Catoctin Mountain

https://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catoctin_Mountain_Park Catoctin Mountain Park, located in north-central Maryland, is part of the forested Catoctin Mountain ridge−range that forms the northeastern rampart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the Appalachian Mountains System. The park features sparkling streams and panoramic vistas of the Monocacy Valley. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area. To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left. Visitor Center The visitor center hosts new exhibits, installed in spring 2019. Learn about the history of Catoctin Mountain and the national park that was created here. American Indians, farmers, iron makers, the WPA, CCC, Jobs Corps and so many others played a role in making Catoctin Mountain Park the special place it is today. Discover how even your visit plays a part in the making of this park. Eastern National provides a small sales area with items to help you remember your visit. To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left. Adirondack Shelters Reservations Required. No Walk Ins. There are two shelters that offer the bare minimum with regard to outdoor accommodation. Available year-round, the Adirondack Shelters located near the northern most point of the park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky and gently rolling terrain starting at Camp Round Meadow will lead you to these three-sided shelters. Reservation Fee 10.00 A reservation fee is charged for use of the shelters. Adirondack Shelter Three-sided wooden shelter Two 3-sided shelters offer back-country solitude for hike-in campers. Camp Greentop Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Greentop is a perfect location for organized groups to hold large events, retreats, or conferences. The camp has space for 150 people to sleep on twin beds. There are 12 cabins that sleep 10 each, one lodge that sleeps 12, and three smaller cabins. Upgrades for the 2024 season include a new swimming pool, renovated Dining and Recreation Halls, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins. Entire Facility, Per Night: Friday-Saturday 1200.00 Entire facility sleeps 140 people in cabins. The dining hall seats 140 people and features a commercial kitchen with electric ranges and ovens. The recreation hall is a large, open room equipped with a stage. It is suitable for meetings, receptions or a variety of other uses. These buildings are heated, but the fireplaces are not usable. The swimming pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and can be used if a lifeguard is present. Entire Facility, Per Night: Sunday-Thursday, 700.00 Entire facility sleeps 140 people in cabins. The dining hall seats 140 people and features a commercial kitchen with electric ranges and ovens. The recreation hall is a large, open room equipped with a stage. It is suitable for meetings, receptions or a variety of other uses. These buildings are heated, but the fireplaces are not usable. The swimming pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and can be used if a lifeguard is present. Good Luck Lodge #64 125.00 A cabin that sleeps 3 people. Staff Quarters #58 150.00 A cabin that sleeps 4. Cabin #71 120.00 A cabin that sleeps 4. Infirmary #57 75.00 A cabin that sleeps 5 people. Camp Greentop A one story building with trees behind them and a totem poll in front. The Camp Greentop Office features a colorful totem poll. Greentop Cabin Wooden Cabin in the woods One of 16 cabins for lodging at Camp Greentop Greentop Cabin Interior The inside of a cabin shows bunk beds Guests sleep on vinyl matresses atop wooden beds Greentop Central Shower Brown wooden building Campers shower in one of the central shower buildings Camp Misty Mount Advanced reservations required. Camp Misty Mount is a cabin rental facility for individuals, families, or small groups. This historic cabin camp was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration. The camp is surrounded by hardwood forests on the slopes of Catoctin Mountain Park. For the 2024 season upgrades to Camp Misty Mount include a renovated swimming pool and bath house, new cots and mattresses, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins. Cabins for 3, 4 or 6 people 50.00 Cabins sleep 3,4 or 6 people on single beds with vinyl covered mattresses. Guests bring their own linens. There is overhead lighting but no electrical outlets, running water or heat. Central restrooms and showers are available. Lodges Sleep 8 People 100.00 Lodges sleep 8 people on single beds with vinyl covered mattresses. Guests bring their own linens. There is overhead lighting but no electrical outlets, running water, or heat. Central restrooms and showers are available. Cabin 16 Sleeps 6 140.00 Cabin 16 sleeps 6 people in 3 different bedrooms on single beds with vinyl covered mattresses. Guests bring their own bedding. There is a small bathroom with a flush toilet and hot shower. There is also a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, microwave and sink in the cabin. Dining Hall Friday - Saturday 375.00 Dining Hall available with minimum rental of 8 cabins. Contact park to reserve. Cost: Friday - Saturday $360 per night. Dining Hall Sunday - Thursday 150.00 Dining Hall available with minimum rental of 8 cabins. Contact park to reserve. Cost: Sunday - Thursday $110 per night A Cabin at Historic Camp Misty Mount Wooden cabin in the woods Enjoy a stay in one of the rustic cabins at Camp Misty Mount. Misty Mount Pool Bright blue pool surrounded by cement with a ramp and lift for accessibility. The heated pool is accessible for people with mobility impairments. Comfort Station Facilities Interior of a restroom with three stalls and sinks. It is clean and well lit. The comfort stations were rehabilitated in 2021. 