Washington, D. C.  Area   Darian Copiz
  Feb 09, 2005 07:16 PST 

ENTS,

I had missed the string about Rock Creek Park. I found it very
interesting as I live by the next stream valley over from Rock Creek
Park - Sligo Creek Park. I have explored a fair amount of Rock Creek
and knew there were some large trees, but did not know they were quite
so tall as I have not started measuring yet. I think Rock Creek is
indicative of some of the other stream valleys in the area as well.
Sligo Creek has some trees which I think may be comparable to Rock
Creek. Northwest Branch also has some large trees, some of which I
think are listed on the state or county champion list. It appears that
there are remnant forest patches in these stream valleys where large
trees survived, sometimes in surprisingly urban areas. Some of the
older neighborhoods preserved some of the original trees and have some
large specimens right in their communities. For me though, the most
exciting areas near DC are along the Potomac River where impressive
trees grow in the rich soils deposited by the river (a relatively
un-dammed river). One very good site is Chapman's Landing, South of DC.
It is an historic property with some remnant old growth on the banks of
the Potomac. A few years back it was saved from being converted to a
housing development. I remember at least one very magnificent ash at
the site. I look forward to measuring and getting a better idea on the
heights of some of these trees. If any of you are in the area, let me
know and we could visit some sites.

Darian
RE: Washington, D. C.  Area   Robert Leverett
  Feb 09, 2005 07:43 PST 

Darian:

   While I worked at the Pentagon from 1971-1975, my wife and I lived in
Woodbridge, VA. I remember the forest in Rock Creek Park mainly as my
wife and I whizzed by it. It had a handsome look to it. However, I
recall spots here and there of large, older looking trees in a number of
places in northern VA and southern Maryland. We used to regularly visit
Prince William Woods, although that was mostly regrown tobacco fields.

Bob