National Capital Parks-East

https://www.nps.gov/nace/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Capital_Parks-East National Capital Parks-East is an administrative grouping of a number of National Park Service sites generally east of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., but also nearby in Maryland. Welcome to National Capital Parks-East. We invite you to journey to the parks east of the Capitol of Washington, D.C. National Capital Parks-East consists of 14 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs. DC295 South to the Exit for I-694/I-395/Capitol Hill then a left Exit 4B to 11th St SE/MLK Jr Ave. Turn Left at light onto 11st/MLK JR. ** I-295 North to Exit 4B to 11th St SE/MLK Jr Ave. Turn Right at the light. ** From downtown DC: I-395 to I-695/SW Freeway, take Exit 1C 11th St SE. Turn Right onto 11th St ** ** At the light turn Right onto Good Hope Road. At the Stop Sign turn Left. Turn Left at the next road way. Oxon Cove Park The red barns and outbuildings at Oxon Hill Farm The Barnyard at Oxon Hill Farm Mary McLeod Bethune National Historic Site Photo of the outside of the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in Washington D.C. Baltimore-Washington Parkway Cars driving on the Baltimore0Washington Parkway Baltimore-Washington Parkway is managed by National Capital Park-East Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Image of a three red and white water lilies. Water lilies that can be found at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Photo of Cedar Hill, home of Frederick Douglass Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass' Washington D.C. home. Greenbelt Park Image of Still Creek running through the trees at Greenbelt Park. Still Creek at Greenbelt Park Fort Dupont Hundreds of audience member watching the Summer Theater program at Fort Dupont. Summer Theater is an annual event at Fort Dupont Park. Anacostia Park A photo of the Urban Tree House. The tree house is a wooden outline of the United States. The tree house is a wooden outline of the United States. Used as an outdoor classroom. Fort Washington Park Photo of the parade ground inside the historic fort. Fort Washington's parade ground facing the main entrance. Piscataway Park Photo of Accokeek Creek Site, as the fog rises in the early morning. Accokeek Creek Site is a part of Piscataway Park. The boardwalk takes you over the wetlands. 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 African Americans and the Civil War Forts of DC The 28th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops was one of the troops attached to the Defenses of Washington. This regiment of infantry was established on November 30, 1863 by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton. Reverend Willis Revels of the African American Episcopal Church was the chief recruiting officer. The recruits trained for three months and on April 25 1863, six companies of the 28th left Indianapolis for Washington, D.C. where they were attached to the capital’s defenses. african american civil war soldiers stand in front of white building Native Peoples of Washington, DC The village of Nacotchtank (from which the name Anacostia is derived) was the largest of the three American Indian villages located in the Washington area and is believed to have been a major trading center. three native americans seated, black and white photo 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. Eagles Have Peaceful Easy Feeling Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting on national park and associated lands in the Chesapeake Bay are doing well. A recent study shows their numbers, once crippled by the effects of the insecticide DDT and other pollutants, are now growing. And juvenile eagles screened for pollutants generally showed low and undetectable exposure levels. A fluffy black eaglet sit on a towel in the sun 2011 Recipients: George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service Meet the six winner of the 2011 Hartzog Awards, which celebrates the amazing contributions of volunteers to our national parks. Youth volunteer 2018 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients In 2018, six talented National Park Service employees were awarded the Freeman Tilden Award for their amazing and innovative interpretive programs. Ranger in a canyon with a typewriter on a table 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 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. The Marvel of Big Guns at Fort Foote The sheer immensity of the two Rodman guns at Fort Foote made them objects of curiosity. Visitors frequently come to see them. Close-up view of a Rodman Cannon at Fort Foote 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 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 Links to the Past In the summer of 2016 the National Park Service began a study on the history and design of the National Park Service golf courses at East Potomac Park, Rock Creek Park, and Langston. The study will provides historical information and will be used as a planning tool for the ongoing management and public use of these golf courses. A man instructs boys in golf 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. The Paleontological Resources of National Capital Parks East National Capital Parks-East (NACE) was established in 1965. NACE consists of about includes about 15 parks and sites between Washington DC and parts of Maryland. The parks range from natural resource parks, to historical sites, to recreational areas. About half of the parks at NACE are known to have fossil resources and fossils in the museum collection. piece of small brown stone with a honey-comb pattern 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. 