Valuing Trees and Forests in the National Capital Region
Welcome to Valuing Trees and Forests in the National Capital Region StoryMap!
This StoryMap examines the values that trees bring the National Parks of the National Capital Region. It focuses on three parks: the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Rock Creek Park, and Monocacy National Battlefield.
Each park is home to notable trees within its urban forest. This StoryMap examines a variety of these significant trees to show why we value trees and how our understanding of their values has changed over time within the context of each park and the regional forest. To learn more about these parks and their notable trees, select one of the parks in the header links above.
The remainder of this section discusses the values of trees and forests.
Trees have both tangible and intangible values.
Trees have inherent ecological value as well as personal value based on our beliefs, experiences, and perceptions.
Only some tree values are quantifiable; others are immeasurable.
Trees influence almost every aspect of human society and the world we live in: our ecosystems, our cultures, and our economies.
Some tree values are from their direct use for commodities or recreation; others result indirectly from simply knowing about their marvelous existence.
There is no definitive method for valuing trees because context and perspective vary. We assign ecological, cultural, and economic values to trees based on our perceptions of their quality and contribution.
Crowds admiring the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. NPS Photo.
Ecological Values
Trees in all landscapes are important elements of ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem services. Not all trees provide the same environmental benefits. Place is important, and so is the tree species and size. Some species are rock stars, like the native white oak (Quercus alba), well known for its sturdy wood, food and shelter for wildlife, and year-round visual interest.
The benefits of a tree in a rural space are often quite different from an urban space. The growth of urban areas has meant that trees are increasingly important to the well-being of people and the environment.
Rock Creek Park canopy in the Fall. NPS / Tony DeYoung.
Cooling Our Cities
Cities get really hot because of all the pavement and buildings. This is called the urban heat island effect. Trees keep cities cool by casting shade and evaporating water through their leaves. This cooling effect not only helps people stay comfortable, but also reduces the amount of energy used for air conditioners. Having lots of big trees planted where they can shade pavement and buildings puts that cooling power to work.
NPS / Sarah Gugercin
Managing Stormwater
Buildup of pavement and buildings also intercepts rainfall. It is called stormwater and causes numerous problems with flooding and pollution of nearby streams. During storms, tree canopies intercept falling raindrops and channel the water along their branches and trunks to gently discharge into the soil. This catchment area is known as a rain shadow. Tree roots also hold the soil firmly in place so that it does not erode and wash downstream as potentially harmful sediment. Planting big trees so that their canopies overhang parking lots, streets, and sidewalks is beneficial for stormwater control.
NPS / Sarah Gugercin
Cleaning Our Air
Cars, factories, and power plants keep our cities moving. Sometimes the air pollution gets very dense and can be unhealthy for people. Fortunately, trees are one of nature’s air filters. Their leaves absorb gaseous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (components of acid rain) and scruffy surfaces of leaves and twigs intercept tiny particles of soot and dust. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
NPS / Sarah Gugercin
Habitat for Wildlife
Many critters depend on trees for food and shelter. It is increasingly important to have trees in cities where natural habitats are fragmented and diminished. Also, having wildlife in the city can be good for people. For instance, birdwatching is a popular hobby and insects in the trees provide food for birds. Numerous insects depend on trees, such as butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Trees also provide habitat for animals on and under the ground. Their leaf litter provides shelter and nourishes the soil with organic matter that supports the soil food web.
NPS / Sarah Gugercin
Quantifying Effects
Research has yielded models that allow us to quantify and value ecosystem services of trees.
The map below was created by Casey Trees, an urban forestry advocacy organization in Washington, D.C., using 2015 data. It quantifies the value of ecosystem services provided by the urban forest in the nation’s capital.
To explore the map below, click anywhere on the map to expand the map. Then click the green dots to learn more about the ecosystem services of trees in that area. Other data layers on the map include, carbon storage, gross carbon sequestration, and avoided runoff value. To return to the StoryMap, click on the “Exit full-screen mode” button in the upper right that looks like a box with two arrows pointing inwards.
