Programs in Parks

Antietam National Battlefield is well known for its role in American history. Established in 1890 to commemorate the single bloodiest day of the American Civil War (23,110 casualties), the park attracts an estimate of 205,000 visitors each year. The battlefield, located in the Great Valley region of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley province, encompasses over 3,250 acres of farmland, pastures, woodlots and limestone forests.

In 1992, the Antietam National Battlefield General Management Plan was approved, outlining goals for restoring the battlefield to its 1862 appearance. The plan includes projects such as replanting of historic woodlots and orchards, re-establishing original fencelines, lanes and trails, as well as maintaining the integrity of the historic farmsteads.

The areas in natural cover at the battlefield offer a haven for many different species of plants and animals, and also provide a number of secondary benefits including water and air quality enhancement, ground-water recharge, storm flow moderation, and recreational enjoyment.

• Habitat: Farm land, creek, fields and grass
• Terrain: Inclined paved paths to Burnside Bridge; easy, grass path to Mumma Farm; fairly easy, slightly inclined path to creek at Newcomer House
• Additional Info: 45 max at each site (30 in winter), indoor space at Education center.
• Facilities: Restrooms available. Must visit Education Center before going to Burnside Bridge.
• Location: Antietam National Battlefield is located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Sites within the park include Burnside Bridge; Mumma Farm, located on Mummas Lane; and Newcomer House, located at 18422 Shepherdstown Pike, approximately 1/2 mile east of Sharpsburg in Keedysville.

For more information on the Antietam National Battlefield, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website at www.nps.gov/anti/index.htm.

Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous area known as the Blue Ridge Province. This 5,810-acre hardwood forest park with its refreshing streams and scenic vistas, offers a rare haven in a rapidly developing area of the country.

Mixed hardwood forest covers nearly 95% of the park. Catoctin Mountain Park is also part of a larger forested public lands complex that includes Cunningham Falls State Park, Frederick and Thurmont Watersheds, and Gambrill State Park. Many plants and animals, including several Maryland Threatened and Endangered species, thrive within this forest sanctuary. The high gradient streams, Big Hunting Creek and Owens Creek, run clean and support healthy populations of brown and brook trout.

Catoctin Mountain Park is a very diverse place that offers respite to the plants and animals that depend on its existence. Its peaceful environment also provides a needed escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life for all people, including, on occasion, the President of the United States.

• Habitat: Thick forest
• Terrain: Slightly rocky at field study location
• Facilities: Restrooms at visitor center, small classroom space available
• Location: Catoctin Mountain Park is located in Thurmont, Maryland. Field Studies are conducted at Whiskey Still Run.

For more information on Catoctin Mountain Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website at www.nps.gov/cato/.

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal’s role as a transportation system during the Canal Era.

In addition, the canal’s towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available.

Location: The C&O Canal stretches from Washington, D.C. to Maryland. Field study sites in Maryland include Cumberland, Great Falls Tavern, Hancock, Paw Paw Tunnel, and Williamsport

National Capital Parks – East offers a wide array of historic, natural, and recreational areas of that are a part of Washington, D.C. and its eastern environs. The park includes 12 major park areas at 98 locations. Significant resources are as diverse as statuary, historic sites and buildings, recreation areas, parkways, archeological sites, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, meadows, and forests; and encompass over 8,000 acres.

• Habitats: Woodland edge, river/stream bank
• Terrain: Terrain is mildly flat. The length of the trail that is used for the programs is cleared and flat. The river’s edge has some rip-rap in places but also has a trail to get nearer the water that is accessible without difficulty. The walk up to the fort is a bit of a hike but has a paved roadway.
• Suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms nearby
• Location: Fort Washington Park is located in Prince George’s County Maryland, in Fort Washington.

For more information on National Capital Parks – East, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/nace/

NCP-East offers a wide array of historic, natural, and recreational areas of that are a part of Washington, D.C. and its eastern environs. The park includes 12 major park areas at 98 locations. Significant resources are as diverse as statuary, historic sites and buildings, recreation areas, parkways, archeological sites, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, meadows, and forests; and encompass over 8,000 acres.

