Saratoga

https://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saratoga_National_Historical_Park Saratoga National Historical Park is located in the Town of Stillwater in eastern New York, forty miles (64 km) north of Albany. The park preserves the site of the Battles of Saratoga. In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surrendered his entire force. This first ever surrender of a British Army is one of the pivotal moments in determining the outcome of the Revolutionary War, forever changing the future of the world. Saratoga National Historical Park is located between U.S. Route 4 and N.Y. Route 32, about 4 miles north of the Village of Stillwater, N.Y. The park is roughly 40 miles north of Albany, N.Y. and 14 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. More detailed directions, and downloadable maps, are available on our website. Visitor Center This is the park's central Visitor Center, located in the northwest corner of Saratoga Battlefield. It offers restrooms, a 20-minute visitor orientation film, 15-minute fiber-optic battlefield map, exhibits, the park's Eastern National museum store, and park maps and brochures. The Visitor Center is located at the northwest corner of Saratoga Battlefield, which itself is located between U.S. Route 4 and N.Y. Route 32, about 4 miles north of the Village of Stillwater. Several roads and turns are required to get here; for detailed information, please check our website. Battlefield Visitor Center A building shaped slightly like two low, adjoining mushrooms sits on a lush green lawn. Our Visitor Center boasts a scenic view overlooking part of the Battlefield. John Neilson House A small, red farmhouse sits beside a red cannon and a few green trees. Neilson House was a mid-level American headquarters in the Battles of Saratoga. Philip Schuyler House A narrow, winding path leads through some trees to a 2-story yellow house. Schuyler House was the country estate of American General Philip Schuyler. Saratoga Monument A narrow, stone obelisk on top of a green hill reaches into a partly cloudy sky. This 19th-century obelisk commemorates America's victory in the Battles of Saratoga. Victory Woods An informational sign sits beside a wooden walkway winding amid early autumn trees. A half-mile path through Victory Woods tells of this last British camp following the Battles of Saratoga. NETN Species Spotlight - Your Flowers, Shrubs, and Plants Native species - birds, insects, plants, etc - need our help. When planning your yard layout, consider adding some valuable native plants to the mix. Red maple flowers NETN Species Spotlight - Wild Turkey Wild Turkeys are one of the most iconic species in America. They have a long, and as it turns out, mythic history. Wild Tom Turkey. Wayne Dumbleton. NETN Species Spotlight - Hermit Thrush The Hermit Thrush's ethereal song is a mainstay of summers in the Northeastern U.S. But climate change could mean its song will only be heard north of the border if warming continues unabated. A Hermit Thrush perches on the forest floor. Burgoyne's Campaign: June-October 1777 A plan to divide the Colonies was put into action by the British in 1777. The results of the "Campaign of 1777" went on to change the course of the conflict and helped the fledgling United States to a larger victory. Surrender of General Burgoyne by John Trumbull, 1822. National Park Forests - More Than a Pretty Picture A study led by NETN shows that eastern National Park forests hold greater complexity and ecosystem function that the surrounding forest. A forest tech measures the size of a tree. Species Spotlight - Red Crossbill The Red Crossbillis one of the most unique and specialized birds of North America. Learn about their traits and habits, and how you may encounter a flock of them during this irruption year. . A Red Crossbill sits on a conifer tree. Citizen Science in the Digital Age With well over 100 citizen-science based apps now available for smartphones, there is no lack of opportunity for people of all ages and affectations to significantly add to the collective knowledge base about many aspects of the natural world. The phrase “there is an app for that” has perhaps never been more true for natural resource monitoring. Students use microscopes to identify pond species at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP Bioblitz. NETN Species Spotlight - Ruby-throated Hummingbird The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only bird of that species that makes its home east of the Mississippi. Learn more about this remarkable bird. A hummingbird feeds on a flower Saratoga National Historical Park Ground Breaking Ceremony On October 17, 2017, a ceremonial ground breaking was held on the very land where British General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword to American General Horatio Gates after the Battles of Saratoga 240 years ago. Saratoga NHP Dedicates Surrender Site Visitor Plaza On one of the most significant sites in American history, local community leaders