Washington DC iTree Summary 2015, Casey Trees Source: https://caseytreesdc.github.io/itreeeco/
Cultural Values
Trees contribute to recreation, health, and well-being. Trees witness and make history, from the “liberty trees” of the American Revolution to the survivor tree of 9/11. In our national parks, trees are integral to preserving the quality and character of landscapes for future generations.
The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. NPS / Marcey Frutchey
Economic Values
Trees provide food, raw material for products, medicinal resources, and renewable energy. Trees also boost property values, encourage retail commerce, and reduce building energy costs. Many people are employed in green industries that grow, plant, and maintain trees. Trees are also a resource for breeding improved varieties of food, medicine, fiber, and timber.
An arborist working in a white oak tree. NPS / Eric Wiseman
Not every tree provides a full complement of ecological, cultural, and economic benefits, but each tree has value. Understanding that trees have value opens our eyes to their important roles across the planet as well as in parks of the National Capital Region.
People picnicking in tree shade on the National Mall. NPS / Nathan Heavers
Next Up
Keep scrolling to get an introduction to the National Capital Region of the National Park Service and the parks within the Region.
Jump To a Specific Park
To learn more about specific parks and their notable trees, click one of the header links towards the top of the page or the use the links below to jump to a specific park:
The National Capital Region extends far beyond the boundaries of Washington, D.C.
It also includes much of Maryland, Northern Virginia, as well as a small part of northern West Virginia.
Though this region includes many urban parks within and around the nation's capital...
there are several large parks in rural areas of Maryland to the northwest...
as well as in suburban areas of Virginia to the southwest.
The national parks of the NCR support extraordinary trees on busy streets...
Aerial view of Logan Circle, Washington, D.C. Library of Congress / Carol M. Highsmith
...on peaceful riversides...
Rock Creek Park in the Fall. NPS / Tony DeYoung
... and across former battlefields.
A single cannon at Monocacy National Battlefield. NPS / Marcey Frutchey
The oldest trees today were young in the mid-19th century.
View of Washington and Capitol from White House, 1848. Library of Congress / Dolfino
Some witnessed Civil War battles...
like this American sycamore at the Burnside Bridge in Antietam National Battlefield...
which is still standing today.
NPS / James Rosenthal
All together, the trees of the region provide ecological services and contribute to the identity of the city.
Aerial of the cherries blooming at the Tidal Basin. NPS / Mike Litterst
Individually, these trees tell unique stories about our history and our cultural values.
National Mall Jefferson Elm. NPS / Malik Robinson
And collectively, they represent our ever-changing relationship with the environment.
Runner in Rock Creek Park. NPS
Each tree has a unique historical, cultural, and ecological context—further shaped by its age and identity—that creates value for people.
Washington Monument with cherry blooms. NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg
The National Mall is the heart of the capital, and its trees the green lungs.
The greensward framed and shaded with double allées of American elms is the great democratic space of the nation.
Aerial of National Mall showing Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Carol M. Highsmith's America Collection, Library of Congress
When asked to design the National Mall in 1851, Andrew Jackson Downing, the leading landscape designer of the time, responded with trees—a 'living museum' of the diverse species at the heart of Washington.
Built piecemeal, this idea endured for five decades before the Senate Committee on the District of Columbia created the McMillan Plan in 1902.
1851 Washington, D.C. public grounds Plan drawing. National Archives / Andrew Jackson Downing
The McMillan Plan, illustrated here, advocated removing trees from the heart of Washington. This made way for the National Mall, as French-American engineer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, designed it in 1791.
Clearance of the “living museum of trees” was necessary to create a great, greensward extending from the Capitol building to the Washington Monument.
F.V.L. Hoppin (illustrator), Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division
Two double allées of American elms flank the National Mall, today, fulfilling the intent of the McMillan Plan and replacing the ad hoc urban forest begun in Downing’s era.
