Northwood News ♦ February 2013

Planning Has Begun for 2013 Rachel Carson Meadow Festival

By Jim Zepp

Since May 2009, the Northwood-Four Corners Civic Association has held a community festival in the Rachel Carson Meadow in the North Four Corners Park.  It highlights this rolling meadow area’s potential for family and unstructured recreational activities and for enjoying a natural environment in an urban setting.

Among the meadow’s key features is its 185-year-old black walnut tree and many natural “rooms” which allow diverse groups of users to pursue different active and passive recreational activities without infringing on each other.  Residents have informally named the Meadow in honor of scientist and writer Rachel Carson, who lived in the Burnt Mills neighborhood and whose last book encouraged parents to instill “A Sense of Wonder” for nature in their children.

This coming Summer, the County Parks Department has scheduled the construction of a soccer field and parking lot that will obliterate the Meadow and create a 26-foot-high retaining wall in the middle of the park.  If the community’s continuing efforts to stop this project are unsuccessful, this year will be the last Rachel Carson Meadow Festival.

The past festivals have included participatory performances by the Washington Revels (in which attendees can practice songs and dances or help with making props and culminates with all involved in the performance that closes the day), a fun family dog competition (“The Pitting of the Pooches”), music and dance performances by residents, martial arts demonstrations, crafts using natural and found items, and exhibits by local environmental groups.

The festival is possible because of residents’ willingness to volunteer their time and talents to make our community better.  We are fortunate to have such a beautiful and relaxing natural resource in a very accessible location.  If you would like to help with the festival by performing, contributing something, or assisting with activities, please contact me at [contact details redacted].   ■