• Habitat: Woodland edge, lowland forest, river/stream bank
• Terrain: hilly with steep stream banks; poison ivy
• Not suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: No restrooms nearby
• Additional Info: Can handle about 20 students at the stream. Stream levels fluctuate with rain.
• Location: Greenbelt Park is located in Prince George’s County Maryland, just 3 miles from the Greenbelt Metro Station.

For more information on National Capital Parks – East, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/nace/

The only wildlife sanctuary operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Merkle was named after Edgar Merkle (1900-1984), an active conservationist who devoted much of his life to protecting and providing for wildlife. Many knew him as the founder of Merkle Press in Washington, D.C. (1936), and others knew him as the originator of a goose breeding plan to introduce Canada geese to the western shores of Maryland (1932). Starting with a handful of breeding pairs, a great deal of perseverance, and a habitat improvement plan in mind, Mr. Merkle eventually encouraged thousands of geese to visit the 400-acre Merkle farm to feed and rest. In 1970, the Merkles sold their land, including some donated parcles, to the state. With the acquisition of adjoining tracts, the wildlife refuge now encompasses 1,670 acres.

Location: Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is location in Upper Marlboro, MD.

For more information, visit the official web site.

Monocacy National Battlefield encompasses 1,647 acres of farmland, forest and riparian areas in the Monocacy River valley. Known as the “Battle That Saved Washington”, the battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864 between 18,000 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early, and 5,800 Union forces under General Lew Wallace, marked the last campaign of the Confederacy to carry the war into the north.

The battlefield was opened in 1991 and is therefore relatively new. The urbanization that has swept the Frederick area has also influenced the landscape of the battlefield. Significant habitat fragmentation has occurred because of human development, and the battlefield represents a sanctuary for many plant and animal species. Park projects currently concentrate on combating the spread of exotic plants, constructing and maintaining trails, wildlife management, water quality monitoring, and viewshed restoration.

• Habitat: River/stream bank
• Terrain: Approximately a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. Trail follows an old wagon road to the creek bank. Mostly flat terrain to the creek’s edge.
• Not suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms nearby
• Additional Info: Small picnic area located behind the Visitor Center. Maximum number of students using the the creek at the same time is 15.
• Location: Monocacy National Battlefield is located south of the City of Frederick in the Monocacy River valley.

For more information on Monocacy National Battlefield, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit the official website: http://www.nps.gov/mono/

NCP-East offers a wide array of historic, natural, and recreational areas of that are a part of Washington, D.C. and its eastern environs. The park includes 12 major park areas at 98 locations. Significant resources are as diverse as statuary, historic sites and buildings, recreation areas, parkways, archeological sites, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, meadows, and forests; and encompass over 8,000 acres.

• Habitat: River/stream bank, wetland, field
• Terrain: Mostly level fields with steep slopes to field study sites. Field study locations wide and flat. Students may need to maneuver through some brush en route to field study site.
• Disabled accessibility: dependent upon module selected. Please call the BTW office for additional information.
• Facilities: Restrooms located at visitors center. No restrooms at field study site.
• Additional Info: This site is excellent for the Talkin’ Trash module.
• Location: Oxon Cove Park/Oxon Hill Farm is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland on Oxon Hill Road.

For more information on National Capital Parks – East, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/nace/

Rocky Gap State Park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.

• Habitat: Forest
• Terrain: Moderate terrain with mucky trails at Rocky Gap Run. Nature center is easy terrain with wheelchair accessibility.
• Facilities: Restrooms available
• Location: Rocky Gap State Park is located in Flintstone, Maryland in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. Sites include Rocky Gap Run and the nature center campground.

For more information on Rocky Gap State Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website /www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/rockygap.asp

Smallwood State Park was dedicated in September 1958, as a historic park. At the time, the park consisted of 30 acres of land which included the Retreat House (Smallwood’s Retreat) and the grave site of General William Smallwood. Smallwood State Park’s namesake, General William Smallwood, was a Revolutionary War officer, Governor of Maryland, and a member of the colonial tidewater aristocracy.