Dutch elm disease arrived in New York in the late 1920s, just a few years before the first rows of American elms on the National Mall were planted. As elms succumbed to the disease across America’s cities, arborists, plant pathologists, soil scientists, horticulturists, nursery managers, and entomologists have maintained the National Mall elms for decades in this significant setting.
Elm allées at the National Mall. NPS / Nathan Heavers
One such elm, known by the variety name 'Jefferson', was found growing at the doorstep of the Smithsonian Castle. This individual was able to resist the disease and is now propagated and planted widely throughout the region.
The National Park Service goes to great lengths to care for all the trees of the nation’s monumental core to ensure their continued growth. While the individual trees themselves continue to change, their layout and types must adhere to the National Mall Plan.
Together, the trees of the National Mall form a highly designed urban forest when compared with Rock Creek Park and Monocacy National Battlefield.
National Mall Jefferson Elm. NPS / Malik Robinson
The National Mall is the heart of the capital, and its trees the green lungs.
The greensward framed and shaded with double allées of American elms is the great democratic space of the nation.
Aerial of National Mall from Ellipse. Carol M. Highsmith's America Collection, Library of Congress
Five Notable Trees in National Mall and Memorial Parks
Rock Creek Park contains a valuable native forest for keeping our environment healthy—an important benefit that trees provide.
Established in 1890, Rock Creek Park is an early example of an urban park established for native forest preservation.
Now administered by the National Park Service, the picturesque valley continues to demonstrate the conservation ethic that emerged in late 19th century America.
Found in Rock Creek Park are several historic trees that connect us with the natural and human events that have shaped the greater Washington area and the wild spaces within. Their stories follow this brief reflection on the evolving values of the forest in Rock Creek Park.
Boulder Bridge at Rock Creek Park. NPS
Rock Creek Park was on the urban fringe at that time, and now the city surrounds it. It is fortunate that the federal government chose to preserve the land. While the desire to preserve Rock Creek Park in perpetuity has remained relatively constant, our values for its forests have evolved since its founding.
The park’s scenic qualities and recreation possibilities have been the priority for the duration of the park’s existence. Initially, the design called for the erasure of many of the valley’s historic structures and a reversion to native forest. The second half of the 20th century saw an increase in attention to historical elements and their interpretation, including the park’s trees. Simultaneously, an understanding of the ecological value of trees has also emerged.
Rock Creek Park. NPS / Nathan Heavers
Preserved urban woodlands like Rock Creek Park are vital. They serve increasingly important ecological, environmental, and social roles in maintaining the health and well-being of our communities.
There is a cost to valuing Rock Creek Park’s forests so highly—its existence value is so high that consumptive uses are limited and legally controlled.
These restrictions aren’t aimed at excluding people from the forest, but rather ensuring its critical ecosystem services will endure for future generations— services such as managing stormwater, cleaning our air, and providing habitat.
While Rock Creek Park limits consumptive use, interpretative programs bring citizens in contact with these values for woodlands.
The forest floor. NPS / Nathan Heavers
The historic trees at Rock Creek Park exemplify the values this forest ecosystem provides. These trees' stories connect our history with the natural systems that sustain us.
Montrose Park Tulip-poplar. NPS
Five Notable Trees in Rock Creek Park
Monocacy National Battlefield allows us to step back in time and experience the character of the region’s working landscapes, agricultural fields and forests that were the setting of fierce fighting in the Battle that Saved Washington.
While the entire battlefield landscape encompasses over 1,647 acres, the 240-acre Thomas Farm stood in many ways at its center. It was here that some of the heaviest fighting occurred in the fields bordering the Worthington Farm and in and around the Thomas house and yard.
Through the lens of the historic trees present at the battlefield, we can gain insight into this cultural landscape.
Battle of Monocacy
In the summer of 1864, the Civil War was far from its conclusion. Union and Confederate armies were spread out across the country, with battles and campaigns still racking up casualties by the thousands. With Union forces under Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant deep in Virginia at Petersburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee devised a bold plan.
