Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Lotus Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only national park for cultivating aquatic plants. Its fourteen acres are adjacent to the 77-acre Kenilworth Marsh, a tidal wetland that provides important habitat for many species of migratory and resident birds. The aquatic gardens consist of a network of artificial ponds used for growing waterlilies and lotuses. (At their peak in early to mid-summer, the aquatic flowers are a beautiful sight.) Beyond the ponds is a short boardwalk that goes out into the marsh. From its two observation platforms one can get excellent views of the mud flats when the tide is low. There is also a river trail that begins near the visitor center and wraps around the north and west sides of the marsh. This trail borders a wooded swamp on one side and the tidal marsh on the other, so that one can see a diverse array of species in a 1.5 mile round trip. The end of the river trail provides a view of the mud flats from the other side of the marsh. While on the river trail, be sure to watch the river as well as the marsh.
What to see: Herons, shorebirds, and occasionally rails may be seen in the marsh and around the display ponds during migration. Sparrows, including field, fox, Lincoln's, and white-crowned, are found along the boardwalk and the river trail. Mid-October to mid-November is especially good for finding sparrows at the Aquatic Gardens. Rusty blackbirds drop in occasionally. Prothonotary warblers, both orioles, indigo buntings, and warbling and white-eyed vireos breed along the river trail. Tree swallows breed in nestboxes around the marsh. Check the marsh and river for migrant waterfowl during winter and early spring migration. Wood ducks breed in the wooded swamp along the river trail, but can be hard to spot. Red-shouldered hawks are a regular sight in this park.
Walking to Kenilworth By public transportation: Take the Orange Line to the Deanwood station. Walking west from the station, use the pedestrian overpass to cross 295, then walk west along Douglass Street and make a right on Anacostia Avenue to reach the gardens. (Click the aerial view at right to see the walking route.) To shorten the walk, one could take the V7 or V8 bus from the east side of the Deanwood station and be dropped off at Douglass Street.
By car: From I-295 (Kenilworth Ave.), take the Quarles St. exit, go south on the service road, turn right at Douglass St., and follow signs to the park at Anacostia Ave. and Douglass St. NE.
See map below or get directions from Google Maps.
