A unit of National Capital Parks - East

SUITLAND PARKWAY FACT SHEET The National Park Service has the responsibility of managing the Suitland Parkway, and protecting it from harm or degradation. Important policies, directives and information that provide guidance in caring for the site are: National Park Service, Organic Act, 1916 "…The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas know as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as to conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." 39 stat. 535 National Capital Park Commission, 1924 Legislation directing the acquisition of land in and around Washington, D.C. for parks, parkways and playgrounds for the purpose of preventing the pollution of Rock Creek, the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and to preserve the forests and natural scenery. 43 stat. 463, and amendments Suitland Parkway Legislation, 1949 "…the Parkway shall be developed, operated, and administered as a limited access road primarily to provide a dignified, protected, safe, and suitable approach for passenger vehicle traffic to the National Capital and for an uninterrupted means of access between the several Federal establishments adjacent thereto and the seat of government in the District of Columbia." 63 stat 612 National Register of Historic Places, 1995 "…the parkways remain vital components of the regional transportation arteries and they continue to contribute to the historic symbolism and design of the nation's capital." "Landscaping along the parkway corridor commanded attention from the beginning. Journalists reporting on the opening noted how the scenery was enhanced because larger trees were left standing in the medians….to present a rural-like setting." Natural Resources In addition to the aesthetic importance of the woodland to the Parkway's landscape, the wooded corridor provides habitat for overwintering native bird species and a migration route and nesting site for migratory birds. Studies completed by the United States Geologic Survey in 2000 site indicate approximately 120 species of birds are found on the lands of the Suitland Parkway. Included are forest-nesting neotropical species that utilize the woods: Eastern wood-pewee, Acadian flycatcher, Wood thrush, Red-eyed vireo, Ovenbird, Scarlet tanager, Northern parula, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, and Hooded warbler. Resident native bird species identified as using the site include Woodpeckers, Carolina chickadee, Tufted titmouse, Carolina wren. The Parkway woodlands are dominated by climax native hardwood trees, with an understory of American holly, Mountain laurel, Arrowwood and Wild blueberry. The tree species include White oak (Quercus alba), Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), Red oak (Quecus rubra), Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and Red maple (Acer rubrum). A number of streams and associated wetlands, including Henson Creek cross Suitland Parkway. These areas provide habitat for wetland species; amphibians and reptiles, wetland flora and populations of beavers. Cultural Resources In 1995 the Suitland Parkway was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Parkway was included on the register because, "It achieves extraordinary significance under criteria (G) as a contributing element to the national capital park and parkway system developed during the first half of the 20th century." Consideration is also given for the site's landscape architecture and significance as a transportation route. The Parkway landscape includes 38 culverts, many stone faced, and 2.89 miles of stone curbing. There are nine bridges on the site, seven of which are faced with granite from North Carolina, chosen because of its similarity to that used on the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway near the Pentagon. Management In the past ten years, the National Park Service has spent 35 million dollars on safety upgrades and roadway improvements to the Suitland Parkway. In addition, approximately $500,000 has been spent in the past five years on landscaping the parkways managed areas. For questions regarding the resources of Suitland Parkway, please contact the National Capital Parks-East, Resource Management Office at (202) 690-5185. 2/6/2001 http://www.nps.gov/nace/suitlandfacts.htm