Prince William Forest

https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William_Forest_Park Prince William Forest Park was established as Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area in 1936 and is located in southeastern Prince William County, Virginia, adjacent to the Marine Corps Base Quantico. The park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.. Today, the park is a window into the past and serves as an example of what much of the East Coast once looked like centuries ago. Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm. In 1936, Chopawamsic Recreation Area opened its gates to house children's 'relief' camps during the Great Depression. Renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948, these fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers. Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret! From Washington, D.C. and points north: Take I-95 south to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). The park entrance is the second right. From Fredericksburg and points south: Take I-95 north to exit 150 (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp and continue on VA Route 619 West approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance. Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center The visitor center is half a mile from the park entrance. The visitor center has seasonal hours: mid March - beginning of November, open every day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and beginning of November - mid March, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm with closures on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (dates follow daylight savings time). The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. From Washington, D.C. and points north: Take I-95 south to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). Park entrance is the second right. From Fredericksburg and points south:Take I-95 north to exit 150 (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp. Continue on VA Route 619 West approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance. From Manassas, VA and points west: Take Route 234 east to I-95 south. Travel one exit to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). Park entrance is the second right. Cabin Camp 1 (By Reservation Only) Cabin Camp 1 was the first camp in the park completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. It sleeps 205 visitors. Its dining hall and craft lodges are some of the best examples of rustic architecture in the park. Stone foundations, fireplaces and whole log supports showcase the beautiful native materials used by the CCC. The sleeping cabins in this camp host 2 to 10 campers per unit and are newer construction (circa 1980s). Some cabins in the D unit are semi wheelchair accessible. Price Per Night 670.00 This is the price to rent out the entire Cabin Camp 1: its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Cabin Camp 1 Main Craft Lodge A stone and wood cabin sits among the woods Cabin Camp 1 Main Craft Lodge Cabin Camp 1 Infirmary A dark brown, rustic cabin sits among the woods Cabin Camp 1 Infirmary Cabin Camp 1 - D Loop A concrete sidewalk leads the way to five brown, wooden sleeper cabins Cabin Camp 1 - D Loop Cabin Camp 1 Council Ring Wooden benches surround a large fire pit in a circle Cabin Camp 1 Council Ring Cabin Camp 1 Dining Hall A dark brown wood building sits among the woods Cabin Camp 1 Dining Hall Cabin Camp 1 Map There are four units, or cabin loops - A through D. North of them is a firepit and a ballfield Cabin Camp 1 Map Cabin Camp 2 (By Reservation Only) Cabin Camp 2 first hosted campers in 1937. The camp sleeps 149 visitors and consists of approximately 132 acres. This camp mainly contains 4 person cabins, with a few 2 and 6 person cabins mixed in here and there. The units are clustered in a circular arrangement and contain 8 cabins, a bath house, and a lodge. Each unit is in a grassy clearing that is surrounded by dense forest. The large ballfield and lake access in Camp 2 are among the best in the park. Cabin Camp 2 was listed on the National Register o Price Per Night 630.00 This is the price to rent out the entire Cabin Camp 2: its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Cabin Camp 2 Sleeping Cabins A wooden, dark brown sleeping cabin sits in a field. Behind it are other cabins and trees. Cabin Camp 2 Sleeping Cabins Cabin Camp 2 Craft Lodge at B Loop A dark brown wooden cabin with a front porch and stone chimney is among green trees Cabin Camp 2 Craft Lodge at B Loop Cabin Camp 2 Ballfield A fence separates a ballfield from several wooden benches among a grassy field Cabin Camp 2 Ballfield Cabin Camp 2 Dining Hall A brown wooden building with a front porch sits among trees. A wayside is on the lawn in front of it Cabin Camp 2 Dining Hall Cabin Camp 2 Map A map shows the cabin camp split in four units, A through D, and a ball field Cabin Camp 2 Map Cabin Camp 3 (By Reservation Only) Individual cabin rentals and a small group site are available in Cabin Camp 3. This forested camp was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cabin Camp 3, C Unit is made for smaller groups. C Unit has a linear layout and sleeps 76 visitors. C Unit's 10-person cabins make it one of the best in the park for group outings. The beautiful brick fireplaces in the dining hall and craft lodges give this camp a unique character. Group Camp Per Night 475.00 This is the price to rent out the group part of Cabin Camp 3, including its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Four-Person Cabin Per Night 50.00 Individual cabin in Cabin Camp 3 that sleeps 4 people. Each cabin includes individual beds and mattresses, a picnic table and a cooking grill. Cabins have electric lights and ceiling fans, but do not have electrical outlets. Cabins are not equipped with kitchens or individual bathrooms. Please note that pets are not allowed in any cabin camp. