Tregaron Conservancy

We discovered Tregaron Conservancy by accident. We were walking along Macomb Street, one weekday evening after work, hoping to maybe spot a coywolf, when we walked past the Washington International School. We saw a sign at the school's gate saying that dogs must be leashed in the Tregaron Conservancy and realised that it was more than just school grounds. So, we went in and explored this verdant gem nestled in DC's Northwest quadrant. 

That first day, it was close to sunset, so we explored, but could not soak it all in, because we wanted to leave before it got dark.

Today, after our visit to the Greek Festival, and resting a while, we went back. We started on the Macomb Stream Trail that follows the edge of the Conservancy and gives us a view of the prodigious and spectacular backyards of the houses on Macomb. 

These backyards have bridges over a naturally occurring stream, IN THE CITY!!

We continued to follow the trail along a flowing stream, over small stone bridges, and past an open grassy spot. The deeper we explored, the more incredulous we got that such a place is a short walk from our home IN DC city limits!

Macomb Stream Trail

Macomb Stream Trail

The trail lead us to the Grand Staircase, swathed in green. 

Grand Staircase

 Next we walked under a bridge to get to the Lily Pond :)

Lily Pond

We sat on a tiny bridge by the pond for a while, explored around the pond which is at the other end of the Tregaron Conservancy, watched kids collect and throw stones in the pond. After they left, we sat on the bench by the pond and took the beauty in. 

Around Lily Pond

At Lily Pond

The conservancy closes at 8PM, so, soon, it was time for us to head back. We followed the Meadow Trail back. It opens out onto a meadow, where we saw 2 golden retrievers playing. When we approached, one of them came bounding at us and went crazy with all the petting we did. The other one came to us for a quick pet and then went back :)

Meadow Trail

Meadow and Golden Retrievers

"The historic gardens of the Tregaron Estate with pathways, flowing streams and stone bridges are an enduring treasure and place of discovery. 

Tregaron Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the woodland garden designed in 1919. With the original landscape plan as a guide, the Conservancy is overseeing the extensive repair of the bridle paths, pedestrian trails and the removal of invasive plants and hazardous trees."