3-Person Cabin Interior Inside of a log cabin with 3 twin sized bed frames with blue plastic covers. The smallest cabins sleep 3 people on twin-sized beds. Guests bring their own linens. Camp Round Meadow Advanced reservations required. Camp Round Meadow accommodates up to 120 guests in 4 heated dorms that sleep 30 people each. Each dorm has bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and electric outlets. Additional facilities include a dining hall, gymnasium, classrooms, a conference room, outdoor fire pit, and a small outdoor gazebo. Upgrades for the 2024 season include renovated restrooms in the dorms and a new HVAC system in the gym. Camp Round Meadow Friday - Saturday Rates 1200.00 Rental includes: 3 Dorms, Gymnasium with Classrooms, and Dining Hall Friday - Saturday Rate: $1000 per night Camp Round Meadow Sunday - Thursday Rates 700.00 Rental includes: 3 Dorms, Gymnasium with Classrooms, and Dining Hall Sunday - Thursday Rate: $600 per night Handicapped Accessible dorms are available. Use of alcohol is prohibited. Service Animals Only. Reservations Required. No Walk-Ins Camp Round Meadow Dorm Exterior One story brown wooden building Dormitories sleep up to 30 campers Wheel Chair Accessible Dorm One story brown wooden building with ramp One of the four Camp Round Meadow dorms has a ramp for wheelchair access. Round Meadow Campfire Circle Wooden benches surrounding a metal fire ring Groups can enjoy campfire activities Round Meadow Dorm Interior Sleeping cots inside a large room Campers sleep on single cots with vinyl matresses Round Meadow Dining Hall Open room with windows Campers can enjoy meals in the dining hall Owens Creek Campground Advanced reservations required. Owens Creek Campground offers family camping in a wooded setting. There are 50 sites, 3 have ADA features. Maximum trailer length is 22 feet. One vehicle is permitted per site. There are no hook-ups. Use of alcohol is prohibited. Pets allowed and must leashed and tended to at all time. Tent pads have been updated and expanded to a minimum size of 12' x 12'. See reservations page for more details on each site. Camping Fee 30.00 Fee provides for overnight camping. No hookups are available, but restrooms, hot showers, and potable water are available at no extra cost. Firewood is available for a small fee. Campground Entrance Sign Campground entrance sign The campground entrance is on Foxville Deerfield Road. Campsite at Owens Creek Red tent and camping gear on campsite One of 50 wooded campsites at Owens Creek Campground Popup Camper at Owens Creek Popup camper in wooded campground Trailers up to 22 feet can be accommodated. No hookups are available. Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground Reservations Required. No Walk-Ins. Poplar Grove is open to adult supervised organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. There are 3 sites within Poplar Grove. Each site accommodates up to 25 persons. Groups share pit toilets and a pavilion. Each site has picnic tables, grills and a fire circle. Camping Fee 35.00 The fee is for $35 per night. Each site accommodates up to 25 people per site. Groups share pit toilets, water and a pavilion. Poplar Grove Tent Area Site A Numerous tents set up under forest canopy Poplar Grove Tent Area Site A Poplar Grove Covered Pavilion Area Poplar Grove Covered Pavilion Area Poplar Grove Covered Pavilion Area Poplar Grove Water Spigot Cooking pot hanging on water spigot Poplar Grove Water Spigot Chimney Rock Vista Rock formation with mountains in the background A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park. Visitor Center A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center. Eastern Mud Salamander A slender-bodied, red salamander with black spots across its body. Life is abundant at Catoctin Mountain Park, and habitat is plentiful for many salamander species. Big Hunting Creek A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest. Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination. Historic Camp Misty Mount A log cabin in the woods Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins. Wolf Rock A large angular boulder that resembles the shape of a wolf. At the end of a boulder field the size of a football field, stands Wolf Rock. Do you see the wolf? Blue Ridge Summit A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley. Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania. Sun Rays Through the Forest at Misty Mount Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins. Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day. The Horse Trail Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail. The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination. Chimney Rock in the Fall A large rocky outcropping overlooking a mountainside with fall foliage. Chimney Rock provides an excellent view of the mountain's fall foliage. Pawpaw: Small Tree, Big Impact Pawpaw are small trees that don't grow past 100 feet. Yet they have a big influence-- they're the most commonly observed sapling in our National Capital Region forests. Pawpaw trees are virtually immune to deer browse and also produce the largest edible fruit native to North America! A hand holds a lumpy green pawpaw fruit Lichens and Air Quality Lichens are durable enough to grow on tree bark and bare rock, yet are sensitive to pollution and air quality. One species in particular was used to track levels of air-borne lead over a 100 year period! Pale green lichen growing on rock. 2013 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service More than 200,000 volunteers provide invaluable time and energy to the National Park Service. Meet the people and groups being honored with a 2013 Hartzog Award. Group of cleanup volunteers with full trash bags Instructing for Dangerous Missions Creating the training process was a big challenge. To prepare spies, saboteurs, guerrilla leaders, radio operators, psychological warfare specialists and commando teams for their clandestine missions, the Office of Strategic Services had to obtain instructors, prepare a curriculum, develop courses, and devise practical exercises. Daily Life in Camp Park and Town During the recruiting process, the Office of Strategic Services was looking for a combination of intelligence, imagination, courage and, if necessary, ruthlessness. Most of the young recruits, that volunteered for possible hazardous duty, craved the excitement and challenge of a special overseas assignment. Bark Ranger Trail Stewards at Catcoctin Mountain Park We are looking for for friendly canines and their human companions to be a BARK Ranger Trail. Morale, Welfare and Recreation in WWII National Parks Wartime NPS Director Newton Drury wrote 'In wartime, the best function of these