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Six-Person Cabin Per Night 60.00 Individual cabin in Cabin Camp 3 that sleeps 6 people. Each cabin includes individual beds and mattresses, a picnic table and a cooking grill. Cabins have electric lights and ceiling fans, but do not have electrical outlets. Cabins are not equipped with kitchens or individual bathrooms. Please note that pets are not allowed in any cabin camp. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Ten-Person Cabin Per Night 70.00 Individual cabin in Cabin Camp 3 that sleeps 10 people. Each cabin includes individual beds and mattresses, a picnic table and a cooking grill. Cabins have electric lights and ceiling fans, but do not have electrical outlets. Cabins are not equipped with kitchens or individual bathrooms. Please note that pets are not allowed in any cabin camp. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Cabin Camp 3 Individual Craft Lodge A dark brown wooden building with a brick chimney stands among woods Cabin Camp 3 Individual Craft Lodge Cabin Camp 3 Individual Sleeper Cabins Several wooden sleeper cabins are dispersed in the woods with a gravel road between them Cabin Camp 3 Individual Sleeper Cabins Cabin Camp 3 Group Dining Hall A large brown wooden building is surrounded by tree. A picnic table sits on the lawn in front of it Cabin Camp 3 Group Dining Hall Cabin Camp 3 Group Sleeper Cabins Large brown wooden cabins are dispersed through the woods. A gravel road is between them Cabin Camp 3 Group Sleeper Cabins Cabin Camp Group Craft Lodge A dark brown wooden building with a small front porch is among green trees Cabin Camp Group Craft Lodge Cabin Camp 3 Group Site Map The C unit is north of the individual cabin rentals. Cabins are arranged in a line Cabin Camp 3 Group Site Map Cabin Camp 3 Individual Map Individual cabins are clustered in two units in the south side of camp. A playground is nearby. Cabin Camp 3 individual map Cabin Camp 4 (By Reservation Only) The 199 visitors who can sleep in this Cabin Camp 4 can enjoy the new roofs and windows that help ensure that these historic structures last for future generations. Cabin Camp 4 has mostly 10-person sleeping cabins. While this camp is the only one in the park without a fireplace in its dining hall, the theater building/gymnasium is the only one in the park. Price Per Night 650.00 This is the price to rent out all of Cabin Camp 4, including its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Cabin Camp 5 Staff Quarters A brown wooden building with a brick fireplace sits among trees Cabin Camp 5 Staff Quarters Cabin Camp 4 Dining Hall A wooden building with lots of windows sits among trees Cabin Camp 4 Dining Hall Cabin Camp 4 Theater and Gym A reddish brown wood building with its front door open sits among trees Cabin Camp 4 Theater and Gym Cabin Camp 4 Restrooms A dark brown wooden building with a green roof sits among trees Cabin Camp 4 Restrooms Cabin Camp 4 Sleeper Cabin A dark brown, rectangular wooden cabin sits among green trees with a grassy front lawn Cabin Camp 4 Sleeper Cabin Cabin Camp 4 Craft Lodge Interior A room with a wood floor and exposed wood rafters has a brick fireplace and benches around the edges Cabin Camp 4 Craft Lodge Interior Cabin Camp 4 Map Cabins are split into five units, A through E, with a play field in the center of them Cabin Camp 4 Map Cabin Camp 5 (By Reservation Only) Cabin Camp 5 was the last camp to be completed by the CCC and WPA. The camp offers the largest capacity (210 in summer, 104 in winter) due to the large dorm buildings and restrooms. This is also the only camp with heat, so this camp may be rented year-round. This is also the only camp to have an outdoor picnic pavilion located inside the camp. Cabin Camp 5 is set up in two units with cabins that sleeps 2 to 4 people and larger dorm buildings that sleep 24. Price Per Night (Summer) 790.00 This is the price to rent out the entire Cabin Camp 5; its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary, during the summer season. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Price Per Night (Winter) 670.00 This is the price to rent out the entire Cabin Camp 5; its cabins, dining hall & kitchen, craft lodges, fire pit, and infirmary, during the winter season. This cost does not include entrance fees, which are $20 per vehicle or covered by a park pass. Cabin Camp 5 Infirmary A dark brown wooden building with a ramp stands among trees with a grassy lawn Cabin Camp 5 Infirmary Cabin Camp 5 Sleeper Cabins Dark brown wooden cabins with orange roofs stand in a row. Tall green trees are behind them. Cabin Camp 5 Sleeper Cabins Cabin Camp 5 Dining Hall A dark brown building with an orange roof stands among trees and a grassy lawn. Cabin Camp 5 Dining Hall Cabin Camp 5 Outdoor Pavilion A wooden pavilion shelters several wooden picnic tables. Green trees surround the pavilion Cabin Camp 5 Outdoor Pavilion Cabin Camp 5 Map Cabins are split in two units - A and B. Between them is a fire ring and two ballfields. Cabin Camp 5 Map Chopawamsic Backcountry Area Chopawamsic Backcountry Area (tents only) is an 8-site, hike-in/hike-out, backcountry campground in a remote area of the park. No pets and no campfires are allowed in this area. Four campers per site only. Campers must pitch tents within 20 feet of the site marker. