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Beach Drive Road Work
Lane Closure Beach Drive, N.W. Closed to all Traffic between Wise Road and Sherrill Drive, N.W. on Saturday, April 28, 2012; Expect Delays
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Road Closures and Construction
The contractor will continue punch list work on the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. There may be temporary lane closures during non-rush hours for miscellaneous punch list work. More »
Invasive Non-Native Plants, What you can do
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The threat of invasive non-native plants-- and there are thousands of them, -- to fragile wild habitats is hardly new. In fact, it's a long-standing worldwide problem that unfortunately has intensified as modern society has become more mobile. However, just as people have contributed to the problem, they can help with its solution. This includes you! Be a thoughtful garden host-- ask a park naturalist for a list describing native plants and "friendly" nonnative plants; that would look good and grow well in your yard and garden, as well as those invasive non-natives you should avoid planting. Be careful which leafy guests you welcome into your garden. The list below gives a few reliable names to get you started.
*There are no known native groundcovers. Planting of pachysandra or periwinkle should not occur on land directly adjacent to parkland because of the possibility of growth onto natural lands. These two plants are invasive but less so than ivy or euonymus. ** This plant is not native to this area but it is currently not known to be invasive. These plants are not substitutes in form or function, but are recommended as native or non-indigenous, non- or less invasive counterparts to very invasive plants. Be a considerate park guest and neighbor- resist the temptation to dump yard clippings or transplant anything into park property near you. Volunteer to help park rangers restore the diverse balance of plant life and to keep the national parks as an enduring treasure for future generations.
(Upper Left) Unhealthy forest areas often look cluttered or packed with a single type of vigorous plant. Such monculture--the predominance of one species--crowds out the diverse selection of other plants and animals that used to thrive there. Besides being dangerously unhealthy, monoculture natural areas are ugly. 
(Lower Right) Healthy forests looks like this--the understory is relatively clear because no pests plants have encroached here yet. Note how sunshine can easily filter through the tree cover to the forest floor, where resident animals and low-lying plants can benefit from its heat and light.
You can also volunteer to help control invasive species in Rock Creek Park by contacting Geoff Clark at: e-mail us or by clicking on the link below: INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL | ||||||||||||
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Did You Know?
President Lincoln came under enemy fire on July 12, 1864 at the Battle of Fort Stevens in northern Washington, DC.