areas is to prove a place to which members of the armed forces and civilians may retire to restore shattered nerves and to recuperate physically and mentally for the war tasks still ahead of them.' During World War II, parks across the United States supported the morale of troops and sought to become places of healing for those returning from war. B&W; soldiers post in front of large tree A Wartime Organization for Unconventional Warfare With the onset of World War II, the OSS's secret operations—espionage, counter-intelligence, disinformation, and guerrilla leadership—expanded. Forest Regeneration 2018 In 2018, tree seedlings and small saplings are in short supply in the parks of the National Capital Region. Without these trees of tomorrow, what will our forests look like? A forest plot in Rock Creek Park showing some vegetation recovery. Catoctin and Prince William Parks Join the War Effort The decision to establish its first U.S. training camps at Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland, and Prince William Forest Park, Virginia, had been based on their’ rural, isolated location yet comparative proximity to the nation’s capital. American Eels in the Potomac Watershed American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast, but many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. Hands hold a 2 to 3 foot long eel over a red container. National Capital Region Energy Savings Performance Contract The National Park Service is investing $29 million in 81 individual energy efficiency and water conservation projects at national parks throughout the greater Washington region. Cherry Blossoms at the National Mall 2011 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Discover the innovative and exciting programs of the recipients of the national and regional 2011 Freeman Tilden Awards for excellence in interpretation. LIza Stearns 2015 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Meet the recipients of the 2015 Freeman Tilden Awards, the highest National Park Service honor for interpretation, and learn more about their exciting programs. Ernie Price Converting Catoctin Mountain Park into Military Camps OSS men began to arrive on 1 April 1942, and started to convert their part of the park into a basic paramilitary training school. OSS in Action The Mediterranean and European Theaters In war it is the results that count, and the saboteurs and guerrilla leaders in Special Operations and the Operational Groups, the spies in Secret Intelligence, and the radio operators in Communications did produce some impressive results. Sustainability in Action: Reducing Catoctin Mountain Park’s Carbon Footprint NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. park view from high rock outcrop Preserving Natural Treasures: Removing Graffiti from Wolf Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park As early as the 1870s, the area along the Catoctin ridge was a popular hiking location to take in spectacular views from Wolf Rock and nearby Chimney Rock, and by the late 1930s nearly 30 miles of foot trails led to these places of scenic and geologic interest. Until recently, graffiti on Wolf Rock altered the views of this iconic feature. In April of 2018, the Mid-Atlantic Climbers organization teamed with the park to access and remove graffiti from the surface of Wolf Rock. A climber wearing a helmet, harness, and gloves uses a brush and bucket to remove paint from a rock. Forest Regeneration 2017 Tree seedlings and small saplings are in short supply in the parks of the National Capital Region. Without these trees of tomorrow, what will our forests look like? A forest plot showing tree seedling and low-growing plant recovery. Go green for the National Park Service’s birthday! We're adding energy- and water-saving improvements to save money! How can you do the same in your home? National Mall and Memorial Parks Yearly Savings 50.9 M gallons of water, $1 M, 2.7M kwh. Summer in the Parks (1968-1976) What began as a summer transportation program to send DC urban youth to Catoctin and Prince William Forest Parks in 1966 grew to a city-wide summer-long festival attracting residents to parks in every quadrant of the city. After the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the program took on an additional role to help save a city from destroying itself. A group of boys smiles for the camera Disability History: The NPS and Accessibility The National Park Service strives to make its parks, monuments, and historic sites available to all. Programs, services, and products, such as Braille alternatives of print material, sign language interpretation of tours, accessible camping sites and trails, ramps and elevators make parks more accessible. These are essential to allowing the public to fully enjoy NPS resources. exterior of a log cabin Postwar Period: End of the OSS and Return to the Park Service The OSS may have won its battles in the field, but it lost its final campaign—in Washington. It was better prepared to fight armed enemies overseas than bureaucratic enemies in the nation’s capital. Summary and Conclusion The OSS training camps closed in 1945. The valuable contributions to the Allied victory made by those facilities and by Donovan’s organization itself are an important part of the history of World War II. OSS in Action The Pacific and the Far East Although the most publicized achievements of the OSS occurred in Europe and North Africa, Donovan’s organization also contributed to the war against Japan in the Far East. "Wild Bill" Donovan and the Origins of the OSS When World War II broke out in Europe in 1939, U.S. intelligence operations were splintered among nearly a dozen federal agencies. Stream Restoration Dreams: Stage Zero Learn “stage zero” stream restoration basics and how they could be applied in Mid-Atlantic streams. Water spreads across the ground around standing and fallen trees Ash Tree Update 2017 The state of ash trees in 2017 in the National Capital Region after more than 10 years of harm from the invasive emerald ash borer. A white ash leaf Forest Regeneration 2019 In 2019 tree seedlings and small saplings are in short supply in National Capital Area parks. Without these trees of tomorrow, what will our forests look like? A brown bird with a white breast