Greenbelt Park

Greenbelt Park is a place of contrast where land once covered with virgin forest became farmland and then a proposed housing development before becoming an alluring refuge within an ever-growing sea of development. In 1875, the land was denuded, with farmhouses, fencelines, and dirt paths crisscrossing the landscape, and tobacco, corn, and grain grew where maples and elms now tower. A few hints of that era survive, but the land is now dominated by nature, and its trees, underbrush, and wildlife tell the story of nature’s recovery and show that when left alone, nature will heal itself. Only twelve miles from downtown Washington, it has become an urban oasis and a refuge for both people and wildlife, with a campground, three picnic areas, and nature and bridle trails. Over the past 60 years, the population of the surrounding land has grown from about 3,000 to more than 20,000, while park staff and volunteers work at reforestation, wildlife management, improving water quality, and bringing greater awareness to visitors. The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, dedicated in 1954, links the park with downtown Washington and serves as the historic gateway to the Nation’s Capital for visitors arriving from the eastern seaboard.

Greenbelt, Maryland · United States