Lee ordered General Jubal Early to invade Maryland, putting pressure on the Federal capital, Washington, D.C.
By the morning of July 9th, nearly 6,600 Union troops had gathered near Monocacy Junction with General Lew Wallace in command. Early’s 15,000 Confederate troops were to the north in Frederick — the stage for battle was set.
Field maps, like this one made of the Battle of Monocacy by Jedediah Hotchkiss, provided valuable aid to commanders planning battle strategies.
Sketch of the Battle of Monocacy, Frederick Co. Mdd, Saturday July 9th, 1864 by Jedediah Hotchkiss
The fighting was fierce with heavy casualties falling on both sides. The Union battle line began to waver and then fell back toward the Georgetown Pike. When the Confederates were able to threaten and eventually turn the right flank of the Union, Wallace had no choice but to retreat from the field to save his remaining men.
While the Confederacy won the Battle of Monocacy, Lew Wallace had delayed Jubal Early’s advance long enough for additional Union reinforcements to reach Washington, D.C. By the time Early’s men reached the capital on July 11, help had arrived in the Federal capital. Early and his men withdrew back into Maryland and eventually crossed the Potomac River back into Virginia — their campaign was over.
In the time since the Civil War, the areas surrounding the battlefield have changed dramatically, as the nearby cities have grown.
However, we can look to the park's historic trees to connect with the stories of the Civil War, the abolishment of slavery, and reunification of the Nation.
"The Last Position" by Keith Rocco
In the time since the Civil War, the areas surrounding the battlefield have changed dramatically, as the nearby cities have grown.
However, we can look to the park's historic trees to connect with the stories of the Civil War, the abolishment of slavery, and reunification of the Nation.
NPS
The landscape around Monocacy National Battlefield has served Americans throughout history.
As our modern landscapes become more urbanized, preserving large tracts of land with historical and cultural value, such as Monocacy National Battlefield, provides an opportunity for appreciating the character of the land.
Agricultural landscapes like the Thomas and Worthington Farms connect us with our local history, and remind us of the ways that our ancestors lived and shaped the country as we know it today.
Through these landscapes, the natural systems that continue to support ecological and social communities, we are reminded of stories beyond the battles and prosperous farmers, including the Native Americans who came before and enslaved African-Americans who cultivated the fields. Furthermore, Monocacy National Battlefield supports important natural communities and provides valuable ecological services particularly through its trees and forest.
The driveway leading to the Thomas Farm House saw some of the most savage fighting during the Battle of Monocacy.
Thomas Farm Lane in Fall. NPS
Five Notable Trees at Monocacy National Battlefield
Explore the Trees
Explore the Notable Trees in the all of the parks discussed in this StoryMap by clicking on the points in the map below or by selecting a tree from the list on the left.
Credits and Sources
Updates to Original StoryMap
In 2023, this StoryMap was rebuilt in the current StoryMaps from a version in Classic StoryMaps. See the ArcGIS Online information page for this StoryMap for more information on this process.