and dark spots on its chest stands on the leaf-littered ground. Eastern Hemlocks in the National Capital Region Many evergreen, Eastern hemlock trees, typically found growing alongside forest streams, have succumbed to two insect pests. In the National Capital Region, we looked for surviving trees, and what other tree species are poised to replace hemlocks. An evergreen branch with white fuzzy nubs along the stems. DOI Region 1, National Capital Area Utilizes Prescribed Fire as a Management Tool Resource and facility managers in the National Capital Area (NCA) are relying more frequently on prescribed burning as a tool to protect, restore, enhance and maintain historic Civil War sites. Fire in grasses burn near a Civil War cannon. Oak Decline Learn more about oak decline where a host of stressors interact to weaken trees over time, leading to what becomes "death by a thousand cuts." Looking up into the canopy of a mature oak showing symptoms of oak decline. Spring Amphibian Timeline Learn how the progression of amphibian appearances unfurls every spring. A gray tree frog clings to a small tree branch. Catoctin Mountain Park Cultural Landscape Catoctin Mountain Park is a 5,770-acre park in the NW corner of Frederick County, MD managed by the NPS for public recreation and nature conservation. From (1770-1903) the landscape was utilized by the nearby iron furnace, an example of the nation’s early iron industry. From (1934-1942), a portion of the mountain landscape was recast for recreation and conservation when the federal government developed it as a recreational demonstration area (RDA). Catoctin Mountain Park (Catoctin Mountain Park: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, NPS, 2002) Camp Misty Mount Cultural Landscape Camp Misty Mount was known as Organized Group Camp 1-C when it was first developed in the 1930s. One of three camps in the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area, the development was part of the response by the Roosevelt Administration to the social and economic pressures of the Great Depression, specifically in connection with agricultural reform. The Rustic style summer camp opened in 1937. A row of Girl Scouts of the 1950s raise the American flag in front of a cabin. Amphibian Diversity & Habitat Connectivity Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to amphibian communities, especially in National Capital Region parks at risk due to the region's growing urbanization. A small frog crouches on a lichen-covered rock. Memorials for the Future Memorials for the Future, is a competition that aims to rethink the way we develop and experience memorials in Washington, D.C. Memorials for the Future Logo Office of Strategic Services The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was an intelligence gathering service from 1942-1945. Its espionage and sabotage operations were pioneered by an eclectic team that combined some of America's brightest minds with burglars and con men. Their work in World War II contributed to Allied victory. When the OSS was disbanded after the war in 1945, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) rose from its ashes. OSS spear logo Amphibian Disease Risk in the National Capital Area Looking for disease, including ranaviruses and chytrid fungi, is an important part of amphibian monitoring done by the National Capital Region Inventory & Monitoring Network. Learn more about the risks posed by these diseases and the biosecurity protocols field crews use to reduce the risk of accidental spread. Red-spotted newt on brown forest floor leaves. Black spots and eyes contrast with vivid orange skin. Forest Soils Highlights from a 2007-2017 study of soils in National Capital Region Network I&M-monitored parks. Includes discussion of parent materials, heavy metal soil pollutants like lead, and how past land use effects O horizons. Collage of 6 color photos of soil profiles showing colors from orange-y reds to browns and grays. American Chestnuts in the Capital Region In 1904, a deadly fungus began killing American chestnut trees, once one of the most dominant trees of the eastern U.S. Despite overwhelming odds, some American chestnut trees survive today in parks of the National Capital Region Green American chestnut tree leaves on a slender branch. Stiltgrass and Tree Seedling Recovery Recent analysis at Maryland's Catoctin Mountain Park shows Japanese stiltgrass does not limit the growth of tree seedlings in a forest recovering from deer overpopulation. Invasive Japanese stiltgrass blankets the sides of a shady forest road. Spotted Lanternfly 101 What you need to know about spotted lanternfly: a new, invasive, insect pest approaching the National Parks of the Mid-Atlantic. A spotted lanternfly with wings spread showing namesake spots Series: Disability History: An Overview Disability History: An Overview brings attention to some of the many disability stories interwoven across the National Park Service’s 400+ units and its programs. “Disability stories” refer to the array of experiences by, from, and about people with disabilities represented across our nation. People with disabilities are the largest minority in the United States, but their stories often remain untold. Statue of FDR in his wheelchair Series: OSS Training in the National Parks and Service Abroad in World War II Before there was the CIA, there was the OSS. The places where they trained for their dangerous mission are now national parks. William Donovan Spotted Lanternfly in Perspective While spotted lanternfly and emerald ash borer are both invasive insect pests, introduced from Asia, that feed on trees (primarily), they have few other similarities. Learn how they differ in host preferences, feeding mode, and life cycle. A spotted lanternfly with black wingspots on a tree branch Prescribed fire in the national capital area Learn how the National Park Service uses prescribed fire in the National Capital Area. Brood X Periodical Cicadas FAQ Learn about the Brood X periodical cicadas that emerged in 2021 throughout the Mid-Atlantic U.S. A perched periodical cicada with red eyes and orange wings Forest Regeneration 2020 What is the future of our forests? A look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on 2020 monitoring data. hand holding a leaflet