Join us for this special pop-up tour of the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, managed by the National Park Service. Since July is prime season, we will experience the morning bloom of their vast array of lotus, some being 500 years old, and both hardy and tropical water lilies. We’ll learn about the history of the park, including its beginnings as a national park, and how waterlilies, lotuses, and wetlands are important to this area. The walk will be easy as it will be less than a mile with flat paths throughout the whole tour. During our walk, we will see the gardens, Kenilworth marsh, water lilies, lotuses, other aquatic plants, plus the birds, turtles, fish, and insects that call Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens their home.
After our tour, you are welcome to further explore along a .25 mile dirt path, leading out of the gardens to the River Trail. Here you can follow the Anacostia River, taking a right will lead you towards the Bladensburg Watershed, while a left will take you towards Anacostia Park.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Dress according to the weather.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
- All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.