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 Summer 1814: American troops flee in humiliation, leaving Washington exposed In the hot, humid summer of 1814, British troops advanced on Washington, DC. Their only obstacle was American troops guarding the heights at Bladensburg, Maryland, ten miles outside the capital. After a brief battle, the Americans took flight in their most humiliating defeat of the war, and British troops captured Washington. British troops watch in foreground as city of Washington burns in background 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. Suffrage in 60 Seconds: African American Women and the Vote African American women often found themselves marginalized by both Black men and white women in the fight for equality. How did they ensure that their voices were heard? Ranger Titus has the story. Photo collage of several African American suffragists. Suffrage in 60 Seconds logo 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. Explore DC’s national parks with a new, free app Navigate to popular destinations, get up-to-date information and discover lesser-known parks. With nearly 800 points of interest, the app includes the National Mall, President's Park, Rock Creek Park, Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Wolf Trap, Arlington House, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Frederick Douglass NHS, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, Carter G. Woodson NHS, and hundreds more. National Park Service logo with Washington Monument and other memorials. 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. Folger Park Cultural Landscape Folger Park is a two-acre park located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. First developed in the 1880s under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the original design was symmetrical but picturesque, with curving gravel walks and dense plantings. In 1936, the park was redesigned with funding from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. Low plants grow in a planter in the central plaza of Folger Park in 1964. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Cultural Landscape Civil War veteran and U.S. Treasury clerk Walter B. Shaw bought this property in 1879 with his wife. He soon began adapting a nearby pond for use in growing a few water lilies he had brought from his New England home. Before long, his hobby had expanded into a business enterprise as he continued to expand his collection through travel and experimentation. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only NPS site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. Two young girls in white dresses row a boat through a pond, the surface covered with water lilies. Lincoln Park Cultural Landscape Lincoln Park is significant as part of the L’Enfant Plan for Washington, D.C., as a prominent African American cultural site, and as a neighborhood park that functions as a community gathering place. As it exists today, the park is mostly the result of National Park Service work conducted in 1934 and 1969-1971. The park’s major features are its two memorials, which illustrate themes of African American freedom and progress. The Emancipation Monument shows a statue of Lincoln and a freed slave atop a pedestal. 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. Beautification: A Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson As a champion of conservation efforts and environmental causes, Lady Bird Johnson initiated the Beautification Project to improve the quality of life for residents of Washington, D.C. through the renewal and improvement of public spaces. The environmental and aesthetic improvements of Beautification included tree-lined avenues, floral displays, design guidelines, improvements to pedestrian circulation, renovation of historic buildings, and litter clean up. A man in a tie and a woman in a yellow dress sit between an expanse of daffodils and a wide river National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map 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 NPS Geodiversity Atlas—National Capital Parks-East, District of Colombia 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. [Site Under Development] farm fence and barn Series: Suffrage in Sixty Seconds When was the last time you voted? For the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution enfranchising women, park rangers at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument created these one-minute videos that highlight suffrage subjects and the heroes who made woman suffrage a reality—including those women who continued the fight for full enfranchisement beyond 1920. Alice Paul raises glass above ratification banner Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring 2018 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology