July 2026 Newsletter

Merch Store Open

If you've ever wanted clothing of your favorite trail, you can now get your very own Mount Vernon Trail gear. Proceeds support our weekly volunteer events to improve the trail. These make great gifts for your favorite trail lovers! MountVernonTrail.org/shop

Mount Vernon Trail Detour Starting July 1st

Starting July 1st and lasting through 2030, the Mount Vernon Trail will be detoured just north of Gravelly Point. The detour supports construction of the Long Bridge Project which will expand passenger rail capacity and build a new 16 foot wide bike and pedestrian bridge that connects the Mount Vernon Trail with Long Bridge and East Potomac Park.

Please note that:

The trail will remain open at all times.
The trail will narrow to 7 feet wide crossing underneath the rail bridge.
Follow posted detour signs.
Reduce speeds and watch out for other trail users and construction workers.
Stay outside of construction zones.
Expect periodic crossings of equipment and materials where the trail meets the construction access road.

Help Clean Up Trash at Gravelly Point after Independence Day

The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail and Potomac Riverkeeper Network will help remove trash around Gravelly Point left over from 4th of July celebrations. By cleaning up in a timely manner we can help prevent trash from going into the Potomac River. Register here.

Moth Madness

Join us for Moth Madness on Saturday, July 18th at 8:45 pm for a nighttime nature adventure celebrating the mysterious beauty of moths! As the sun sets, we’ll gather around softly glowing light traps to observe an array of moth species up close. Whether you're a seasoned lepidopterist or just curious about the creatures that flutter through the night, this is your chance to learn, explore, and marvel at the hidden world of nocturnal pollinators. Register here.

June Recap

In June, we hosted 5 volunteer events and 2 resource appreciation events with 162 volunteers giving 367 volunteer hours. Highlights included our annual Bats and Fireflies Walk, an America250 Bike Ride with GWMP Park Rangers, and our signature National Trails Day volunteer event at LBJ Memorial Grove.

Before/After Photo of the Month

This is the time of year where face slapping branches tend to creep into the trail. Volunteers helped cut back some of the overgrown vegetation near the airport that was causing trail users to have to veer onto the other side of the trail.