
To help protect park natural resources like forests, streams, and wildlife, a team of National Park Service ecologists with the National Capital Region Inventory & Monitoring Network (NCRN I&M) is continually assessing conditions at Catoctin Mountain Park.
Jump to:
Catoctin Species Lists
Catoctin Resource Briefs
Catoctin Reports
Quick Reads
Ongoing monitoring of forest vegetation occurs at 49 plots spread throughout the park forests. At these plots the trees, shrubs, vines, and specific non-woody plants are identified to group or species, and trees are measured and labeled. Any evidence of deer browse on trees or shrubs is noted. Diseases and pests are also recorded along with targeted invasive plant species. Fallen and standing woody debris (that provides essential habitat to many types of wildlife) is also monitored.
Forest birds are monitored twice each year at 45 forest plots. Catoctin is home to at least 15 species of conservation concern and, as of 2011, two of those (Acadian flycatcher and wood thrush) were among the top ten most abundant species in the park.
Last updated: May 13, 2022