How is Climate Changing at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site?

The effects of climate change are being observed across the globe, and in the U.S. the National Park Service (NPS) recognizes climate change as a major threat to national park units. The NPS is taking a holistic approach in its response to climate change, and this includes at small historical parks like Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (NHS), in Kinderhook, New York.

At Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, natural and cultural resources, including agriculture, are deeply intertwined.

Martin Van Buren NHS preserves and interprets the rural estate of the eighth President (1837-1841) of the United States. Martin Van Buren and his family lived there from 1841 to 1862, and the historic site includes Van Buren’s mansion and a working farm.

A changing climate impacts not only natural resources, such as trees and wetlands, but also cultural resources, such as historic buildings and artifacts, as well as scenic views, park infrastructure, and the visitor experience. A recent study looked at how the climate has changed at the historic site over the last 100 years, and at changes that are projected for the future. Read more about this and what Martin Van Buren NHS is doing to understand, plan, and manage for climate change for these important resources: a historic orchard, native trees, historic buildings, agriculture, pollinators, and archeological sites.