The reflecting pool in Washington, DC is a place that we all go to every day and it has become such a normal part of our lives that it almost seems strange to think about how special it actually is. We cannot leave the house without seeing it and even if we try to avoid it in our daily routines, we cannot help but look at it as soon as we get there. Whether we have a dog with us or are just taking a walk, the reflecting pool is something that will catch the eye and it will draw you in. There is such a wide variety of flora and fauna there that it really is like a gift from nature and it provides us with endless entertainment and joy. You will see people of all ages and walks of life there. Some will be having a chat, others will be reading a book or taking a nap while others will want to feed the ducks or fish. Whatever you do there, you will not be able to stop thinking about how beautiful the place is.
Sadly, the reflecting pool in Washington, DC is still not entirely open to the public. You have to be able to prove that you are a resident of the District of Columbia in order to be able to use it, and even then, you still need special permission from the National Park Service in order to be able to access it. We are talking about one of the most prominent attractions in the city and it has been a part of life there for so long that it feels wrong to keep it closed off. If you are someone who loves nature and feels that it is important to preserve its wonders, then this is one petition that you should sign and help to give the reflecting pool in Washington, DC its public space that it deserves.
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Why Is Access To The Reflecting Pool Important?
The reflecting pool in Washington, DC is an incredible place. Not only is it home to some of the most beautiful creatures in the world, but it also provides us with a breathtaking view of our Nation’s capital. It is close to a quarter of a million years old and it contains clear water. The pool is surrounded by a large number of oak trees, which help to filter the water as it evaporates. It is a very unique place and it is something that we should all be able to enjoy.
It is a source of pleasure and wonder to watch the wildlife there. There are always a number of birds and other small animals such as turtles, lizards and snakes who make their home in the pool. The variety of fauna that you will see there is amazing. Frogs, toads, and newts also call the pool home and it is extremely important that we preserve the natural state of the pool in order to maintain its beauty. The presence of so many creatures in such a small place is reason enough for us to open up the pool to the public, but there are also a number of environmental reasons why this is important.
One of the big problems in Washington, DC is that there is a lot of waste being produced by the city’s population. A lot of paper is generated by the constant printing of documents and emails. In addition, there is a lot of plastic being used for bottles, straws and utensils. The city is also experiencing an unacceptable amount of pollution. The air quality is poor and many species of wildlife are becoming affected by the toxins in the water. The natural world will be better off if we can stop the pollution and stop the waste, and ensuring that the public has access to such a stunning attraction as the reflecting pool will help to fulfill this goal.
In addition to being able to enjoy the beauty of the place, we should also remember that this is where some of our Nation’s most historical events have taken place. Lincoln spoke here from the steps, as did Martin Luther King, Jr. during the early years of the civil rights movement. One of the major monuments here is dedicated to former President George H.W. Bush and his family. The pool is also surrounded by a number of the Nation’s most important buildings, including the Capitol building, the White House and the Supreme Court.
Although the space is not open to the general public, it is worth noting that photography is prohibited here. You are not allowed to take a picture without prior permission from the National Park Service. However, if you have a smartphone and the GPS system is turned on, then you are virtually certain to get a permit within a few meters of where you are standing. This is one of the restrictions of the space and it means that you will not be able to use any social media platform to show off the amazing views or to share your photos with the world. Some people think that this is a bit of an exuberance, but we see it as a way of life.
What Can I Do To Help?
If you live in the Washington, DC area or visit here frequently, then it is high time that you got involved in assisting in the effort to give the public access to the reflecting pool. You can start by signing this petition and letting your voice be heard. In addition to making sure that our voice is heard in Washington, DC, it is also important that we preserve our beautiful natural world and ensure that we do not destroy it in the name of progress. The fact that parts of it are still closed off is shameful and it is high time that we changed this.
How Is Access To The Reflecting Pool In DC Different From Access To Most Other Parks In The Country?
The park service does not permit access to the reflecting pool in most other places. There are a number of parks in the US where it is difficult to get permission to even visit the place and those who live nearby have to make an effort to see it. It is not that the other parks do not have value. They do, but they are not exactly on the same level as the reflecting pool in Washington, DC. If you think that it would be beneficial to give the public access to these other parks as well, then this is something that you should consider doing too. It is not that simple however and it requires a lot of legwork and persistence on your part. If you are interested, then you should start by looking into what are the exact requirements to gain access to the pond in your state.
In some states, you need a special pass to even visit the pond. In other states, you need a fishing license to be able to fish in it. There are even some counties where you need a hunting license in order to be able to shoot any animals that you might encounter there. Although these are not necessarily legal requirements, you should not expect that you will be able to take pictures or go on any kind of nature walk without permission in these locations either. It is not that these places do not have value, they do, it is just that the National Park Service does not want to give away their control in these locations. It is a matter of protecting the water supply and ensuring that there are still places where nature can flourish undisturbed. It is also important that we protect our natural environment and prevent it from being damaged or destroyed. This includes places like the pond in Washington, DC too and it is time that we as a city and a Nation started making a difference. It is one thing to sign petitions and demand action, it is another thing to do something about it on a personal level. If you live in the Washington, DC area and you are interested in assisting in the effort to give the public access to the reflecting pool, then consider looking into whether or not you can volunteer for the Friends of the Park service. You will be able to get involved in many different ways and help in a variety of ways. You will also gain the respect of the community and individuals alike for taking part in such a worthwhile endeavor. It is time to show the National Park Service that the public still cares and that they can trust us not to abuse the privilege that they so generously offer. It is also important to protect and cherish our great nation’s capital, not only because of the historical site that it contains, but also because it is a slice of Americana that we should all strive to maintain.
Thanks for reading! We hope that you have enjoyed this article. If you would like to get more involved in helping to preserve our environment and open up more spaces to the public, then become a member of The Humane Society of Washington and join the fight against animal cruelty. With your support, we will be able to continue providing invaluable service to animals in our region and across the country.