celebrated the dedication of the new Saratoga Surrender Site visitor plaza at an event on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Through a highly successful fundraising campaign, Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield worked with other community organizations to construct the impressive memorial plaza. NETN Species Spotlight: Monarch Butterfly The monarch butterfly is a majestic insect. Mimicry, migration, and metamorphosis all help to make it the true king of butterflies. But it's numbers have been dropping dramatically in recent years. Learn more about this amazing species and how you can help to save it. Monarch butterfly on a Meadow Blazing Star plant NETN Species Spotlight: Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed is a very robust invasive plant species. Learn why it spreads so readily outside of its native Japan, and how the NPS and other groups are trying to control it. Japanese knotweed plant NETN Species Spotlight: Acorn Barnacle Barnacles may at first glance appear to have the most boring of lives. But dig a little deeper into these crafty crustaceans, and you'll learn they are among the most fascinating of seashore creatures. Barnacle feeding close-up NETN Species Spotlight - Northern Short-tailed Shrew The northern short-tailed shrew seems like an impossible mash-up of different creatures. From venomous saliva to echolocation, this tiny predator employs many tactics to satiate an endless appetite. Short-tailed Shrew Melting the Amber: Northeast Region Launches Innovative Historic House Pilot A historic house can be like an ant trapped in amber. What was once alive and growing is sealed in a single sepia-tinted moment. What if we could melt the amber? Park employees stand on the porch of Thomas Edison's home, Glenmont The Positive Side of Zero For something that essentially represents "nothingness", the number zero carries a lot of weight when collecting data. a stone zero What’s the Buzz? How Bees Interrelate with Birds, Wildflowers, and Deer Ecosystems are complex and intricate and sometimes have a surprising web of relationships. Learn how deer, bees, birds, and wildflowers connect in the park ecosystems of the northeast. A bee pollinates a wildflower Wild, Wacky, and Weird Weather. What the? A look at the difference between weather and climate. A Vermont blizzard. NETN Species Spotlight - Fisher The fisher is a very capable predator of northeastern forests. Learn about the ways this large member of the weasel family makes its living. A large male fisher sitting Species Spotlight - Crazy Snakeworm Because of the scouring action of the ice age, earthworms are not native to the northeast. One species in particular, the crazy snake worm, has the potential to greatly alter the natural forest ecosystems in our region. An earthworm held in a person's hand Species Spotlight - Giant Hogweed Giant hogweed is a particularly nasty intruder across much of the country. Find out how the NPS looks for it in parks, and what to do if you spot one in your yard. A person is dwarfed by a giant hogweed plant. Wildland Fire: Expanding Burn Windows to Include Growing Season in Aug 2012 In 2012, managers at Saratoga NHP implemented a growing season prescribed fire to maintain and restore the battlefield. This is an experiment to see if fire in summer instead of spring will decrease unwanted invasive and woody plants and increase desired native species in fields. Short- and long-term monitoring plans are in place to evaluate the results. Firefighters from other Northeast national parks and local departments collaborated. large plume of smoke rises from behind a small hill adjacent to a road. Wildland Fire: Expanding Burn Windows to Include Growing Season In 2012, managers at Saratoga NHP implemented a growing season prescribed fire to maintain and restore the battlefield. This is an experiment to see if fire in summer instead of spring will decrease unwanted invasive and woody plants and increase desired native species in fields. Short- and long-term monitoring plans are in place to evaluate the results. Firefighters from other Northeast national parks and local departments collaborated. firefighter ignites a prescribed fire along a line of shrubs NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Saratoga National Historical Park, New York Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. [Site Under Development] farmhouse and cannon NETN Species Spotlight - Eastern Coyote The eastern coyote is a new predator on the scene. But where did it come from and why is it so much larger than its western cousins? Learn about how this animal came to be and the important ecological niches it is filling in the Northeast. A coyote stares at the camera. Patriots' Weekend 2018 Patriots' Weekend at Minute Man National Historical Park for April 2018. John McConnell leads march of patriot and redcoats to North Bridge, Concord, MA. Lessons Learned from a Decade of Forest Health Monitoring in NETN After more than 10 years of monitoring