Well known for its magnificent Filene Center and world-renowned performances, Wolf Trap also provides a natural enclave in the midst of an increasingly urbanized northern Virginia. Less than half of Wolf Trap's land is developed, leaving about 65 acres of woodland, streams, and wetland with a wide variety of plants, animals, birds, and wildflowers. Wolf Trap's natural areas add critical green space in a dense suburb, provide refuges for many species, serve as a migration rest stop for wildlife, and serve as a living biology classroom to the adjacent community.

Basic biological information is lacking for Wolf Trap, as it is for many smaller parks in the National Park System. Efforts are now underway to determine exactly what plants and animals are currently present at Wolf Trap. This is being done through the National Park Service's agency-wide scientific database project, the Inventory and Monitoring Program. Over the next few years, Wolf Trap will be systematically surveyed for flora and fauna by professional scientists through this program. The survey data will provide the baseline information needed to develop strategies for managing the park's wildlife. Species lists included here are in various stages of updating and revision.