News</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> a piece of rock with small reddish shells embedded in it with black and white rule in foreground Stanton Park Cultural Landscape Stanton Park (Reservation 15) is located in NE Washington, D.C. The reservation was created as part of the implementation of the L'Enfant Plan for the City of Washington and has been a public park since the first improvements were made in the 1870s. The plan for the park included a monument to Nathanael Greene, a network of pathways and landscaping, and notable views to and from the square. (Black and white) aerial view of Stanton Park, looking northwest 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 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 National Capital Area Natural History Collections - Animals NPS collections include vertebrate and invertebrate specimens such as mammals, birds, mollusks, crustaceans, insects and arachnids, and reptiles and amphibians. Collections may contain preserved specimens (either dried or stored in aqueous preservative solutions), images of specimens, study taxidermy skins, skeletal components, or associated items such as eggs or nests. Bee on lotus flower Dugongs and Megalodon Sharks in the National Capital Area Unexpected finds in the National Capital Area provide clues to species distribution during different points in geologic history. A fossilized dugong rib bone found during construction of the Suitland Parkway indicates that these marine mammals, only found in Indo-Pacific oceans today, were present in an ancient ocean once covering this region 54-5 million years ago (MYA). Shark tooth National Capital Area Natural History - Biology Biological collections include plants, fungi, insects and arachnids, reptiles and amphibians, fish, birds, mammals, and other invertebrates. These may include ‘type’ specimens which are used to formally represent new species. When researchers make observations about the park environment, they often collect voucher specimens to verify their observations. If these specimens are not consumed in analysis, they become part of the park’s collection. bee on lotus flower National Capital Area Natural History - Paleontology Paleontology specimens are fossils of formerly living plants, animals, or naturally occurring tracks, impressions, and casts. They cover the entire span of geologic time and represent all kingdoms of life. Fossils dating back to the Paleozoic era (543 million years ago) represent the first signs of life on earth in the Nation’s Capital. Bee on lotus flower National Capital Area Natural History - Plants Herbaria are repositories for vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, and fungi. Plant specimens include a wide variety of native and non-native species. Specimens are used as references for comparisons and identifications, documenting species distribution and variation within species, and identifying fruiting and flowering times. Bee on lotus flower National Capital Area Natural History - Geology Geological specimens include rocks, minerals, surface process samples, and soils. These specimens document the presence of geological materials, their mineral composition, structure and texture, and the processes that created them. Bee on lotus flower Dr. Madison Spencer Briscoe, Storer College, and Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park Founded in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia on October 2, 1867, Storer College was a school for freedmen after the Civil War. In its 90 years of existence, the school evolved, serving primary and secondary school students as well as college students. It was one of the first degree-granting four-year colleges that trained African American teachers during Reconstruction. Over 7,000 students attended Storer College. Old drawing of Storer College Campus Helen Shaw Fowler and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Civil war veteran Walter B. Shaw and his wife Luciana Miller purchased what is now known as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in 1879. Shaw was a gardener with a special interest in aquatic gardening. Cultivating the same passion in their daughter Helen, they developed a successful business raising and selling water lily and lotus varieties. Helen Shaw Fowler Maryland Mining Company Canals constructed along the Potomac River, including the waterways of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Patowmack Canal, were lifelines for people living along the Potomac River from 1831-1924. Locks controlling water flow allowed the efficient transport of coal and other materials to and from these communities. Lands surrounding these areas are also rich in natural resources, triggering the start of commercial gold mining operations in Montgomery County in 1865. Stone bridge over river Cherry Trees on the National Mall Millions enjoy the Japanese cherry blossom trees of Washington D.C. when they bloom in spectacular fashion every spring along West and East Potomac parks. The significance of these trees extends far beyond their ethereal appearance. Cherry trees along the Tidal Basin with Japanese Lantern placed in the park in 1954 National Capital Area Parks There are 86 National Park Service units, including memorials, in Region 1- National Capital Area. Bee on Lotus