Shepherd Parkway, the largest wooded area in Ward 8 at 197 acres, runs parallel to I-295 for two miles, following the ridgeline that gives the communities of Congress Heights and Bellevue their names. It is home to mature forests, the Civil War earthworks of Forts Carroll and Greble, a bald eagle nest, and a dozen small streams.  In winter, if offers nearly continuous westward views across the city. 

While comparable parklands in other areas of the DC feature popular hiking trails, Shepherd Parkway is rarely visited due to lack of trail access.  This disparity in amenities is an issue of racial equity and environmental justice. 

The Ward 8 Woods Conservancy proposes to open this important public land for recreation and education with construction of a natural surface (unpaved) trail that passes through the heart of the park, offering a secluded natural experience.  

Details of the proposed route can be found here. 

Well-marked trailheads would provide access to and from adjoining residential and commercial areas and the newly constructed bike trail along 295. 

Using state-of-the-art design and construction techniques, the trail would require minimal tree removal and habitat disruption. 

A dirt surface trail would cost a fraction of what a paved trail would, and labor could easily be performed by Ward 8 residents. 

We call on the National Park Service to initiate the compliance process necessary for approval of a new trail and to work with Ward 8 Woods and other stakeholders on planning and design.