Indust-tree-ous Mapping Methods

Using geographic information systems to map trees at Baltimore Area National Parks

Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps (CCCC) interns at Hampton NHS planting trees

NPS

Every tree at both Hampton National Historic Site and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland is now documented, mapped, and labeled thanks to four interns - and some pretty cool technology!

Over the last two years, interns from local universities have come to the Baltimore Area National Parks through the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Network and the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps (CCCC). Each intern trained the next in the workflows for mapping the trees, analyzing the data, and deriving meaning from the visual representation.

Intern with GIS technology

NPS

The mapping was done using existing Field Maps and the Trimble R2 GNSS (global navigation satellite system) system. This data collection method meant that each intern walked the grounds of the parks with the equipment on their backs, noting each tree's location, species, condition, and any care it may need from the maintenance team! Thanks to some help from the National Park Service Washington Area Support Office (WASO), the equipment was borrowed from Natural and Cultural Resources (NCR), which opened new doors for the use of GIS technologies.

Tree Map For Hampton

NPS

For smaller parks like Hampton, individual tree mapping is a great way to find out where natural resource management can be improved. Hampton has over two thousand trees, including several deemed important for their historical context. Many trees are county or state champions and are also considered to be “witness trees" meaning they were present during a grand historical or cultural event of America. Not every tree at Hampton is old, however. Beginning in 2021, the Emerald Ash Borer began to decimate the area’s population of ash trees, including those at Hampton. To help reforest parts of the site, there are over 400 new trees that were planted in just the autumn months of 2023, and over 600 that have been planted since 2021. The map serves as a management tool to help staff make informed decisions about natural resources and quickly write work orders to aid in reforestation efforts!

Fort McHenry Tree Map

NPS

Although the project started at Hampton NHS, the map applications were so useful that one intern was recruited to do the same at Hampton’s partner site, Fort McHenry NMHS. The new map allowed staff to choose locations for new trees to be planted along the seawall trail that circles the Fort. Now, staff at both parks can easily draft plans and locate trees to save time and money. Future considerations include invasive and native vegetation mapping, with the potential for applications in forest edge restoration.