Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup

Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y

For lunch, after the field trip around 12:00 PM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.

Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature.
https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

I prefer to park along Ohio Drive if it isn't blocked off. Otherwise, I park in the parking lot closer to the bridge. https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'42.2%22N+77%C2%B002'16.1%22W/@38.8783851,-77.0403919,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.878381!4d-77.037817

You need to have ParkMobile, and they charge from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for $2.30 per hour. Enforced 7 days a week

According to the National Park Service, on March 5, the current peak bloom predictions are between March 29 and April 1. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm

Every year, photographers from all over flock to the Tidal Basin to capture photos of the cherry blossoms at sunrise. This is a fantastic time to take photos when the only crowds are our fellow shutterbugs (hundreds of them).

Bring Water, a Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/the-butterfly-experience-at-brookside-gardens/

Butterfly Experience Details
WHAT: The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens Conservatory
1500 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
(Additional parking is available at 1800 Glenallan Ave.)
WHEN: April 1 – September 7, 2026 | 9 am – 3 pm
TICKETS: Under age 3: Free
Ages 3 to 12: $10.99 (ticket fee $9 plus $1.99 service charge)
Ages 13+: $15.99 (ticket fee $14 plus $1.99 service charge)

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From the website (http://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/visit/):

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. A horticultural reference library is located in the Visitors Center. Admission to the gardens is free.

Here is the Photography policy per the website:
Non-commercial, Hobby Photography Guidelines
Are you taking photos of just the Gardens? Individual photographers are welcome to photograph the plants and gardens of Brookside. No permits are needed, though we ask that you follow the hobby photography guidelines:

Do not disturb any gardens, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb garden or fountain walls.
The photo session must not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the gardens.
Absolutely no tripods are allowed in the Conservatories.
Published photographs should credit location of the photograph, i.e. “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD”.
*Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks, Montgomery County Policy on User Fees:

(Effective January 1, 2010, approved by M-NCPPC Planning Board, October 2009)

Be aware of your equipment, as there have been break-ins in past years.

Bring:
Comfortable shoes
Water
Fully charged batteries
Empty memory cards

Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.