Fort Dupont Park

The state of ash trees in 2017 in the National Capital Region after more than 10 years of harm from the invasive emerald ash borer.

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed most of the 300,000 ash trees in National Capital Region parks since 2014. Fewer than 80,000 living ash trees remain. Some ash-dominated swamps transformed into shrublands as ash root systems re-sprouted after EAB attack. In dry habitats, EAB proved more quickly fatal.

Emerald ash borer are still decimating ash trees in the National Capital Region. Read on for the latest look into the state of ash trees in our parks based on forest monitoring data.

American beech (Fagus grandifolia), the most common tree species in National Capital Area parks, is currently facing the emerging threat of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD).

Learn about the Brood X periodical cicadas that emerged in 2021 throughout the Mid-Atlantic U.S.

What is the future of our forests? A look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on 2020 monitoring data.

The latest look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on monitoring data from 2021.

Tree seedlings and small saplings are still in short supply in National Capital Region national parks. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2022.