forest health in NETN parks, plant ecologist Kate Miller shares here knowledge and insights and current forest conditions and tips on long term forest management. A forest glade NETN Field Note: Deer, Worms, and Invasives When too many deer, earthworms, and invasive plant species work i concert, detrimental effects happen to the health of northeastern forests. Forest health monitoring NETN Species Spotlight - Turkey and Black Vultures Vultures have the thankless job of cleaning the environment up of dead animal carcasses. Learn how they are able to do it without getting sick from deadly bacteria. Close-up of a Black Vulture. Doug Greenberg. NETN Species Spotlight - Sharp-shinned Hawk About the size of a Blue-Jay, Sharp-shinned Hawks are aerial acrobats and are the smallest of three North American agile hawks known as the accipiters (ah-sip-it-ers). Learn more about this amazing and oft misunderstood hawk. Sharp-shinned Hawk perched on a branch Wildland Fire: Hazardous Fuel Loading Reduced through Mechanical Operations In August 2012, the NPS Northeast Region Arborist Incident Response team undertook mechanical fuels reduction at Saratoga NHP to remove hazardous fuels on 15 acres of land surrounding park structures. The goal was to reduce threats to park structures from future wildfires. The buildup of fuels dated back to a severe ice storm in 2008. The AIR team completed the work because of their experience removing large-diameter, standing dead and damaged trees close to structures. Workers use rakes and chainsaws to clear vegetation NETN Species Spotlight - Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe hare are perfectly adapted to their cold, snow environments. Even so, a warming climate and a complex predator/prey relationship has a large influence on their overall population. The enormous hind feet of snowshoe hare. NETN Species Spotlight - Ruffed Grouse Ruffed Grouse have evolved many effective and surprising traits that allow them to survive northeastern winters. Ruffed Grouse displaying Lucas Bobay Restoring and Maintaining Cultural Landscapes and Defensive Spaces with Fire Over two days in early April 2013, Saratoga National Historical Park fire staff conducted prescribed fire operations on four units within the park totaling 55 acres. Goals were to reduce accumulated fuels and woody growth, restore warm-season grasses, and maintain historic battlefields and viewsheds. Staff from other national parks and state and local agencies assisted. firefighter stands at the top of a hill with fire vehicles while small flames consume vegetation Champlain Valley NHP Hosts One NPS Workshop The CVNHP assembled its NPS state and local partners for a workshop in early July to discuss strategies for improving collaboration between their organizations. “One NPS” aimed to identify overlapping priorities and opportunities to better protect the many cultural, historical and natural resources of the interconnected waterways of Lake Champlain and its eleven surrounding counties. One Workshop attendees enjoyed a walking tour of Plattsburgh, NY NETN Species Spotlight - Short-tailed Weasel The short-tailed weasel is as energetic as it is resourceful. It has had a reputation of being both virtuous and vile over the centuries. Find out more about the amazing capabilities of this slender member of the weasel family An ermine in full white. NETN Species Spotlight - Paper Birch The Paper Birch is undeniably a tree of the north woods. Entwined in lore and legend, it has been a key part of ecosystems and cultures since well before the time of the Neanderthals even. Paper birch trees in winter. NETN Species Spotlight - Serviceberry Though it goes by many names, the serviceberry tree is much loved by people and birds alike. Learn more about one of spring's first bloomers and why you should plant one in your yard. Serviceberries ripening. The Oneida Nation in the American Revolution The Oneida were one of the individual Nations of the powerful Six Nations Confederacy. The "Oneida Carry," where Ft. Stanwix was built, was located in traditional Oneida lands. Man in traditional Oneida clothing; flowing red cape, feathers on his head, & leather leggings. Archeology ABCs Coloring Book Archeology paints a colorful picture of the past! Download and print this full coloring book packed with archeological objects from A to Z! Title page for coloring book entitled Archeology ABCs Coloring Book NETN Species Spotlight - American Woodcock The American Woodcock is a quirky bird. Learn about their habits. and why they are a welcome sight (and sound) each spring in the Northeast, An American Woodcock walks on the forest floor. Species Spotlight - Puffballs Puffballl mushrooms offer many joys - from stomping on them as children to eating them fried with butter. Learn more about this natural history of this fascinating fungi. Puffball emitting spores. Series: The People of Fort Stanwix Many different people and people groups have traversed the Oneida Carry throughout its history; from natives of the