Field Trip: U.S. Botanical Garden
January 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NVPS January 2025 Field Trip
In January, NVPS will visit the tropical conditions inside the U.S. Botanical Garden located at the foot of Capital Hill on Independence Ave. Exhibits at the Garden range from roses to orchids, the rain forest of the Mid-Atlantic, endangered plants and the latest in home gardening. The indoor galleries display flora of the jungle, desert and primeval settings. This diversity of form and color will provide outstanding photographic opportunities. Admission is free.
The Botanical Garden has a photographic policy which prohibits the use of tripods unless you have a permit. There are a limited number of tripod permits available. If you plan to use one, you must get prior approval by contacting Victoria Gesell at victoria.gesell@aoc.gov. Permit reservations must be requested at least one week in advance. Permits on the day of our trip may not be available, but check with the visitor’s desk for approval.
https://www.usbg.gov/visit/photography-and-art-policy
We will meet at the Garden entrance at the opening time of 9:45 AM for a short meet and greet before the Garden opens at 10am. We’ll take images of the plants and scenery inside the Garden for a couple of hours and then take a break. Across the street at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum is the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe. We’ll meet there at 12:30pm for some coffee and snacks.
Equipment:
• Bring your favorite close up or macro lens. A 24-70mm will also be useful for indoor shots. Be mindful that the Garden is a popular destination in the Winter so bring your patience as well.
• The Garden maintains high humidity in some areas and mists the plants with water. This leaves the plants wet and shiny. You can cut the shine and pop the colors if you remember to bring your polarizer.
• Be mindful when transitioning between exhibits. Bring your microfiber cloth or official NVPS spud to help keep your lens free of fog.
• Use of a tripod requires a permit. See above.
When: Saturday, January 25, 2024 from 9:45am – 12:30pm
Sunday, January 26, 2024 from 9:45am – 12:30pm (in case of bad weather)
Where:
We’ll meet at 9:45am outside the Garden’s entrance facing The Mall / Maryland Avenue SW.
The US Botanic Garden does not have any official parking available. Parking on Maryland Avenue SW is restricted, especially if Congress is in session. You will find metered street parking in the area, including across Independence Ave. Metro is great alternative. The Orange, Blue, and Silver lines will all take you to Federal Center SW which is a two block walk on Third Street NW, South of the Garden.
We hope you can join us!
Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2024-2025