On Saturday, August 13, the Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors program (SCMO) defied Washington, DC’s heat advisory and gathered at Rock Creek Park to learn about the park’s historical significance, experience its recreational opportunities, and celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th birthday. Rock Creek Park, often referred to as the Capital’s Backyard, spans over 2,000 square acres of Washington, DC’s Northwest quadrant and is administered by the National Park Service. Rock Creek Park was the third national park established by Congress and is the oldest natural urban park in the National Park System.
This summer, SCMO expanded its regional programming to serve the larger Washington, DC, military and veteran communities. SCMO’s mission is to ensure that all service members, veterans, and their families have the skills, knowledge, exposure, and confidence to access and enjoy the land that they fought to protect. Last Saturday’s outing included a fly-fishing clinic led by Paul Wilson, a Marine Corps veteran and volunteer for SCMO and Project Healing Waters, as well as a ranger hike. It was also the beginning of very exciting partnerships between DC-area veterans service organizations (VSOs) that will expand opportunities for local veterans. Partnering VSOs included Project Healing Waters, The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon, and GW Veterans.
Photo: Vincent Vassal, The Mission Continues, 2nd Platoon
After introductions and free ice cream, provided by the Friends of Peirce Mill and the National Park Service, Paul Wilson delivered the basics of fly-casting while folks took shelter in the shade. Fly-fishing is gaining immense popularity, especially among military personnel, due to the activity’s therapeutic benefits. A peaceful river landscape paired with a calming physical motion can lend a hand in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of our soldiers. Rods were quickly distributed and Paul visited with and offered tips to participants as they practiced their casting motion. SCMO filled an entire clearing by the Creek with long lines haloing in circular motions. After about 20 minutes of practice, the calming benefit of casting a line became evident, especially when we were blessed by a quiet breeze.
Due to the summer heat, what was originally planned to be a 2-mile hike turned into a casual walk along Rock Creek with Ranger Steve. Taking into account that we were a group of service members and veterans, Rock Creek Park Ranger Steve shared his knowledge on the Park’s military history throughout the American Civil War specifically, the Park’s role in the Battle of Fort Stevens. Rock Creek Park was once the Union Army’s line of defense against Confederate attacks on Washington, DC. Small batteries and forts can still be found within the forested landscape.
At the end of the ranger hike, SCMO thanked everyone for coming out and thanked Ranger Steve for his time. We wished for everyone to retreat back to their air-conditioned sanctuaries and enjoy the rest of their weekends.
For more information about the Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors program, you can find us online, including Facebook and Instagram. If you are interested in learning how you can get involved, please email military.outdoors@sierraclub.org.
Photo: Vincent Vassal, The Mission Continues, 2nd Platoon
