Olmsted Woods

Next to the National Cathedral is a lovely wooded path called the Olmsted Woods. We frequently take Stirling there walking.  One of the few old growth oak and beech forests still standing in the nation’s capital, the Olmsted Woods forms part of the fifty-nine acre Cathedral Close (the grounds of the Cathedral) planned by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., in the early twentieth century.

The Woods recently underwent a decade-long restoration by All Hallows Guild, a volunteer organization which supports the care and preservation of the grounds.  We see them trimming trees back, chopping wood, replacing the stone gutters- they are constantly working to keep the path and woods healthy.  The Woods includes a stone footpath, the Pilgrim Way, a contemplative circle, native wildflowers and shrubs, and a host of migratory birds. 

We frequently hear and see woodpeckers (downys! or red bellys!), cat birds, cardinals, jays.  Because we have a had a true spring, with lots of rain and cooler temperatures, the ground cover and trees are a brilliant green.  And even when it rains, as it was today, we can still wander through the Walk and not get soaked.  Stirling runs off the path to chase the deer and squirrels, and we can keep our shoes clean!

stone work in the contemplative circle

Stirling running along the wall of the contemplative circle

pathway to the ampitheater

stairway leading to the Pilgrim's Way, an entrance to the Cathedral with lots and lots of stairs.