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Campers must pay the park entrance fee or possess a valid park pass. Vehicles must be parked in the gravel parking lot. Chopawamsic Backcountry Permit 0.00 A permit is required to gain admittance and can be obtained by visiting recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/259170 or calling 877-444-6777. While the backcountry permit is free of charge, a flat fee of $8 is charged for the reservation system if using the website and $9 if using the phone reservation system. Entrance to Chopawamsic a park sign marks the entrance to the backcountry area This is the entrance to Chopawamsic Backcountry Area Campsite #2 Marker a wooden post with the number 2 marks the entrance to a campsite A trailside marker notes the entrance to campsite #2 Chopawamsic Creek in the backcountry area A tree overhangs the Chopawamsic Creek in the backcountry area The Chopawamsic Creek lies off-trail in the backcountry area. Campsite #3 Wooden post marked with number 3 in a flat dirt area in the middle of a green forest Campsite 3 camping area Oak Ridge Campground Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site campground with bathrooms, grills and picnic tables, and drive-up campsites. Leashed pets are welcome. Both tents and RVs are welcome, though there are no hook-ups for RVs and maximum RV length is 32". Reservations are required for all campsites. Make a reservation on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The campground is closed for the winter on December 1 and re-opens on March 3. Campsite Fee 26.00 Fee per campsite. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, a lantern hook, and space to park at least one automobile. Senior/Access Interagency Pass Fee 13.00 Fee per campsite. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, a lantern hook, and space to park at least one automobile. Oak Ridge Campground Map Graphic map of Oak Ridge Camp Ground. Map of Oak Ridge Campground Campsite in C Loop Post marking campsite C26 with a picnic table in the background in a fall forest Oak Ridge in Fall Oak Ridge Campsite Large red and silver tent and blue pop-up pavilion over a picnic table in a campsite in the forest Campers in Oak Ridge Prince William Forest RV Campground The Prince William Forest Park RV Campground is a concessionaire-operated campground with full hook-ups. The campground boasts pull through sites, a pool and laundry facility. It is Virginia's closest RV camping to Washington, D.C. There are several tents-only sites. Open year-round. It is currently closed due to infrastructure repair work and will hopefully re-open in June 2023. Full Hookup, 50 amp 65.00 Daily fee Full Hookup, 30 amp 55.00 Daily fee Electric and Water, 30 amp 42.00 Electric & Water rates are for up to 4 people. For additional people 6 years and up, add $5.00. Dump Station (non-guest) 20.00 Non-guest fee. Site Guarantee 10.00 Site Guarantee RV Campground A park sign that reads 'Prince William Forest RV Campground' with NPS arrowhead. The Prince William Forest RV campground offers camping areas and amenities for RV campers. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground (tents only) is designed for groups of people. Families and individuals are encouraged to use Oak Ridge Campground instead. Turkey Run is a 9-site campground with restrooms (no showers), grated fire pits, and picnic tables. Three sites hold a maximum of 40 people. Six sites hold a maximum of 25 people. Parking is available. Alcohol is prohibited at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground. You can reserve your spot at on www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. $65 Fee for 25-person Campsite 65.00 Each campground fee is per site, per night. The Interagency Senior/Access Pass does NOT discount camping fees at Turkey Run Group Campground. The 25-person capacity campsites are A, B, D, G, H, and I. Campers must also purchase an entrance fee per vehicle unless they already possess a valid park pass. $80 Fee for 40-person campsite 80.00 Each campground fee is per site, per night. The Interagency Senior/Access Pass does NOT discount camping fees at Turkey Run Group Campground. Campers must also purchase an entrance fee per vehicle unless they already possess a valid park pass. These sites hold a maximum of 40 people and include C, E, and F. No pets, no alcohol, no RVs allowed. No electric is available. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground Brown picnic tables and a fire ring are surrounded by green trees Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground Site F Wooden Post reading F with scatted picnic tables and fire ring on bare ground under green trees Site F in Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground Campers at Turkey Run in the Winter Yellow tents camping in a winter forest with many leaves coving the ground Campers at Turkey Run Carter Pond Carter Pond on a sunny day in summer Carter Pond is a great place to fish. Farms to Forest Trail Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns The Farms to Forest Trail is a favorite among visitors. Mountain Laurel Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I. Mountain Laurel can be spotted throughout the park. Fall Foliage A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park. Near Parking Lot H Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors Tree on South Valley Trail Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them Tuliptrees are a mid-secession tree in the forest. Historic Park Sign for Chopawamsic RDA An original 1930's sign for Chopawamsic National Recreational Demonstration Area A sign on Joplin Road marks the park entrance in the mid-1930s. 