National Association of Conservation Districts

Tours

2009 NACD Legislative Conference • July 19 - 21, 2009 • Washington, D.C.

There is so much to see and do in Washington, D.C. in the summer! If you need a few suggestions, check out the list of activities below. Some are occuring in conjunction with the Summer Legislative Conference and some just sounded like fun! Bring your family and soak up a few sights, conservation related-activities, some sun and plenty of history about our great nation.

Dig It! The Secret of Soils Tour
Monday July 20, 5 p.m. and Tuesday July 21, 9 a.m.
Free of charge

Discover the amazing world of soils with images and information from the Dig It! The Secrets of Soil exhibit on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Participants will explore the importance of soils and how they surround and support people everyday in both obvious and hidden ways. We will also hear from the scientists who collect and conduct research on the soils. Participants will need to make own arrangements to be at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History prior to the start time to be considered part of the NACD group tour. Tours will last approximately one hour. Register for these tours through the conference registration form. These tours are limited to first 25 registrants for each day.


U.S. Capitol Tour
Tuesday July 21 (time of day TBA)
Free of charge

The tour of the U.S. Capitol will include a look at how this building is a monument, a working office, and recognized symbol of democracy all in one location. Participants will see an important collection of American art, its architectural achievement and the Senate and House Chambers. Participants will also see important artifacts that make the Capitol a working and historic structure to Washington, DC. Participants will need to meet at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, located on the east side of the Capitol that faces the Library of Congress, at least a half hour prior to the beginning of the tour. Click on the following website to find out FAQ, what to bring and Capitol Tour Etiquette: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Visit/. This tour will take place Tuesday, July 21st. Time of tour is TBA. It is free of charge and limited to the first 25 registrants (register for this tour through the conference registration form).

Other Activity Ideas
Here are a few ideas you might like to do on your own time while visiting D.C.:

• Museums, Memorials and Libraries
  The National Mall is surrounded by 20+ different museums and historical sites. This includes most of the Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Monument and Reflection Pool, and Memorial Parks.  Also within walking distance of the Library of Congress and Folgers Shakespeare Library. Some other sites include the Spy Museum, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Arlington National Cemetary.
  
  
• Government Buildings of Interest
  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, FBI Headquarters, the U.S. Supreme Court, Goddard Space Flight Center, the Pentagon, and Congressional Office Buildings
  
  
• Nature and Conservation
  The U.S. National Arboretum, U.S. Botanic Garden, and the National Zoological Park
  
  
• Historic Homes, Churches and Theaters
  Homes include Sewall-Belmont House that holds art and artifacts from the Women’s Suffrage, Woodlawn Plantation which was Washington’s gift to his foster daughter, and the White House. Washington National Cathedral provides open and guided tours to see beautiful architecture, historical background and the Greenhouse. Ford’s Theatre, where our 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes-Booth and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Opera and the American Film Institute.
  
  
• Plantations and Agriculture
  George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens invites visitors to tour the Mansion house, more than a dozen outbuildings, four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. The tour also includes the tomb of George and Martha Washington, the Slave Memorial and Burial Ground.
  

Most of these locations include tour packages, hours and directions, and other information for the destination. To learn more about monuments, buildings, night tours, ticket purchasing or reservations, check out any of the sites below to make your trip to D.C. that much more exciting!

• Free Things to do in Washington, D.C. - This site lists a lot of activities with address and directsion, hours, and web links.
• House of Representatives Tourism Information - Provides location details, drop down menu of specific information topics and web links
• Official Tourism Site of Washington, D.C. - Information on hotel accommodations, travel, purchasing tickets, and a visitor’s guide to D.C.