National Capital Area Natural History Collections Region 1- National Capital Area of the National Park Service includes a rich cultural and natural history. Parks in urbanized and fast-growing areas of the Mid-Atlantic cover Washington D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many sites include a diverse array of forests, mountains, and estuaries which support high levels of biodiversity in a narrow geographic range. Bee on lotus flower Natural History in the National Capital Area Region 1- National Capital Area of the National Park Service includes a rich cultural and natural history. Parks in urbanized and fast-growing areas of the Mid-Atlantic cover Washington D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many sites include a diverse array of forests, mountains, and estuaries which support high levels of biodiversity in a narrow geographic range. Bee on lotus flower Series: Natural History in the National Capital Area Region 1- National Capital Area of the National Park Service includes a rich cultural and natural history. Parks in urbanized and fast-growing areas of the Mid-Atlantic cover Washington D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many sites include a diverse array of forests, mountains, and estuaries which support high levels of biodiversity in a narrow geographic range. Bee on lotus flower National Capital Area Natural History - Image Gallery Image gallery for National Capital Area National History Exhibit Bee on lotus flower 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 National Capital Region PRISM and Invasive Species Since invasive species don’t recognize park boundaries, we need to work together with our partners, neighbors, and other federal and state entities to manage across borders. We can’t do it alone! a hand holds a rosette of green leaves over the water Ten Tips for Visiting Fort Washington Park Follow these tips to make your visit to Fort Washington Park memorable. The grassy fort in front of a river Ten Tips for Visiting Piscataway Park Make the most of your visit to Piscataway Park with these ten tips. A river at sunset Ten Tips for Visiting Oxon Cove Park Planning a visit to Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm? Follow these ten tips for a fantastic farm day! A brown and white cow in a field Sea Level Rise in the DC Area Learn about current and projected rates of sea level rise in the greater DC area, based on local water level data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) A tall white cylinder attached to a wooden pier with Hains Point in the background. 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 Hazardous Fuel Reduction Treatments in the National Capital Area Protects Structures In 2021, wildland fire staff throughout Interior Region (IR) 1 and the National Capital Area continued safeguarding National Park Service (NPS)-owned structures by reducing brush and trees adjacent to them. These efforts adhere to the Wildland Fire Risk Assessment Project, a bureau-wide effort focused on creating and maintaining defensible space around NPS-owned infrastructure. Mastication of fuels surrounding the historic township of Walpack PA Overview of the Urban Forests The eight urban forests measured in the Urban Ecology i-Tree analyses are diverse. The following articles explore just a few of the common ecological benefits the urban trees in these parks provide to the parks and the surrounding areas. Overview of the Urban Forests icon of tree silhouettes. Icon put over photo of Prince William Forest Other Benefits of Urban Forests Other benefits of urban forests include: Trees and Building Energy Use and Oxygen Production. Trees affect energy consumption by shading buildings, providing evaporative cooling, and blocking winter winds. Oxygen production is one of the most commonly cited benefits of urban trees. Other Tree Benefits icon of house with a tree besides it. Icon put over photo of cherry blossoms Structural Values of Urban Forests A tree’s structural value can be thought of as the cost of having to replace a tree with a similar tree. It can be calculated with factors like the tree trunk area and the tree’s health condition. Various insects and diseases can infest urban forests, potentially killing trees and reducing the health, structural value and sustainability of the urban forest. Structural Values of Trees icon of tree on field. Icon put over photo of snow covered trees. Avoided Runoff and Urban Forests Surface runoff, particularly from storms, can be a cause for concern in many urban areas because the large amounts of paved surfaces will increase the amount of water that cannot soak into the ground. These large volumes of stormwater runoff can carry surface impurities into streams, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and oceans, contributing pollution, garbage, and excessive nutrients into aquatic ecosystems. Urban forests, however, are beneficial in reducing surface runoff. Avoided Runoff icon of rain over a tree branch. Icon put over raindrops on red fall leaves Carbon Storage by Urban Forests Climate change is an issue of global concern. Urban trees can help mitigate climate change by storing carbon in tree tissue and sequestering atmospheric carbon from the key greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon Storage & Sequestration icon of CO2 going into a tree. Icon put over photo tree trunk. Air Pollution Removal by Urban Forests Poor air quality is a common problem in many urban areas. It can lead to decreased human health, damage to landscape materials and ecosystem processes, and spoiled scenic views due to reduced visibility. The National Park Service monitors and assesses air quality in park units. The trees in NPS’s urban forests contribute to improved air quality. Air Pollution Removal Icon of green lungs. Icon put over photo of tree canopy gap. 