The area that is referred to as Grinder’s Wharf (all that remains today is a few exposed pilings) was built on a naturally deep water channel in the Mattawoman Creek. The Grinder family manufactured bricks and used Grinder’s wharf to ship the bricks out to wholesalers. In the mid-19th century Grinder’s Wharf was an active steamship port for the Washington Steamship Lines.

A restored 18^th century tidewater plantation called Smallwood’s Retreat and 19^th century tobacco barn are open to visitors seasonally between May and September. Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, and nature trails. Two miles of trails meander through a hardwood forest past many natural and historical sites showcasing a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems. Once known as Sweetman’s Landing, Sweden Point Marina sits within the park on Mattawoman Creek approximately one mile from the Potomac River.  

• Field Studies available:  Watershed Watchdogs, Exotic Invaders, Don’t Get Sedimental, Water Canaries (on tributary of Mattawoman Creek), Talkin’ Trash
• Habitat: Hardwood forest/ Mattawoman Creek/ shallow stream with low banks
• Terrain: Sweden Point is located on the Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. The field study site for the Water Canaries module is a shallow stream with low banks. Accessing this stream is a short and easy hike from the parking lot.
• Additional Info: Ideal group size is 40. The stream could accommodate larger groups if enough rangers/educators are able to participate.
• Facilities: Sweden Point is a secured marina with restrooms 
• Location: Smallwood State Park is located in Charles County, Maryland. Smallwood State Park is 35 miles south of Washington, D.C. via the Route 210 corridor. From Route 210 south towards Indian Head, take a left on Route 225 to Route 224. At the light at Route 224 turn right. 

For more information on Smallwood State Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/smallwood.aspx

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park preserves and interprets the history of four major civil war battlefields. There are park visitor centers at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Bridging the Watershed field studies begin at the Chancellorsville Visitor Center which is located near where “Stonewall” Jackson was accidentally mortally wounded during the battle. The adjacent seven-mile driving tour weaves through the battlefield, stopping at significant home sites and critical points of the battle, like Jackson’s Flank Attack and the Hazel Grove-Fairview corridor. 

• Habitat: Scott’s Run (shallow stream)
• Terrain:  Field studies take place on Scott’s Run. To access Scott’s Run students depart the bus from Stuart Drive and hike for a short distance through forested terrain.
• Additional Info: Ideal group size is 50. The site could accommodate larger groups if enough rangers/educators are able to participate. The Chancellorsville Visitor Center contains exhibits and a 22 minute movie (offered on the hour and half hour) to help orient visitors to the 1863 battle. There is a seven mile driving tour and several walking trails nearby.
• Facilities: The Visitor Center has restrooms. There are no restrooms at Scott’s Run. Steep descent to Scott’s Run from Stuart Drive – not suitable for the disabled.
• Location: 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553. Take Exit 130B from I-95, and head west on VA Route 3. Proceed approximately 7 miles, and the Visitor Center is on the right (north) side of the road.

For more information on Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/frsp

Great Falls Park – just one of several sites along the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) – offers students numerous opportunities to discover nature and our nation’s history. Students can sample for benthic macroinvertebrates, test the water quality, and assess the habitat of a nearby tributary to the Potomac River. A short walk to the Falls displays the Park’s spectacular geology where the river builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The ruins of the Patowmack Canal offer a vivid glimpse into the early history of this country.

• Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank
• Terrain: Approximately a 5-7 minute walk from the main parking lot. Flat, even terrain to the stream’s edge; trail can be quite muddy in places. Sparse vegetation at the stream bank, including poison ivy. Less than a three-foot bank in most places to access stream bed. Stream shallow under normal water conditions – mid -calf or lower.
• Suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms at Visitors Center, 5-7- minute walk 
• Location: Great Falls Park marks the northwestern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The address for GPS purposes is 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA 22102.

For more information on Great Falls Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website.

Manassas National Battlefield park was established in 1940 to preserve the scene of two major Civil War battles. Located a few miles north of the prized railroad junction of Manassas, Virginia, the peaceful Virginia countryside bore witness to clashes between the armies of the North and South in 1861 and 1862.

