More Green Space

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has signed an agreement with the state of Maryland, the Patuxent Research Refuge the US Army's Fort Meade , and the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center to preserve a 25,660 acre acre natural area near Washington, DC.  The spotted salamander pictured left is just one example of many diverse flora and fauna living in the vast ecological preserve.

The preservation area includes 3270 acres of forest and 3230 acres of wetlands sometimes called the 'green lungs' of Washington because the trees emit so much oxygen.  (And some people in this town need it to help clear their brains!).

The state of Maryland designated the forest area a historic research area some time ago, and researchers used it to develop national and international techniques for counting the bird population.

(photo: ARS)