Days of Service

This page contains information about our annual Days of Service and special events.

For information on smaller, regular volunteer events please visit our Group Opportunities page.

 

Days of Service & Special Events

A list of Days of Service that occur every year during the following months:

January

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

At Rock Creek Park, the MLK Jr. Day of Service is recognized through the collaborative efforts of the Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy (RCC). In past years volunteers performed invasive plant removal throughout the Park lead by Weed Warrior Leaders.

April

Dumbarton Oaks Park Anniversary

The Dumbarton Oaks Park Anniversary celebrates the initial opening of Dumbarton Oaks Park to the public on April 12, 1941. The day features family friendly activities, arts, crafts, educational programs and nature walks, and a volunteer project to assist with restoration efforts in the park. We welcome any and all volunteers interested in assisting with set up, tear down, activities throughout the day, and of course the volunteer project.

Extreme Clean-Up

Each spring, Rock Creek Park partners with the Rock Creek Conservancy and the Alice Ferguson Foundation for the Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup involving trash cleanups at locations all along the length of Rock Creek. The Extreme Cleanup is part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, which occurs in four states and the District of Columbia in April. We do our part for a trash-free Potomac River by cleaning up Rock Creek, which flows into the Potomac near the Watergate Complex and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

May

International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day is a day dedicated to the birds that call Rock Creek Park home, even if it is just for part of the year. Volunteer with us to help with setting up and breaking down the event, bird walks, hands-on activities and exhibits, art, and other family-friendly entertainment.

July

Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens

Join the annual commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens and enjoy living history, music, lectures, and more! We are always looking for volunteers who would like to help us set up and take down the event, as well as assist with many of the activities throughout the day.

 

August

National Park Service Founders Day & Volunteer Appreciation

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior. In past years we celebrated both the founding of the National Park Service and all our Rock Creek Park volunteers with a public movie night at the Carter Barron.

September

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation, that promotes both the enjoyment and volunteer efforts of national public lands. At Rock Creek Park we celebrate NPLD as SOLVE Day with volunteer projects at many of our SOLVE sites throughout the park.

Rock Creek Park Day

Rock Creek Park was established through an act of Congress and signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison on September 27, 1890. In honor of our establishment, we celebrate with ranger led programs, photo-walks, bike rides, arts and crafts, and more! Help us celebrate by volunteering to be a part setting up and taking down the event or assisting with programs during the event. The location changes each year so there is always an opportunity to learn more about what all Rock Creek Park has to offer.
 

October

Heritage Day

Join Rock Creek Park and the Friends of Peirce Mill and help us step back in time on Heritage Day, a festival at the historic Peirce Mill in the middle of Rock Creek Park. We can always use the help of volunteers to set up and break down the event, as well as assist with family friendly activities including our arts and crafts booth.