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 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 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 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 Ranger Roll Call, 1940-1949 Only a small number of women held temporary ranger positions in national parks during World War II. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, national monuments in the Southwest, and historical sites in the East continued to employ more women. Although a few women veterans benefitted from post-war veteran hiring programs, most veterans were men and permanent positions became even more difficult for women to get. Catherine Byrnes and Barbara Dickinson stand outside modeling the NPS uniform. Ranger Roll Call, 1950-1959 In the 1950s, women in uniform continue to work as guides, historians, and archeologists. Few women had permanent positions. A handful of women began to get seasonal ranger-naturalists positions at large national parks for the first time in two decades. Ann Livesay in her NPS uniform standing in front of a low wall at the edge of the Grand Canyon. An Urban Biodiversity Refuge Yields Four Beetle Species New to Science Inside the Washington Beltway lies a portion of the Potomac Gorge, a haven for thousands of animals and plants. Some are yet to be described. A field of bright green plants with bell-shaped purple flowers. 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 NCP East Amphibian Monitoring 2023 National Capital Parks - East is hopping! Learn what recent amphibian monitoring data shows us about amphibian populations in the park! American toad (Bufo americanus) Valerie Fernandes Valerie Fernandes joined the National Park Service (NPS) in hopes of leaving behind paperwork and “doing something different every day.” She went on to break down barriers for women in the NPS, serving as the one of the first woman horse-mounted officers and becoming the first woman US Park Police lieutenant and captain. Valerie Fernandes in Park Police uniform and cowboy hat. A Long-Awaited Asset Although the United States Park Police (USPP) traces its roots back to the force established by President George Washington in 1791, it didn’t become part of the National Park Service (NPS) until 1933. USPP began to recognize the value and competence of women in the early 1940s. Although few were hired in limited roles and they didn’t wear police uniforms, these women officers had more success at establishing long careers and rising within the ranks than women park rangers. Black and white portrait of Lydia Barton Michos. Jane P. Marshall Jane P. Marshall began working for the National Park Service (NPS) as a "kiosk kutie" on the National Mall in the late 1960s. At the persistent urging of a couple of patrolmen, she joined the US Park Police (USPP) in 1973. Two years later she became the first USPP policewoman to be shot in the line of duty. Although her recovery was long and she suffered permanent injuries, she returned to work. She enjoyed a long career, becoming the second woman lieutenant in USPP history. Jane P. Marshall wearing her US Park Police uniform. Janice A. Rzepecki Janice A. Rzepecki became a US Park Police (USPP) officer on Christmas Eve 1972. She was the third woman hired in the early 1970s to wear the USPP uniform. Over the next eight to 10 years, she conducted foot patrols, undercover work, criminal investigations, and clerical duties in the Washington, DC area. Janice Rzepecki in her US Park Police uniform and cap. 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. Measuring Up Only a handful of US Park Police (USPP) officers from the 1940s through 1970 were women. In 1972, however, two events opened the door to change. Thirty years after the first policewomen were hired, women officers were uniformed, making them publicly visible for the first time. In addition, a legal challenge to USPP’s minimum height and weight standards for women brought at least the promise of more opportunities for policewomen. Paulette Dabbs in her Park Police uniform shirt, cross tie, and hat. Tipping the Scales The 1970s saw the expansion of US Park Police (USPP) units, responsibilities, and force size. Equal employment opportunities resulted in more women and minority officers joining the rapidly evolving organization. Although policewomen were still a small percentage of the force, their numbers began to increase in the mid-1970s. They weren’t always accepted by their fellow officers, however, and many faced discrimination and hostile work environments. US Park Police officers, including seven women, pose in their uniforms for their class photo. 