David Swerdloff

Native Washingtonian David Swerdloff and his wife Lorraine Swerdloff first combined efforts in print in 2013 to produce a history of their Washington DC neighborhood on the border of Rock Creek Park (Crestwood: 300 Acres, 300 Years). But they noticed something as they visited National Parks around the country and told park rangers they lived in DC next door to a National Park. Usually, the rangers were stumped: what park could that be? So they decided to spread the word about Washington's...See more

Native Washingtonian David Swerdloff and his wife Lorraine Swerdloff first combined efforts in print in 2013 to produce a history of their Washington DC neighborhood on the border of Rock Creek Park (Crestwood: 300 Acres, 300 Years). But they noticed something as they visited National Parks around the country and told park rangers they lived in DC next door to a National Park. Usually, the rangers were stumped: what park could that be? So they decided to spread the word about Washington's secret. Even the locals needed to know more about the wild woodland in the heart of the nation's capital. Rock Creek Park ought to be celebrated as a haven for hikers and history buffs, birders and bicyclists-and for its significance as a pioneering urban park. David's career has involved painting pictures with words. His background is in radio broadcasting-including many years telling America's story to the world as an award-winning journalist, program host and producer for the Voice of America. Lorraine tells stories using images and imaginative design. Her work experience is as a graphic artist and the longtime editor of a national magazine. From the windows of their home in the middle of DC, they look out on deer, foxes, owls and many other examples of the Park's wildlife. It's an inspiring sight-though, with so many animals around the yard, please don't expect them to keep up much of a flower or vegetable garden. Together, they began this project as a weekly blog for Rock Creek Conservancy throughout the Park's 125th anniversary year in 2015. Now the posts have been collected in book form to give readers a view of Washington beyond the monuments and government buildings-in the green oasis of Rock Creek Park. See less