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. 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. NPS Structural Fire Program Highlights 2014 Intern Accomplishments 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. Burning for learning - New wildland firefighters train in Prince William Forest Park New trainees learn about wildland fire at Prince William Forest Park Three wildland fire trainees in front of a fire engine 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. Sustainability in Action: Reducing Prince William Forest Park's Carbon Footprint NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Prince William Forest Park, Virginia 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. historic cabin camp site Field School at Prince William Forest Park: Documenting Cabin Camps Starting in summer of 2018, University of Mary Washington and NPS partnered for a field school at Prince William Forest Park. Students gained hands-on experience while helping to document two cultural landscapes, Cabin Camp 4 and Cabin Camp 2. The cabin camps were developed in the 1930s as part of the Recreational Demonstration Area program. This documentation will be used to complete CLI reports for the two camps, and the methods helped shape subsequent field schools. Two field school participants look at a drawing board as they document a forested landscape. 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 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. Field Notes: Archeology at Prince William Forest Park Why do we need archeologists in the National Park Service? Learn what a day's work looks like for archeologists helping to preserve ancient history at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, VA. A hand holding a stone tool 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 Transforming Prince William Forest Park into Military Camps In 1942, the hilly, forested lands of Prince William Forest Park near Quantico, Virginia, became the site of training camps for the OSS Special Operations and the Communications Branches. 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. 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. 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. 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. Freshwater Sponges Freshwater sponges are found in lakes and streams growing on firm substrates like rocks and branches. They feed by filtering small particles from the water. Though little is known about these sponges in the Mid-Atlantic, they are usually a sign of good water quality. A freshwater sponges attached to a streambed rock. 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. Cabin Camp 1 Cultural Landscape Cabin Camp 1(CC1) is an approximately 13 acre planned organized camp site near the northwest border of Prince William Forest Park (PRWI) which is located nearly 35 miles south of Washington, D.C. in Prince William County near Triangle, Virginia. A rustic cabin of stone and wood paneling at Cabin Camp 1 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: 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 Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Paleozoic Era During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era. fossil corals in a rock matrix Ordovician Period—485.4 to 443.8 MYA Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, along with the Blue Ridge Parkway that connects them, pass through rocks from the core of the Appalachian Mountains. The mountains began forming during the Ordovician and eventually attained elevations similar to those of the Himalayas. rock with fossil brachiopod shells Paleozoic Era During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era. fossil corals in a rock matrix 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 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 Park Recreation and Climate Change Recreation in the National Parks will be negatively affected by climate change. Here's how parks in the National Capital Area are adapting. Three children sit next to a lake and fish Prescribed fire in the national capital area Learn how the National Park Service uses prescribed fire in the National Capital Area. 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 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. 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 Audrey Calhoun The first Black woman in the United States to graduate with a degree in forestry, Audrey Calhoun committed to a career in national parks. Audrey Calhoun poses in her Park Service uniform. The Residents of the Poor House The Prince William County Poor House was created in 1794 after the disestablishment of the Anglican church in the 1780s. On June 4, 1793, construction began on “a framed house Sixteen Feet Square with a Stone or Brick Chimney weather Boarded & Covered with Shingles and as many Logged Cabins as they may Judge Sufficient for the present.” Archeology provides another lens through which to view the Poor House’s brutal legacy. Harmonica reed 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 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 Prince William Amphibian Monitoring 2023 Prince William is hopping! Learn what recent amphibian monitoring data shows us about amphibian populations in the park! American toad (Bufo americanus) 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. Equality in the National Capital Area During the Revolution and War of 1812 The nation's pledge to liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness is challenged by its legacy of enslavement and the empty promises offered to African Americans during their service in both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. This timeline gives you a listing of events in the national capital area. A burning navy yard during the burning of Washington, War of 1812 Abolitionism and Freedom in the National Capital Area This timeline follows events revolving around civil rights in the National Capital Area and related people, places, parks and more. An Illustration of Arlington House 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. Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface 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. African Americans and the Great Outdoors There is the prevailing misconception that African Americans do not participate in outdoor recreation; however, this misconception is far from reality. While racially exclusionary practices attempted to impose limits on African American participation in outdoor recreation, African Americans participated in opportunities offered by the larger society and also carved out spaces of their own. African American Girl Scouts setting up tents for a day trip at Paradise Park Segregation in Virginia's National Parks, 1916 - 1965 A look at National Park Service (NPS) segregation policy and how it was applied at six national parks in Virginia before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, at Prince William Forest Park, Shenandoah National Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial National Historical Park, and George Washington Birthplace National Monument. A group of Black boys sit around a campfire in front of a large wooden cabin. 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 Fire and the Future of the Forests at Prince William Forest Park Fire, and the suppression of fire, has altered the composition of the forest at Prince William Forest Park. Ecologists with the Inventory and Monitoring Program analyzed forest monitoring data from 2006 to 2017 to quantify these changes and to provide a glimpse into the potential future of Prince William's forest. Orange flames spread across the leaf litter in a smoky forest 2022 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients View recipients of the National Park Service Freeman Tilden Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the practice of interpretation and education by NPS employees. Two women work with a tree while a young man records audio. 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 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 Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area - Cabin Camp 1 Virtual Visit The group cabin camping facilities at Camp 1 were built by the National Park Service with Civilian Conservation Corps labor as part of the development of Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area (RDA) in 1935-38. The RDA program was a New Deal initiative. It repurposed underutilized agricultural land near urban centers into outdoor recreational areas. Explore Cabin Camp 1’s dining hall via HDP’s animation and archival HABS documentation. Measured drawing of cabin dining hall floor plan Series: A Timeline of Resistance: The Perseverance of African Americans from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Era The story of African American’s fight for equality did not begin or end with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In the National Capital Area, dedicated activism and self-determination has been documented since the Revolutionary War through the present day. This series consists of six articles that outline distinct timelines of resistance and activism in the fight for freedom. A young African American girl gazes at the camera holding a banner for the March on Washington 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. 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 2023 Excellence in Volunteerism Awards The National Park Service congratulates the regional recipients of the 2023 Excellence in Volunteerism Awards. These nominees embody the values of service, engagement, and stewardship fundamental to our national parks. The volunteer-in-parks logo 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. 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. The Racial Integrity Act, 1924: An Attack on Indigenous Identity The Racial Integrity Act of 1924 banned interracial marriage in Virginia. It also required Virginians to register their race as either "white" or "colored." One of the many consequences of this discriminatory policy was the erasure of the Indigenous identity from public records. To this day, Indigenous people in Virgnia have difficulty tracing their lineage due to this century-old policy. Walter Plecker sits in an office at a desk covered in files. 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. 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. Project Profile: Manage Overbrowsing to Promote Climate-Resilient Tree Species Regeneration in Northeastern Forests The National Park Service will protect forests by removing invasives, managing deer populations, and restoring key areas with a focus on making the forests more resilient to climate change. A white-tailed deer with antlers feeding on vegetation. 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. 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.