on a white ash seedling Cultural Resources and Climate Change Cultural resources are sites, structures, objects, and even landscapes that show the history of human activity and/or hold significance to a group of people traditionally associated with it. Climate change, however, is making it harder to preserve these cultural resources for future generations. Changing weather patterns, increased pests, and pollution all amplify the deterioration of our cultural and historical resources. Jefferson Memorial view from above with visitors on the steps Wildlife and Climate Change Climate change has produced a number of threats to wildlife throughout our parks. Rising temperatures lower many species survival rates due to changes that lead to less food, less successful reproduction, and interfering with the environment for native wildlife. These detrimental changes are already apparent in our National Capital Area parks. Great blue heron in a wetlands pond September 11, 2001, NPS Oral History Project This oral history project recorded the memories and perspectives of NPS staff who experienced the events of 9/11 and their aftermath. Transcripts and a 2004 report about the NPS response are available online. A petinad hand holds a flame aloft in the air. The Youth Conservation Corps at Catoctin Mountain Park In 1971, Catoctin Mountain Park became one of the first pilot residential program sites to host a group of young people as part of the Youth Conservation Corps. YCC participants and a park ranger stand in a stream with nets and waders in a freshwater stream African American Community Engagement in the 1960s: Summer in the Parks and the DC Environmental Outdoor Laboratory at Camp Round Meadow From the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Catoctin Mountain Park managed two programs that provided African American youths from the Washington, D.C. metro area with opportunities for outdoor recreation and education through the Summer in the Parks program (1968–1976) and the DC Environmental Outdoor Laboratory (1970–1975). Photo of young African Americans fishing from the shore of a lake. Beech Trees in the National Capital Area American beech (Fagus grandifolia), the most common tree species in National Capital Area parks, is currently facing the emerging threat of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). A forest with healthy green leafed beech trees Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Incredible Untold Stories of Everyday Life In the Reconstruction period following the Civil War, newly freed African Americans faced monumental challenges to establish their own households, farm their own lands, establish community institutions and churches, and to pursue equal justice under the law in a period of racist violence. A new NPS report presents the story of the extraordinary accomplishments of rural African Americans in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Portrait of well dressed Black woman in round spectacles, short natural hair, and lacy white collar Forest Regeneration 2021 The latest look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on monitoring data from 2021. Green forest showing healthy understory of oak seedlings. Resilient Forests Initiative - Managing Deer Impacts A healthy forest needs to have enough tree seedlings and saplings to regenerate the forest canopy after a disturbance. Analysis of NPS I&M and other long-term datasets makes it clear that many eastern national parks lack adequate tree regeneration due to decades of over browsing by white-tailed deer. Deer impacts Managing Resilient Forests. A Regional Initiative Forests cover tens of thousands of acres in eastern national parks and these critical resources face a range of interacting stressors: over-abundant white-tailed deer populations, invasive plant dominance, novel pests and pathogens, among other threats. The Resilient Forests Initiative will help parks address these issue collectively. Forest health monitoring I&M Networks Support Resilient Forest Management NPS Inventory and Monitoring Networks have been tracking forest health in eastern national parks since 2006. This monitoring information can guide resilient forest management and support parks in adapting to changing conditions through the actions described below. Forest health monitoring Autumn Amphibians Frog antifreeze and red efts? Learn more about fall amphibian life in the National Capital Area, including marbled salamanders, spring peepers, and red-spotted newts! A red-orange juvenile red-spotted newt climbs a rock Series: Managing Resilient Forests Initiative for Eastern National Parks Forests in the northeastern U.S. are in peril. Over-abundant deer, invasive plants, and insect pests are negatively impacting park forests, threatening to degrade the scenic vistas and forested landscapes that parks are renowned for. With regional collaboration, parks can manage these impacts and help forests be resilient. This article series explores tools available to park managers to achieve their goals. Healthy forests have many native seedlings and saplings. Resilient Forests Initiative - Managing Invasive Plants & Pests Park forests are threatened by invasive plants and pests. Strategically tackling invasive plants to protect park’s highest priority natural resources and planning around forest pests and pathogens are important actions in managing resilient forests. Forest Regeneration Ash Tree Update 2021 Emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed most of the 300,000 ash trees in National Capital Region parks since 2014. Fewer than 80,000 living ash trees remain. Some ash-dominated swamps transformed into shrublands as ash root systems re-sprouted after EAB attack. In dry habitats, EAB proved more quickly fatal. A sunny swamp with dead tree trunks emerging from dense shrubs Series: Amphibian Monitoring in the National Capital Region Amphibians are a crucial part of both aquatic and land ecosystems, and National Capital Region parks are home to at least 20 different amphibian species. Learn how amphibian populations are changing based on more than fifteen years of NPS monitoring by the National Capital Region Inventory & Monitoring Network. Northern red salamander on a patch of sun dappled moss Amphibian Monitoring