Six Nations Confederacy, to armies, to families and politicians. Learn more about many of these noted individuals and groups in the following series. A statue of a man in Continental Soldier uniform. His hand on his hip hold a sword hilt. Series: The Military History of Fort Schuyler Although the fort is most famous for it's role in the Siege of 1777, numerous other battles and events happened near and in conjunction with the soldiers of Fort Schuyler. A group of Continental Soldiers stand saluting underneath the American flag. The 1st New York Regiment of the Continental Line 1776-1783 The regiment that came to be known as the 1st New York was actually authorized as the 2nd NY Regiment of the Continental Line on May 25, 1775. They were assigned to the Northern Department in Albany, NY with 10 companies from Albany, Tryon, Charlotte, and Cumberland Counties. After a year, Colonel Goose Van Schaick was designated as commander. Continental soldiers with packs on their backs that say The 3rd New York Regiment of the Continental Line 1777-1781 The 3rd New York Regiment that defended Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) against the British in 1777 had been reorganized and established from other New York Regiments on January 26, 1777. Two Continental Soldiers stand holding their muskets with bayonets. The Archaeology of the Barber Wheatfield In 2019, a major project was begun at the supposed site of the start of the Second Battle of Saratoga. This project involved data gathering of the battlefield by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), various geophysical instruments, and metal detectors. Follow this link to find out more about the project as it continues into 2021. Archeologist, Joel Dukes metal detecting at Saratoga National Historical Park, Barber Wheatfield French Alliance Day The Continental Army's alliance with France was formalized and celebrated during the Valley Forge encampment. outdoors, soldiers, cheers, hats Species Spotlight - Cecropia Moth Cecropia moths are the largest moth in North America. Their fascinating one-year life cycle is one of the most amazing transformations known to nature. Face of a male cecropia moth. Invasion of the Biome Bashers Invasive plants are a concerning and growing issue for eastern national parks. Learn what is spreading, and how some parks are seeing success in managing them. Glossy buckthron Alexander Hamilton An overview of the life and accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton painted portrait. Alexander Hamilton, New Yorker An exploration of Hamilton's time in and contributions to New York City. This painting depicts Hamilton dressed in New York Artillery uniform. Experience the Erie Canalway Corridor in 360 Degrees The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is currently undertaking an exciting media project that will expand virtual visits and experiential learning in the region using 360-degree video tours. To do so, the Heritage Corridor is teaming up with local parks and educators, with help from the National Park Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids initiative. Aerial photo of vibrant sunset over horizon. Light reflects on canal below in center. 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 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 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. 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 Geraldine M. Bell When Geraldine Bell first joined the National Park Service (NPS) in 1967 she only planned to stay for three months. She came back in time to play an important role during the celebrations for the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Just three years later she made history as the first Black woman superintendent. Geraldine Bell poses in her NPS uniform, with a badge on her shirt. Species Spotlight - Eastern Phoebe The return of Eastern Phoebes early each spring is a soul-satisfying, calendar-turning event after a long northeastern winter. Eastern Phoebe Series: Native History of the Oneida Carry Many Native Americans lived and died in the vicinity of the Oneida Carry. Tribes, families, and individuals were often pulled in different directions as the European world invaded theirs. Learn more of this history here. Overhead of an old map with a large fence, shaped like a hexagon with little buildings inside. Species Spotlight - Deer Tick Deer ticks are an increasing problem in the northeast. Learn more about why they are increasing, the way they spread Lyme disease, and how to prevent getting a tick bite. And there are also lizards. Warm lizard. Species Spotlight - Dragonflies Dragonflies have incredible powers of flight and vision. Learn how they use these to catch just about anything they want on the wing. Dragonfly nymph. Species Spotlight - White Ash White ash trees are an integral part of the forests of the Northeast, and they are under grave threat of ceasing to exist as a mature canopy species in the near future. The culprit is a tiny invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer. Learn more about the current state of ash trees in the region, and learn how to help slow the spread of this destructive forest pest. White ash seedling Species Spotlight - Oaks Oaks appear so often in the story of humanity that it could scarcely have been written without them. Learn more about this amazing trees species and how it has shaped cultures across the world. A white oak branch with acorns Taking the Pulse of U.S. National Parks How do we know if parks are healthy? We measure their vital signs, of course! Across the country, there are 32 inventory and monitoring networks that measure the status and trends of all kinds of park resources. We're learning a lot after years of collecting data. Check out these articles written for kids and reviewed by kids in partnership with the international online journal Frontiers for Young Minds. A cartoon of a ranger taking the pulse of the Earth. Species Spotlight - Flying Squirrels Tiny and cute, flying squirrels are efficient gliders with a few surprises tucked away under their furry sleeves. A Southern Flying Squirrel. 50 Nifty Finds #11: Carving a Place in NPS History Few employees have left as visible a mark on National Park Service (NPS) exhibits as John A. Segeren. His work has been enjoyed by generations of park visitors who never knew his name but appreciated his intricate wood carvings and playful animal figures displayed in parks throughout the system. A master woodcarver described by former President Lyndon B. Johnson as "a legacy to this country," Segeren carved out his own place in NPS history. Round wooden plaque with bison, globe, and waterfall Species Spotlight - Red Fox Legendary for their cunning cleverness, red fox are equally at home in the trackless wilderness as they are in a tract-housing development. It has established itself world-wide, and it's very particular set of skills makes it a nightmare for hapless meadow voles. A Red Fox. The 4th NY Regiment of the Continental Line, 1777-1780 The 4th New York Regiment that served to the end of 1780 was organized in January of 1777 from the remnants of various regiments raised for the 1775 Canadian invasion and short lived 1776 regiments. By the end of the war these men had the distinction of being present at the surrender of two British Armies: Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777 and Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. 3 Continental Soldiers stand at ease with their muskets resting on in their hands in front of them. My Park Story: Mike Twardy My Park Story: Mike Twardy, Park Guide at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site. Mike with President of Ghana John Mahama at Val-Kill, 2013 Species Spotlight - Black Bear Bears have endured a paradoxical reputation for centuries. At once being associated with cuddly teddy bears and the helpful Smokey Bear, as well as a ferocious, blood-thirsty beast. As we learn more about their mind-boggling biology however, they may start to occupy a new niche in the popular mind - that of a natural marvel. A sitting black bear Species Spotlight - Woodland Box Turtle Box turtles have evolved the familiar turtle shell to near perfection, holding the ability to close of its head and legs within its hinged under shell. A turtle supports the Earh on its back My Park Story: Henry Curletti Meet Law Enforcement Park Ranger, Henry Curletti. A Law Enforcement Park Ranger with a cannon behind him. Species Spotlight - Moose Moose have long been revered animal by native peoples. In recent decades it has been suffering from a combination of warming winters, parasitic brainworms, and winter ticks. Biologists across its range are working on ways to hwlp. A moose in thick forest. 50 Nifty Finds #45: Holding the Line The National Park Service (NPS) was only 26 years old when the United States entered World War II. The young bureau faced very real threats to its mission, with increasing pressure to contribute its natural and cultural resources to the war effort even as its budget and staff were slashed. Under the leadership of Director Newton B. Drury, the NPS was able to do its part for the war while maintaining its public trust responsibilities to the American people. Worth Fighting For fire prevention poster 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. Reviving the Saratoga Battlefield Tour Road; A Testament to the Success of the GAOA Legacy Restoration Fund The completion of a $6 million project at Saratoga National Historical Park stands as an example of how the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) is making an impact. This ambitious initiative marks a milestone in preserving Americas historical landscapes and immersing visitors in our country's rich history. Tactile 3D bronze model of the Neilson House with the Neilson House in the background. Daniel Morgan Daniel Morgan, c.1780, National Portrait Gallery. Painting of Daniel Morgan in military uniform. 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.