, were shaken up. Some of them may never be the same.

Our Park Stewards were the first on the scene and helped to redirect traffic and comfort victims until help arrived. One of us injured his hand helping extract one of the injured woman.

The people responsible for all of this necessary suffering gained nothing. But all appearances, they were just out for a joy ride.

We hope that they are made to acknowledge the pain they've caused, and that the victims have a speedy and full recovery.

09/23/2020

09/21/2020

Earth Day Cleanup

Saturday, October 3 we will finally get to do our Earth Day clean-up at Ft. Stanton Park with the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Space is limited, so register now!

https://www.anacostiaws.org/what-we-do/river-restoration-projects/earth-day.html

The Anacostia Watershed Society's Earth Day Cleanup is AWS's largest annual volunteer event. Typically, on the Saturday following Earth Day nearly thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites around the watershed to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia Riv...

09/17/2020

Making the Most of Food Virtual Group Conversations - Ward 7 / 8 Neighbors

There's still time to share your ideas about reducing food waste and earn a $30 gift card.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-the-most-of-food-virtual-group-conversations-ward-7-8-neighbors-tickets-118547018323

Share about making the most of food in wards 7 and 8 and get a $30 gift card!

09/17/2020

DC-Area Parks Are Seeing Records Numbers Of Visitors In The Pandemic

Ward 8 Woods founder Nathan Harrington is quoted near the end.

https://dcist.com/story/20/09/17/dc-maryland-virginia-parks-booming-during-covid19/

"I wasn’t really outdoorsy before, but now I’m discovering new places around the D.C. area and seeing a whole new side of this place I’ve never seen before," said one local resident.

09/14/2020

Right now we have an opportunity to get our kids outside to do something more meaningful than staring at a screen all day.

09/14/2020

This virus is still taking lives over here. The grandmother of one of our staff is in hospitalized with it.

If you've been out and about for work, getting testing is the only way to be positive that you're negative. It is momentarily uncomfortable, but DC has made it free and easy.

09/10/2020

Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Up

Join us this Saturday, September 12 as we clean up the beautiful woods along Malcom X Avenue and Parkland Place in Congress Heights.

Attendance is limited to 10 for social distancing, so register below to reserve your spot.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shepherd-parkway-community-clean-up-tickets-97846847555?aff=ebdssbeac

Help restore Shepherd Parkway by removing trash and invasive vines that are smothering the trees.

09/10/2020

Sign the Petition: No Fossil Fueled Administration

Joe Biden has put out solid plans to combat the climate crisis and create millions of good-paying, union jobs in a clean energy economy while keeping environmental justice central.

Those who have served on a fossil fuel industry board, enrich themselves as oil and gas advisors, receive funding from fossil fuel companies, or work with industry front groups should have no role in a Biden administration or campaign. Neither should fossil fuel backers on Wall Street, who have attempted to profit off pollution.

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-no-fossil-fueled-administration?source=direct_link&referrer=group-climate-hawks-vote%3dmy-source&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.actblue.com%2fdonate%2fthankschv&emci=3d03a716-d8f2-ea11-99c3-00155d039e74&emdi=7c32ea7c-61f3-ea11-99c3-00155d039e74&ceid=2500096%3frefcode%3dmonizpet

Joe Biden has put out solid plans to combat the climate crisis and create millions of good-paying, union jobs in a clean energy economy while keeping environmental justice central. However, those who have served on a fossil fuel industry board, enrich themselves as oil and gas advisors, receive fund...

09/10/2020

09/08/2020

Here at Ward 8 Woods we stress positivity, but this too much.

Certain people on the 2800 block of Shipley Terrace SE are throwing their household trash in the woods across the street instead of in the dumpers behind their building.

In August we spent more than 30 man hours and $500 in grant money to removed more than 2,000 pounds of trash from that one block. Two weeks later it looks like this again.

We've talked to residents who see this happening and are upset about it, but they are affraid to say any thing, don't want to be nosey, etc. What's to be done?

09/04/2020

Watershed Stewards Academy

The Watershed Stewards Academy equips and supports community leaders to recognize and address local pollution problems in their nearby streams and rivers. Applications are due to September 11.

https://www.anacostiaws.org/what-we-do/education/adult-education/watershed-stewards-academy.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=387fa0d4-204b-4a46-a8e0-fad361003549

The Watershed Stewards Academy equips and supports community leaders to recognize and address local pollution problems in their nearby streams and riv...

09/04/2020

Ft. Stanton Park Volunteer Day

The weather is beginning to improve. Please join us for just a few or your Saturday and make a visible difference.

Help restore the health and beauty of Fort Stanton Park by removing trash and cutting back invasive vines that are smothering trees.

09/02/2020

Take action to demand justice for Dijon

What will it take to stop this from happening constantly?

A Black man was shot 5 times by LA police -- he was simply minding his own business on his bicycle when murdered him. They must be held accountable. Sign the petition: {LINK}

09/01/2020

Ward 8 Farmer's Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far reaching impact on the mental health of communities across the District. A CDC study found that 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health issues or substance use during the past few months.

09/01/2020

Ward 8 Woods Trails Survey

There are more than 500 acres of forested parkland in Ward 8, but most of it is difficult to access. Of the four large wooded areas in the ward, only two have any trails.

The Ward 8 Woods Conservancy is developing plans for an expanded network of natural-surface hiking trails through the woods. This plan does not include bike paths or bike lanes.

The purpose of this survey is to get input from residents to inform the trail planning process. It should take 5 minutes or less.

https://forms.gle/rRUPar8BEDXw9aoF9

There are more than 500 acres of forested parkland in Ward 8, but most of it is difficult to access. Of the four wooded areas in the ward, only two even contain trails. The Fort Circle Hiker Biker Trail crosses Ft. Stanton Park for a mile, and the George Washington Carver Trail makes a half-mile loo...

08/29/2020

Today four of our staff attended the March on Washington. What a beautiful display of defiance, solidarity and hope.

08/27/2020

It's happening!

08/26/2020

Our truck now has side stakes to hold more trash.

08/26/2020

Help Stop Washington Gas from Polluting DC!

The climate and our health are under an urgent threat from Washington Gas.

Despite laws directing the utility to support DC's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Washington Gas recently published a Climate Business Plan that would allow them to keep pumping methane into our homes for decades to come.

Washington Gas wants to harness methane from cow manure, mix it with gas from fracking, and call it "renewable." This is greenwashing, and is NOT a solution to climate change. We need real investments in renewable energy and alternatives to gas appliances.

Join ANS and the Sierra Club DC' in sending a letter to the DC Public Service Commission, demanding that they REJECT Washington Gas's sham Climate Business Plan.

http://conservationblog.anshome.org/blog/help-stop-washington-gas-from-polluting-dc/?link_id=5&can_id=de8a69f7839eafc9268c77ac86bd88a9&source=email-take-action-reject-washington-gass-sham-climate-plan&email_referrer=email_901450&email_subject=take-action-reject-washington-gass-sham-climate-plan

No More Methane Washington Gas is the largest gas utility in Washington, DC, supplying over 1 million customers in the region with “natural” gas to heat our homes and cook our…