Update 2023 Learn how amphibians in the National Capital Region are faring based on fifteen years of NPS monitoring. Explore population changes, threats and stressors, and data-informed tools for protecting amphibian populations in our parks. Eye level view of a red salamander creeping along bright green moss Catoctin Amphibian Monitoring 2023 Catoctin is hopping! Learn what recent amphibian monitoring data shows us about amphibian populations in the park! American toad (Bufo americanus) Plan Like a Park Ranger 2-Day Itinerary Catoctin Mountain Park For over half a century, Catoctin Mountain Park has served as the perfect getaway for those looking to find a break from city life. We have crafted an itinerary for you to use either as a guide, or as a framework for planning your own visit. Catoctin Mountain not only offers opportunities for recreation during the day, but also offers camp A rocky outcropping overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Vines on Trees at Forest Edges Learn how climbing vines affect tree growth and mortality in National Capital Region park forests. This material was originally presented in a 2016 resource brief. Vines climb on trees at the forest edge at Rock Creek's Barnard Hill Park. Re-Growing Southeastern Grasslands Native grasslands once covered vast swaths of the southeastern U.S. Learn how national parks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia are working on conserving, rehabilitating, and restoring these grassland communities. A sunny grassland with rolling hills in the distance What We’re Learning and Why it Matters: Long-Term Monitoring in the National Capital Region Knowing which natural resources are found in the national parks, and whether they're stable or changing, helps decisionmakers make sound choices. The National Capital Region Network is building that knowledge. After over fifteen years of monitoring, we've learned a lot about park ecosystems, how they're changing, and what they may look like in the days to come. Find out what we’ve learned and how it’s being used to help managers plan for the future. Field crew measures the diameter of a tree. Celebrating a Successful 2022 National Public Lands Day Celebrating a successful National Public Lands Day with the highlight of three National Park Service volunteer events held on September 24, 2022. Volunteers at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Catoctin Mountain Park, and Muir Woods National Monument gathered to celebrate the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. An infographic with photos of the word NPLD. Tree Rings and the Tales They Tell Ecologists with the National Capital Region use tree cores from 36 different species to learn about the age of trees in park forests. Tree core samples taken from forest plots, laid side-by-side. Case Studies in Deer Management White-tailed deer populations have grown out of control in eastern parks. Inventory & Monitoring Program scientists studying forest health have found that forests in a majority of these parks are facing probable or imminent regeneration failure linked to deer overpopulation. Through this StoryMap, learn how deer management has improved forest health at three national parks: Gettysburg, Catoctin, and Valley Forge. Antlered deer standing among green foliage Forest Regeneration 2022 Tree seedlings and small saplings are still in short supply in National Capital Region national parks. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2022. Sunlight filtering through a green forest with green seedlings covering most of the forest floor. A Forest Monitoring Cycle Like No Other What if your office were the woods? Your break room a mossy log? This is the reality for members of the Inventory & Monitoring forest vegetation crew. The team has collected data on forest health in NCR parks every year since 2006 and recently completed the fourth cycle of forest vegetation monitoring (2018-2022). Learn what staff biologists and technicians have to say about their experiences in the field these past five years. Five members of a forest crew leap for joy in a sun-soaked forest. Firefighting corps helps military veterans transition to civilian life From January through April, 2023, the National Capital Region (NCR) hosted a three-member, Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) crew of wildland firefighters. This crew, however, was unique: all three members were veterans. Two firefighters use handtools on a fireline with battlefield monuments in the background. Ash Tree Update 2022 Emerald ash borer are still decimating ash trees in the National Capital Region. Read on for the latest look into the state of ash trees in our parks based on forest monitoring data. Metallic emerald ash borer beetle atop a chewed leaf Resilient Forest Briefs for National Capital Region Parks As part of the ongoing conversation about managing resilient forests, short briefs on the resilience and regeneration status of each NCR park are now available. These summaries are based on 12 years of NPS forest vegetation monitoring data. bio tech gazing up through a sunlit forest Timber Rattlesnakes Show Their Tender Side Sixty seconds is all it takes to be captivated by this reclusive animal’s motherly instincts. Rattlesnake's face looking peaceful as it rests curled beneath a rock. Bats Are in Danger. Here’s How and Why We’re Helping Them. Bats are amazing animals and a formidable force against insect pests, but a nasty fungal disease is killing them. A coordinated national response brings hope. GIF of a bat with big ears in a gloved hand, rotating its head and opening and closing its mouth. NCR's Forest Interior Birds Explore how forest interior breeding birds are faring in National Capital Region (NCR) parks. These species prefer the shadiest and quietest core of the forest landscape and are excellent indicators of a healthy forest ecosystem. We look at data on wood thrush, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, hooded warbler, and scarlet tanager from a report summarizing population trends for forest birds in NCR parks. a woodthrush perched on a branch with blurred green foliage background Exploring the Landscape of the Recent Past at Catoctin Mountain Park In 2021, the NPS began to compile research as part