Original StoryMap series was created by
Alex Darr, Master of Landscape Architecture Student at Virginia Tech
Nathan Heavers, ASLA, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Design, Virginia Tech
Ann Gallagher, Science Education Coordinator, Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance, National Park Service
Sarah Gugercin, Research Associate, Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech
P. Eric Wiseman, Associate Professor, Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech
This updated StoryMap was created by
Cynthia Wanschura, Regional GIS Coordinator, National Capital Region, National Park Service
Recommended Citations
Updated StoryMap:
Darr, Alex, Wanschura, Cynthia, et al. (2023) Valuing Trees and Forests in the National Capital Region StoryMap. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
Original StoryMap series:
Darr, Alex, et al. (2020) Valuing Trees and Forests in the National Capital Area StoryMap. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
A special thanks to all the NPS staff who took the time to review this StoryMap:
- Dorothy Borowy, Ecologist, Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator
- Janet Buerger, Park Ranger
- Hannah Dean, GIS Specialist, National Mall and Memorial Parks
- Nathan Finney, Team Leader - Biologist, NCR Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT)
- Ann Gallagher, Science Education Coordinator, Center for Urban Ecology
- John Kirkpatrick, Park Ranger
- Megan Nortrup, Information Sharing Specialist, Center for Urban Ecology
- Kaitlyn Parness, Biological Science Technician
- Diane Pavek, Research Coordinator, Center for Urban Ecology
- Douglas Rowley, Supervisory Horticulturist
- Dorene Ruffing, Supervisory Park Ranger
- Kaitlyn Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist
- Aleksandra Voznitza, Liaison, NCR Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT)
- Daniel Weldon, Cultural Resources Program Manager, National Capital Parks- East
- William Yeaman, Resource Management Specialist, Rock Creek Park
National Mall and Memorial Parks Sources
National Park Service, 1999. Cultural Landscape Report: West Potomac Park, Lincoln Memorial Grounds, National Capital Parks Central. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
National Park Service, 2006. Cultural Landscapes Inventory, The Mall. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
National Park Service, 2009. Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Washington Monument Grounds. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at The Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
National Park Service, 2017. Cultural Landscapes Inventory, East Potomac Golf Course. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at National Mall & Memorial Parks- East Potomac Park, Washington, D.C.
National Park Service, 2018. Cultural Landscapes Inventory, The Mall. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Rock Creek Park Sources
National Park Service, 2007. Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Montrose Park. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.
National Park Service, 2000. Cultural Landscapes Report: Dumbarton Oaks Park, Rock Creek Park. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.
Monocacy National Battlefield Sources
Commisso, Michael, 2013. Cultural Landscape Report: Thomas and Worthington Farms. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland.
National Park Service, 2009. Cultural Landscapes Inventory: Thomas Farm (Araby). U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland.
National Park Service, 2013. Cultural Landscapes Inventory: Worthington Farm (Clifton). U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. Report on file at Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland.
Photographs, Drawings, and Illustrations
Title Background Image
Tuliptree in Spring. NPS / Sam Sheline. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/d5aeac0f50be46ebad085af1a8997657
Valuing Trees and Forests Section
Crowds Admiring Cherry Blossoms. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/59a75ae6-362f-4f90-8f25-a9cb518a6d6f
Rock Creek Park in the Fall. NPS / Tony DeYoung. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/90cffda6-c463-4b37-b6ef-c8726674e88f
Cooling Our Cities Graphic Illustration. NPS / Sarah Gugercin. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/18b35a5a-bf02-4a42-8d93-b4307356b5d4
Managing Stormwater Graphic Illustration. NPS / Sarah Gugercin. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/31d84db3-8f6f-4663-bff6-4c3ac215efab
Cleaning Our Air Graphic Illustration. NPS / Sarah Gugercin. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/5a1794cf-5239-4f27-9f0e-2b040d1fa87d
Habitat for Wildlife. NPS / Sarah Gugercin. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/c26fb50e-308e-45ef-8218-282e9e731f74
Yolanda Adams with Howard University Choir Afro Blue, National Christmas Tree Lighting 2016. NPS / Marcey Frutchey. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/5346A5C4-1DD8-B71B-0BFB03D8897C2D7B
Arborist in White Oak Tree. NPS / Eric Wiseman. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/de7cd215-cae4-43ce-aacf-63178ad92fd4
Picnicking in Tree Shade on the National Mall. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/c5581c48-b644-4e49-9185-20859e3a5ec6
Parks Introduction Section
Oak saplings under tuliptree canopy. NPS / Sam Sheline. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/2525dc0293944004877e4c506486b0a6
