Queer Introduction to Winter Tree Identification - Virginia
December 29, 2024 — 10:00am-1:00pm ET
Last day to register: December 27, 2024
Feeling the winter blues? Love being outdoors? Join TVOP Volunteer Jeamme (she/they) for a beginner-friendly winter tree identification walk through Rock Creek Park to shake off the winter blues. Since the trees will be leafless, we will learn how to identify trees by their branches and bark. We will be walking slowly and pausing often to learn different bark textures and trees. This event is designed for both the tree obsessed and beginners. We welcome all levels and abilities as we will learn from each other! The walk is on a paved, relatively flat, and wheelchair accessible trail popular among cyclists, runners, and families with strollers. We will be moving slowly as a group, stopping frequently to observe the trees and their features. Binoculars and field guides (electronic or paperback) are recommended, but no need to bring any equipment if you don’t have any - your sense of sight and curiosity are the only things you need! We will have extra field guides to share.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Washington, DC area (Nacotchtank (Anacostan) and Piscataway Lands)
Parking: Multiple parking lots with multiple spots are available at the trailhead. Gender neutral bathrooms and a water fountain are a short walk away. The trailhead is also accessible by bike.
Pets: Dogs on leash are welcome!
Meet: December 29, 2024
Hike: Less than 1 mile, no elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Reusable mug for hot drinks, water, snacks, comfortable sturdy sneakers/winter boots, sunscreen, and warm layers
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