of an effort to update the National Register nomination and Cultural Landscape Inventory for Catoctin Mountain Park. These projects will incorporate features associated with more recent periods of development and use, which are associated with the diversification of the labor force in public work programs. While these tools are connected, they also offer unique characteristics for documentation and preservation. A long, one-story structure is surrounded by turf, autumn trees, and a slightly curving driveway Eastern Parks Reduce Herds to Benefit Forests, Deer, and People National parks protect a small but critical part of eastern U.S. forests. They’re now responding to an accelerating crisis as overabundant white-tailed deer coincide with a profusion of invasive plants. two people stand next to a fenced off area full of lush vegetation. Forest Regeneration 2023 Tree seedlings and small saplings are slowly increasing in National Capital Region national parks. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2023. Three people stand in a forest, smiling and pointing to a large tree trunk between them. 50 Nifty Finds #43: Environman It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … Environman? While it may sound like a Saturday morning superhero, Environman was a National Park Service (NPS) symbol for its environmental education activities in the 1970s. Beginning in 1967 the NPS became a leader in environmental conservation education, which then-Director George B. Hartzog, Jr saw as crucial to the survival of the parks and the planet. Many of those key ideas echo in today’s NPS climate change education. Environman symbol above the word NEED Incised Fumewort (Corydalis incisa) Incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa) is a "high risk" invasive plant in the mid-Atlantic US with the potential to become widespread and cause a lot of damage. Learn how to identify it, differentiate it from the native yellow corydalis (Corydalis flavula), and help be on the lookout for this invasive species. A cluster of incised fumewort with green leaves and bright purple tubular flowers with violet ends. NPS International Activities Update, July - December 2023 During the second half of 2023, the U.S. National Park Service undertook many exciting international conservation projects. Following are summaries of notable cooperation between NPS staff and international counterparts between July and December 2023. When Forests Come Down with a Bug: Forest Pests in the Greater DC Area Beech leaf disease, emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, oak decline and oak wilt are all pests present in National Capital Region (NCR) park forests. Learn about their effects and spread based on NCR Inventory & Monitoring data, and get the heads up on elm zigzag sawfly and beech bark disease. A black and red insect sits on a leaf. Guide to the Catoctin Mountain Park Negative Collection This Finding aid describes the Catoctin Mountain Park Slide Collection, part of the Catoctin Mountain Park Museum Collection. The sign and entrance to Catoctin Mountain Park after a snowfall. Guide to the Catoctin Mountain Park Slide Collection This Finding aid describes the Catoctin Mountain Park Slide Collection, part of the Catoctin Mountain Park Museum Collection. The Park Central Road in spring near the Hog Rock parking area, with a sign for Hog Rock Parking. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Flying Squirrels: A Field Note Southern flying squirrels are common in eastern forests, but are rarely seen by humans because they are nocturnal. Learn more about these unique animals! A flying squirrel clings to a tree trunk. Beech Leaf Disease: Mistaken Identity Beech leaf disease is a growing concern in the National Capital Region and beyond, but it can be difficult to distinguish from other pests. Learn more about how to recognize this disease and avoid falling for look-alikes! A close-up image of a cluster of beech leaves striped with dark banding. At-Risk Turtles - Ongoing Research Spotlight Parks are a great place to appreciate turtles in their natural habitat. NPS is now studying at-risk land turtles in the Mid-Atlantic to better understand how to help them survive into the future. A turtle with bright orange chin and neck peers upward from a woody wet spot Project Profile: Restore Eastern Grasslands The National Park Service will restore up to 4,000 acres of agricultural fields and degraded lands across 37 parks in 15 states. This landscape-scale restoration project will expand the range and connectivity of native grasslands across the eastern US, restore biodiversity and critical ecosystem functions, reduce pesticide use, benefit people and wildlife, and create employment opportunities for diverse early career youth. A park manager and others standing amidst a grassy landscape. Two-Horned Trapa (Trapa bispinosa) Two-horned trapa (Trapa bispinosa) is an invasive aquatic plant that's considered an early detection rapid response species in the greater Washington, DC region. Learn how to identify it, differentiate it from the Eurasian water chestnut, and help be on the lookout for this invasive species. A floating green water plant with diamond shaped leaves around a small pink flower. Exploring Cunningham Falls State Park Cunningham Falls State Park is a great place for camping. There is plenty to do with it’s various hiking trails for all experience levels-some are wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of access to water, wildlife, and nature. A waterfalls with rocks and trees around it. Native Grapes Seven species of grapes are native to the National Capital Region. Learn how to tell them apart, where they grow, and how they benefit birds, bugs, and beasts alike. Multiple clusters of grapes hang off of a leafy vine. Rivercane: Our Native Bamboo Rivercane is a woody grass native to the southeastern United States, extending up into the National Capital Region. Once a common species, rivercane now only occupies 2% of its former extent. Learn more about the ecology and cultural significance of this once abundant native bamboo. Dense stalks and leaves of native bamboo. Oaks of the National Capital Region Out of the 50 oak species native to the eastern United States, 20 are native to the National Capital Region (NCR). Learn more about these oak species and where they can be found across NCR parks. Green oak leaves against a forested background. Freshwater Jellyfish Preliminary results of recent macroinvertebrate monitoring in the National Capital Region (NCR) using environmental DNA revealed that freshwater jellyfish are present in all NCR parks. Learn more about these unique organisms, and the role they may play in our freshwater streams. A single bluish white jellyfish floats in water. Project Profile: Prioritize & Protect Stream/Floodplain Historic Structures Based on Vulnerability to Climate Change The National Park Service aims to build a risk assessment model, prioritize structures for treatment, assess strategies, and preserve at-risk historic structures. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and adjacent parks, including Rock Creek Park, Catoctin Mountain Park, and Monocacy National Battlefield, all face consistent threats from riverine/stream flooding impacting historic structures. A partially full of water canal prism that extends away from view. Project Profile: Assess and Address Vulnerability of Fish Species to Climate Change in Eastern National Parks The National Park Service will develop a conservation plan and decision-making framework for brook trout and cold-water streams across multiple parks in multiple regions. A hand holding a brown trout with a clear river in the background. Birch Family Natives of the National Capital Region Out of the 150 birch species found across the globe, 9 are native to the National Capital Region (NCR). Learn more about these birch species and what makes them unique. Tree trunk with horizontally textured bark with branches and leaves. Christmas berry (Photinia villosa) Learn about Christmas berry (Photinia villosa), an invasive shrub considered an early detection rapid response species in the greater Washington, DC region in 2024. Cluster of white flowers above green leaves Project Profile: Create a Comprehensive Flood-Risk Geospatial Layer for Historic Buildings, Structures, & Landscapes The National Park Service will produce a comprehensive GIS-based layer to address flood risk and scenario planning in the National Capital Region. Park Ranger turning a lock key to let water out of the Lift Lock. Freshwater Salinization: Saltier Rivers Are a Growing Concern Freshwater salinization is a growing threat to aquatic life in streams of the National Capital Region. Learn more about the factors influencing salinization and the actions parks can take to help reduce salt pollution. A person with a backpack and a water monitor walks across a stream away from the viewer. National Capital Region Conifers A comprehensive look at the conifers found in the National Capital Region (NCR). Learn more about where these species can be found and what makes each kind unique. A branch covered in pine needles with a single pinecone. Inventory & Monitoring Partnerships Aim to Improve Park Forest Health from Coast to Coast From coast to coast, the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division is helping park managers improve the health and function of forest ecosystems. From promoting resilient forests in the Northeast, to conserving whitebark pine in the West, to protecting Hawaiian forest birds from avian malaria, scientific partnerships are helping parks to share information, leverage funding sources, and work together for outcomes that extend beyond what any park could accomplish on its own. Four people, one in NPS uniform, stand in a forest. Three look upward through binoculars. Hidden in Plain Sight: Old Growth Remnant Grasslands During 2024 scouting for a large eastern grassland restoration project funded by IRA and BIL, several old growth remnant grasslands were identified in National Capital and Northeast Region parks that were previously unknown. These remnants preserve the genetic integrity of the original grassland flora of the eastern US and are true unexpected treasures that in some cases, were hidden in plain sight. a grassland landscape with distant trees Project Profile: Managing Resilient Eastern Forests The National Park Service will improve the ecological health of eastern forests in 38 parks using an array of management techniques. The NPS has selected forest ecosystems of high ecological and cultural value across multiple parks from Virginia to Maine that are at greatest risk of forest loss due to chronic and interacting stressors. Person gazes up at a tall tree Brook Trout on the Brink The National Park Service will develop a conservation plan and decision-making framework for brook trout and cold-water streams across multiple parks in multiple regions. The current status and future vulnerability of brook trout to climate change will be assessed through rapid and long-term monitoring. Park managers and experts in brook trout ecology and climate change will develop park specific management approaches. A man flyfishing on a stream with green foliage in the background. Catoctin Mountain Park's Conservation Efforts Inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps Live on Through the Youth Conservation Corps and Appalachian Conservation Corps To help our next generation of conservation stewards get involved in preservation, Catoctin Mountain Park has been creating youth opportunities and projects since the 1970s. Through youth programs, like the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and Conservation Legacy’s Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC), youth are restoring the cultural and natural resources of national parks and public lands. Springing Up — Dryad’s Saddle Dryad's saddle is a large and unique fungi species that can be found across the National Capital Region. Learn more about where they can be found and how to recognize them. A brown mushroom-shaped fungus emerges from a log and is surrounded by green leafy plants. Carolina or Black-Capped Chickadee? Sometimes It’s a Hard Call Chickadees are some of the most common birds in the National Capital Region. Both Carolina chickadees and black-capped chickadees can be found in NCR parks. Learn more about these birds and how they're sometimes hard to tell apart. A Carolina chickadee with a black head and white and gray body sits on a branch.