Aerial view of Logan Circle, Washington, D.C. 2008. Carol M. Highsmith's America, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/e08319ad-f3b1-4834-8ebc-28d0e21c279c
Stream in Rock Creek Park in Fall. NPS / Tony DeYoung. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/4d0ea143-3c81-4531-b6ef-f63fdef88677
Cannon at Monocacy National Battlefield. NPS / Marcey Frutchey. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/2e3cd608-584c-4538-8434-880b5ecee1e9
Washington veduta generale America settentrionale / Dolfino dis. Washington D.C, None. [Italy: publisher not identified, between 1846 and 1850] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2014648405/ . https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/dd81cf38-dfd7-430e-bad8-851a798a5c01
Gardner, A., photographer. (1862) Burnside bridge, across Antietam Creek, Maryland / Alex. Gardner, photographer. United States Maryland Antietam, printed 1866. [1862 September printed later] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2002713093/ . https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/90712dd0-f592-45c3-bb32-9851e7cb9f5c - Without Arrow https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/49892793-8d5b-4cd4-a0f7-e5e53c5d94cb - With Arrow
Burnside Bridge Sycamore (HALS MD-8). NPS / James Rosenthal. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/838239c4-cc62-4c6f-bcb7-8a2939f9b2bb
Aerial View of a Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms. NPS / Mike Litterst. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/af5d7f8e-5c2a-49f1-a2e8-49ba7e16dae1
Jefferson Elm on National Mall (HALS DC-7). NPS / Jet Lowe. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/643841c5-5879-4605-b266-1a98abc676b3
Runner on Trail in Rock Creek Park. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/04F6A401-1DD8-B71B-0BA56EA625B796EE
National Mall and Memorial Parks Section
National Mall Bird's Eye View, Washington, D.C. 2007. Carol M. Highsmith's America Collection, Library of Congress. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/f5a50501-f184-4799-a403-ee13cb85f1d4
Downing, A.J. (1851) Plan Showing Proposed Method The Public Grounds at Washington. [Map] Retrieved from the National Archives, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6087997 . https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/847cc92a-693f-46d9-9865-6707a0089d82
National Geographic Society, U. S. & Hoppin, F. L. V. (1915) The ultimate Washington. [Washington: National Geographic Society] [Map] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/87694199/ . https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/86fc7920-4c3f-43e5-9a68-1cf49c328f47
Elm allées on the National Mall. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/ed6f125b-dc10-4459-8154-2f1e61547179
National Mall Jefferson Elm. NPS / Jet Lowe. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/643841c5-5879-4605-b266-1a98abc676b3
National Mall Bird's Eye View, Washington, D.C. 2007. Carol M. Highsmith's America Collection, Library of Congress. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/e4ed5a7d-f385-4186-af8f-5fd901c3ecfc
National Mall and Memorial Parks Map Tour Images
1. Jefferson Elm. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/f2047dbf-df37-4a21-9bb3-c4b917fe6306
2. Japanese Pagoda Tree. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/234572ef-00f2-4944-bc1c-053912585d2b
3. Washington Monument White Mulberry. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/756ed568-9c51-4039-be9f-100f6b60c884
4. Flowering Cherry Trees. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/381ccb20-5566-466c-aa1f-184b366ec069
5. Lincoln Elm. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/5ecb27f4-3630-4033-8176-82679e83b14e
Rock Creek Park Section
Rock Creek Park in the Fall. NPS / Tony DeYoung. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/32b3cd95-23c7-472f-815a-b7284b18241b
Boulder Bridge at Rock Creek Park. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/FF52F1CC-F2B0-94C2-76208D18B140202A
Stream in Rock Creek Park. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/0ebe1a88-61ca-48be-8674-adc37633be5c
The Forest Floor. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/c84564c2-6fc3-43af-bdba-30502a38e231
Montrose Park Tulip Poplar. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/37fd56a2-1327-4205-81a8-4ada592daa0b
Rock Creek Park Map Tour Images
1. Montrose Park Tulip-poplar. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/b46fa667-f180-4180-8e09-39e678004169
2. Beech Grove at Dumbarton Oaks. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/681af183-2cc4-40ca-a4a6-b13b525e553b
3. Chestnut Oak at Battery Kemble Park. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/00d5d7fe-9dd7-412a-8944-ae8da139cc36
4. Historic Trees of Lyon's Mill Ruins. NPS / Jack E. Boucher. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/ec9be72b-0945-4897-a625-8aa36d2aa1a8
5. Oriental Planetree Street Trees. Library of Congress. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/8989c6f4-4856-493c-84e4-dbdb65245b72
Monocacy National Battlefield Section
Thomas Farm at Monocacy National Battlefield. NPS / Marcey Frutchey. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/5094766d-1b7d-4e52-a0e6-ccf527ded67d
"Sketch of the Battle of Monocacy, Frederick Co. Md., Saturday July 9th, 1864" by Jedediah Hotchkiss, Topographical Engineer, Valley District. NPS / Jedediah Hotchkiss, Cartographer. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/6300bd86-994e-4d38-a229-be2a3adfae9a
Rocco, Keith, painter. The Last Position. [Painting] Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/mono/index.htm .