These important battlegrounds and associated monuments are nestled in over 5000 acres of meadows, woodlands and streams.

• Habitats: Woodland Edge, Meadow, Lowland Forest, River/Stream Bank
• Terrain: Brownsville restoration site includes an open field with grasses and flowering plants just off parking lot. Mowed trails lead back to stream. Short and easy hike from parking lot to field study sites – follow mowed trail. Shallow stream with low banks; easy access to water. Verge with tree and herbaceous vegetation present and undisturbed; canopy mostly intact. Stream bends present, 1-4 riffles in 10 meters, some snags. Moderate amount of aquatic vegetation. Some erosion; bare soil exposed on several bends. Some sediment deposition and bedrock exposed in some areas. Invasives present.
• Stone Bridge is located 100 yards from the parking lot, directly across the historic stone bridge which was used as a route of advance and retreat during two Civil War Battles. The site is mostly flat with a slightly rocky stream bank.
• Young’s Branch has a picnic area near site. No trail but is easily walked. Hip boots a plus/requirement for students not wishing to get wet. Ticks are a problem; wear appropriate clothing.
• Facilities: Brownsville: large parking lot; ample room for busses. Two restrooms (one with handicapped access). Multiple picnic tables. No shelter; bus must remain in parking lot during field studies in case of inclement weather.
• Stone Bridge: No restrooms nearby (nearest restrooms at visitor center)
• Young’s Branch: Restrooms nearby, picnic area.
• Additional Info: Ideal group size: 40. Young’s Branch meanders through the area and could accommodate large groups if enough cross-training rangers/educators are able to participate.
• Location: Manassas National Battlefield Park is located just north of Manassas Virginia. Sites include the Brownsville restoration site, Stone Bridge, and Young’s Branch.

For more information on Manassas National Battlefield Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/mana/

In 1936, the United States goverment chose the land that is now Prince William Forest Park as the site where inner-city youth from Washington, D.C. would venture out into nature. The Great Depression was weighing heavily on the youth of America’s cities, and parks were born to relieve this burden. To this end, 5 cabin camps were built to allow youth to recreate in nature during overnight camp-outs.

From this legacy, Prince William Forest Park has grown into a center of recreation for Washington, D.C. area residents and visitors from around the world. 15,000 acres of piedmont forest and 70% percent of the Quantico Creek watershed reside within the park’s boundaries. The 5 cabin camps still operate both as the site of educational overnight experiences and as vacation spots. In addition, this park, which boasts the only preserved piedmont forest in the National Park Service system, has group tents, family tents, and backcountry camping, as well as 37 miles of hiking trails and 21 miles of bicycle-accessible trails. Visit Prince William Forest Park today to enjoy its historic and natural resources and join in this legacy.

• Field Studies available: Watershed Watchdogs (various sites), Exotic Invaders (various sites), Don’t Get Sedimental (various sites), Water Canaries (various sites), Talkin’ Trash (Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine only), Mine Over Matter (Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine only)
• Habitat: Woodland edge; river/stream bank; man-made lake; recovering farmland
• Terrain: The Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine site lies along the North Branch of the Quantico Creek. This section of the creek is slow moving and relatively straight. It is accessible only by a 1-mile hike down the Pyrite Mine Road and Cabin Branch Trail. The site does not have a wide expanse of bank but does have many sites where small groups may access the stream. During spring rains, the site can be quite marshy and damp. Canopy cover at the Pyrite Mine site is almost non-existant as the site was once an operating Pyrite, or “fool’s gold” mine. After an attempted reclamation in 1995, very few plants have come back, leaving mostly alien species and a few spotty trees. 
  Cabin Camp 3: A gravel road leads from the parking lot area to Lake 3. This man-made lake, like 4 others in the park, was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The walk to the lake takes approximately 20 minutes and has a few mild hills. Once at the lake, large amounts of stream bank erosion and eutrophication can be seen in this area that was never meant, by mother nature, to be a lake.The South Valley Trail meanders along the South Branch of the Quantico Creek. In the section closest to Parking Lot “A,” where most BTW field studies take place, the terrain is flat, riparian, and easily accessible by vehicle.Taylor Farm was once the home of Robert and Jennie Taylor, who operated a medium-sized farm here through the 1920s. Unfortunately, like many early families, the Taylors planted Wysteria vines beside their home for its beautiful purple flowers. The Taylors’ once-fertile fields are now in a stage of primary succession, and Wysteria (an invasive species) and many other Alien Invaders have taken over. An old farm road leads to the Taylor Farm site from the Turkey Run Ridge area. This road meanders up and down a few small hills. Once at the field, the terrain is very flat but completely covered with low shrub plants.
• Not suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms near the Taylor Farm Trail. For all other sites, the nearest restrooms are at the visitor center.
• Location: Prince William Forest Park is located in Prince William County, Virginia, 32 miles south of Washington, D.C. Take I-95 to Exit 150 (VA Route 619 West). Sites include Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine, Cabin Camp 3, South Valley Trail, and Taylor Farm Trail.

