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Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Road Closures and Construction update Winter 2013
Construction work on Rock Creek Parkway at Waterside Drive has resumed. Work will continue into Spring 2013. Delays are expected as lane closures occur to accomodate work. More »
Nature & Science
Aerial view of Rock Creek Park showing its urban surrounding. NPS Photo. Rock Creek Park serves as a natural oasis within the heavily urbanized District of Columbia. Many plant and animal species consider the forested landscape of the park home. Meadows and stream habitats provide even more biodiversity; the Hay's spring amphipod is an endangered species found within the park. Rock Creek Park is also an important resting spot for neo-tropical migrant birds on their way south to their wintering grounds or on their way north to their breeding grounds. Being an urban nature park, Rock Creek Park also faces many environmental challenges. Invasive, non-native plant species, stormwater runoff, an unsustainable number of white-tailed deer, and climate change, all pose major threats to the health of the park. Click on the links at right or below to read more and to see what National Park Service staff and partners are doing to mitigate the effects of these critical issues. |
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Rock Creek Park's Newest Mammal
Since 2004, coyotes have called Rock Creek Park home. Learn about these fascinating creatures. Read More
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Alien Invaders: Beware of Invasive, Non-Native Plants
Invasive, non-native plants wreck havoc on park biodiversity. Learn what these plants are and what you can do to stop the spread of this invading army. Read More
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Birding in the Park? Here's our Master Bird Checklist
Rock Creek Park is an oasis for birds, and birders! Download a copy of our bird checklist and see how many birds you can identify on your hike. Read More
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Sustaining the Forest with Deer Management
After years of scientific research and discussion, the National Park Service has begun its White-tailed Deer Management Plan for Rock Creek Park. Read More
Did You Know?
It takes light 8 minutes and 18 seconds, traveling at 186,000 miles per second to cover the 93 million miles from the sun to the earth. You can learn more amazing astronomy facts at the only planetarium in the NPS in Rock Creek Park. More...