2021 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service On behalf of the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate, we are pleased to congratulate the national recipients of the 2021 George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Through their extraordinary work and dedication, these volunteers have made an exceptional contribution to their parks and communities. Digital painting with white text invitation to join the Hartzog Awards. 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. Annie Simons Annie Simons was encouraged to join the US Park Police (USPP) by a male officer in 1974. Not all men were as welcoming, however. Simons found the the men didn't want women as their partners, there was a constant need to prove yourself, and even supervisors were unsupportive. Annie Simons seated wearing her Park Police uniform Raquel Manso Raquel Manso was the second Latina officer hired by US Park Police (USPP). She was the only woman in her 1977 police training class. She experienced discrimination and harassment but it didn't stop her from having a long, varied career. During her 23 years with USPP, Sergeant Manso worked on task forces and international special assignments that supported broader law enforcement goals and gave her the chance to travel and experience different cultures. Raquel Manso smiling in her US Park Police uniform with badge. 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. 50 Nifty Finds #16: Uniformity and Diversity A National Park Service (NPS) uniform weaves together the unique story of the person who wore it and the NPS mission. Sometimes the uniforms and their stories also reflect a larger history for the NPS and American society. That’s the case for the uniforms worn by Robert G. Stanton who began his career during the civil rights era and went on to become the first African American director of the NPS. Green NPS uniform coat, shirt, and tie on a mannequin. 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. Long-Term Monitoring Reveals Challenges and Resilience at Kenilworth Marsh and Kingman Lake Faced with threats like sea level rise and erosion, the freshwater tidal wetlands at Kenilworth Marsh and Kingman Lake may have challenges ahead. Scientists with the Inventory and Monitoring Program collected and analyzed marsh elevation data to determine how the ecosystems are weathering these changes. Four technicians wearing hip waders stand in the glistening mud of Kenilworth Marsh. Podcast 020: Digital Preservation of Documents at the Library of Congress Jeff Guin speaks with Kit Arrington, digital library specialist at the Library of Congress. They will discuss how the Library of Congress digitizes and shares documents online for long-term public access. Kit Arrington, digital library specialist at the Library of Congress. Photo by Cyndi A. Wood Subsistence Fishing on the Potomac and Anacostia Subsistence fishing (where fishers keep what they catch) is an important use of parks in the greater Washington, DC area. Learn more about who these subsistence fishers are, what they're catching, and their motivations. Information presented comes from "Ethnographic Resource Study Subsistence Fishing on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers" (2020). Color photo of a man holding a catfish, still attached to the hook, that he has just reeled in. National Park Service Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Fort Washington Marina The NPS is seeking an operator that will continue to attract an array of boating and recreation visitors and serve the surrounding community. Potential operators are invited to submit their proposals through September 5, 2023. A wooden deck extends into the distance next to a multistory marina building up a flight of stairs. 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 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 Seep Shrimp Learn about the tiny creatures that live in our forest's seeps. three researchers in high-vis yellow gear search for shrimp in a snowy forest 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. 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. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System 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. 50 Nifty Finds #49: Happy Little Trees Historically National Park Service (NPS) landscape architects were the artists of the NPS. Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s the NPS began hiring some of the best graphic design and advertising firms in the country to create or update logos and symbols. How is it, then, that Robert C. Osborn—a cartoonist, caricaturist, and satiric commentator known for his “images of bloated power, violence, and death”—came to draw one of the National Park Service’s most feel-good symbols? Bushy green tree with a smile and upraised arms under 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. Freedmen's Schools in Oxon Hill Learn about schools for black children in Oxon Hill, Maryland after the Civil War. historic illustration of black children reading in a schoolroom 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: Implement Landscape-Scale Restoration of Eastern Grasslands to Improve Ecosystem Health The National Park Service will restore up to 4,000 acres of agricultural fields and degraded lands across 35 parks in 14 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.