News Release

Celebrating 30 years of Pokey at Rock Creek Park!

Pokey, the eastern box turtle

NPS / Jordan Land

News Release Date: August 6, 2025

Contact: Autumn Cook, 771-215-6954

WASHINGTON — Rock Creek Park invites you to a special celebration to honor Pokey, the park’s beloved eastern box turtle and longtime “employee.” For three decades, Pokey has been a fixture of Rock Creek Park, inspiring generations of visitors to connect with nature, learn about wildlife and discover the importance of protecting parks.  

When: Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Where: Rock Creek Park Nature Center 

The event will highlight Pokey’s life and legacy through interactive exhibits and history displays including: 

• A timeline of Pokey’s 30 years at the park, set against milestones in Rock Creek Park’s history 

• Nature exhibits exploring why Pokey lives at the Nature Center and the effects of removing plants and animals from natural habitats  

• A display of Pokey artwork created by the public over the years 

Bring your creativity to the event for the hands-on activities! Celebrate Pokey in your own way by: 

• Writing him a birthday card 

• Designing a turtle-themed party hat 

• Creating a commemorative t-shirt (participants are encouraged to bring their own shirts) 

• Becoming a Junior Ranger 

There will also be a presentation to unveil a commemorative NPS arrowhead plaque in Pokey’s honor, which will be permanently displayed at the Nature Center. This is more than a birthday party—it’s a chance to celebrate how one turtle has touched thousands of lives while teaching us to slow down and care for the natural world. 

The event is free and open to the public. Families, students and park neighbors are invited to join the festivities and honor a true Rock Creek Park legend. 
 

About Rock Creek Park   
Rock Creek Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the nation, offers a vital green space for Washingtonians and visitors. The park protects natural resources and provides recreation, transportation, and cultural heritage experiences in the heart of the nation’s capital.  

About the National Park Service  
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.       

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