For more information on Prince William Forest Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/prwi/

NCP-East offers a wide array of historic, natural, and recreational areas of that are a part of Washington, D.C. and its eastern environs. The park includes 12 major park areas at 98 locations. Significant resources are as diverse as statuary, historic sites and buildings, recreation areas, parkways, archeological sites, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, meadows, and forests; and encompass over 8,000 acres.

• Habitat: River/Stream bank, field areas
• Terrain: Open fields, which can become quite hot. Easy access by a ramp to the river.
• Suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Picnic benches; no restrooms nearby
• Additional Info: Plenty of room for large groups
• Location: NCP-East extends north to Anne Arundel County at the northern end of the Baltimore/Washington Parkway, through Prince Georges County, and southeast to the southern part of Piscataway Park in Charles County, Maryland. Anacostia Park is located in northeast Washington, D.C., near the Maryland boundary along the tidal Anacostia River.

For more information on National Capital Parks – East, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/nace/

NCP-East offers a wide array of historic, natural, and recreational areas of that are a part of Washington, D.C. and its eastern environs. The park includes 12 major park areas at 98 locations. Significant resources are as diverse as statuary, historic sites and buildings, recreation areas, parkways, archeological sites, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, meadows, and forests; and encompass over 8,000 acres.

• Habitat: Meadow, river/stream bank, Marsh
• Terrain: Can have steep slopes, small spaces for the most part, tidal in the marsh and boardwalk area
• Suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms nearby
• Location:  Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is located in northeast Washington, D.C., near the Maryland boundary along the tidal Anacostia River.

For more information on National Capital Parks – East, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/nace/

Officially established in 1965, National Mall & Memorial Parks contains some of the oldest protected park lands in the National Park Service. The sites of NMMP are cherished symbols of our nation, known worldwide and depicted on everything from currency to the nightly news.

Located in the core of the nation’s capital, NMMP administers, interprets, maintains and preserves the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, the National Mall, East and West Potomac Parks, Constitution Gardens, 60 statues, and numerous other historic sites, memorials, and parklands. NMMP is responsible for significant maintenance and preservation support for the White House as well as the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Location: The National Mall and Memorial Parks are located in Washington, DC. Sites include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Hains Point.

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. It offers visitors an opportunity to reflect and soothe their spirits through the beauty of nature. Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and the ebb and flow of Rock Creek emanate the delicate aura of the forest.

Our country’s history abounds within the park. Visitors walk in the footsteps of Piscataway Indians, the Old Stone House attests to a time when Washington, D.C. was a new capital, Peirce Mill reminds us how a new technology aided the economic growth of the nation, and Civil War remnants divulge stories of unrest. Ultimately, the establishment of Rock Creek Park in 1890, “…for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States” served as an inspiration for the creation of future National Parks.

• Habitat: Woodland edge, river/stream bank
• Terrain: Mostly flat grassy areas; creek banks steep in places
• Suitable for the disabled
• Facilities: Restrooms nearby
• Additional Info: Can accommodate up to 40 students. Bring lunches and beverages.
• Location: Rock Creek National Park is in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Rock Creek National Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/rocr/