Osage Orange Hedge at Thomas Farm. NPS / National Capital Region Cultural Landscapes Program 2019. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/7bbeda24-f580-4b37-9950-239e7d3e8707
Thomas Farm Lane in Fall. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/6f0108a5-07f2-40cb-bc73-5f78ee93ccaf
Monocacy National Battlefield Map Tour Images
1. Gambrill House Tulip-Poplar. NPS / James W. Rosenthal. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/2928611e-b907-4011-b92f-9841f7bcf414
2. Worthington White Oaks. NPS / James W. Rosenthal. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/326d566e-8ba8-40cd-99d7-61063c3b2aec
3. Middle Ford Sycamore. NPS / Malik Robinson. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/b69100e9-579f-4118-bfdb-93936de52c11
4. Thomas Farm Osage-Orange Hedge. NPS. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/7bbeda24-f580-4b37-9950-239e7d3e8707
5. Frederick County Champion Basswood Tree. NPS / Nathan Heavers. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/9b29bb77-2609-4e64-8d77-77de2e808204
Web Maps and Map Tours Content
Casey Trees iTree 2015 Map Data created, published, and hosted by Casey Trees ( https://caseytrees.org/ ). More information about data and project at https://caseytreesdc.github.io/itreeeco/ . The Casey Trees web map used in this StoryMap was created by Cynthia Wanschura, National Park Service: https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=6d0ee18c5a464c06a5316adb9e6b1bc9
Overview Web Map of National Capital Region, National Park Service NCR UERLA Valuing Trees - Overview Map. NPS / Cynthia Wanschura. https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=4bc3ad4bbedb42179794f283add4fc38
National Mall and Memorial Parks Map Tour Feature Service NAMA Notable Trees (UERLA StoryMap). NPS / Cynthia Wanschura. https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=970fed20ba494908a04edea3e3f5222d
Rock Creek Park Map Tour Feature Service ROCR Notable Trees (UERLA StoryMap). NPS / Cynthia Wanschura. https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8f543703f2494a0e823f40ea6efa8ef4
Monocacy National Battlefield Map Tour Feature Service MONO Notable Trees (UERLA StoryMap). NPS / Cynthia Wanschura. https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=81e376ca508b482aba14d2976c4121ec
Explore the Trees - Map Tour of all the Parks Feature Service NCR UERLA StoryMap Notable Trees. NPS / Cynthia Wanschura. https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=337bf0f3c3d04df0acd5f07f95663698
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The images, including photos, drawings, graphics, and maps, in this StoryMap may be copyrighted. Review the source information provided for each image to determine if the image may be used in other products or for other purposes.
The National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (i.e. GIF or JPG format files) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. The related graphics are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not appropriate to use the related graphics as data. The National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an NPS server and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on computer systems at the National Park Service, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on other systems for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data.
