Email [email protected] to book!
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Tour
Explore the variety of habitats and concentrated avian biodiversity of DC with your local guide at one of the city’s most beautiful parks! This itinerary takes participants to a true urban oasis. The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Tour begins in Kenilworth Park, a former landfill site that was converted into lush grassland and meadow, as well as athletic fields. The park consists of a variety of habitats that are scarce in DC, including the aforementioned grassland and meadow, seasonal vernal pools, and gravelly terrain. At certain times of year, these habitats can host some rare-in-DC species. The park also includes portions of the serene Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which passes through forested portions as it weaves between the river and the marsh. It’s along the river trail where participants are treated to vistas of the Anacostia river and Kenilworth lagoon. Kenilworth Park is a fantastic location to observe flying birds, including migrants and species making daily commutes from roosting locations to foraging grounds. It is also excellent place to spot raptors and many of DC’s resident species.
The tour continues with an exploration of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a National Park Service site famous for its cultivated ponds of lotus and waterlilies. It is also an incredible birding location, with rich riparian and marsh habitat, and a boardwalk extending deep into the tidal lagoon. Kenilworth is a haven for all kinds of resident and migratory birds—come and see for yourself by signing up for the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Tour!
Meeting time: Anytime between sunrise and 8:00am. If your schedule is flexible, our guide can make recommendations for a start time depending on the types of birds you are most interested in.
Meeting location: Kenilworth Park or Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, as preferred.
Duration: 4 hours
Habitats encountered: Grassland, meadow, vernal pools (seasonal and depending on rainfall), tidal river, tidal marsh, woodland edges, woods, open woodland, display gardens; this itinerary also offers good opportunities to observe birds flying in open sky.
Birds that may be encountered: See seasonal lists here. Remember: birds are wild animals and we cannot guarantee sightings.
Other wildlife that may be encountered: white-tailed deer, red fox, muskrat, beaver, eastern gray squirrel, chipmunk (seasonal), various reptiles and amphibians. Remember: we cannot guarantee sightings of wild animals.
Accessibility: This tour can be adapted to meet accessibility needs. Please let us know in advance if you have any accessibility requirements. The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens facilities include paved and unpaved paths, a boardwalk, as well as open grassland (walking through the grassland is optional).
Elevation gain/loss: Flat. A few of the optional lookout locations include small hills, but these are easily replaced by other lookout locations when necessary.
Distance Covered: Variable. Walking anywhere from 3-6 miles is typical, but this itinerary can be adjusted to meet ability level and mobility needs. If you are interested in this itinerary but concerned about the distance, please contact us and we can propose adjustments to meet your needs while maintaining the character of the tour.
Transportation Considerations: Although this full itinerary is walkable, some clients may wish to drive between the two park facilities visited as part of this tour. Any driving between locations is “self drive,” meaning the client is responsible for transporting themselves between tour locations. The drive between the Kenilworth Park parking area and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens parking lot takes about five minutes on neighborhood roads (1.3 miles).
Bathroom Locations: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor’s Center; also, portable toilet at Kenilworth Park (may or may not be available).
Cost:
Party Size = 1: $300 plus tax
Party Size = 2: $350 plus tax
Party Size = 3: $400 plus tax
Party Size = 4: $450 plus tax
To book the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens tour:
1. Send an email to [email protected] with your desired date, requested start time, and the size of your party.
2. DCbird will contact you to schedule your tour. If the date or time you’ve requested is not available for booking, we’ll let you know.
3. Payment in full is required to confirm your booking. DCbird will send you an invoice with instructions for completing payment and signing the required Client Waiver. Payment is generally due within a week of billing, and you will receive a receipt for payments made. Following payment, any refunds will be subject to the Cancellation Policy.
What to expect after booking:
1. After we’ve received your payment and the completed Client Waiver, we will send you our Pre-Tour Questionnarie. This form will help us to provide you and your party with an individualized experience best suited to your goals for the tour.
2. About a week prior to your tour, we will send you an email with additional information, including details on the meeting time and location as well as important reminders.
3. If you have any questions about DCbird tours or the booking process, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to provide any assistance you may need.