Urban Woodland
Species Inventory

Fort Circle Park, Northeast Washington, DC

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Context

Welcome!

This report presents the findings of a comprehensive species inventory conducted in a 3.8-acre urban woodland fragment within Fort Circle Park, located in Northeast Washington, DC. The study, carried out from June 1 to July 30, 2024, was an in-depth analysis of the species richness and composition of vertebrates in this compact urban forest, demonstrating the ecological value of small green spaces in urban environments.

This report is divided into five sections: Context, Methodology, Findings, Conclusion, and the Appendix

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the species richness and composition of vertebrates in a compact urban forest fragment, showing the ecological value of small green spaces, and to demonstrate how this patch contributes to the broader network of urban biodiversity corridors in Washington, DC.

STUDY PERIOD

June 1 to July 30, 2024

SUMMARY

This report presents findings from a comprehensive species inventory conducted in a 3.8-acre urban woodland fragment within Fort Circle Park, Northeast Washington, DC, from June 1 to July 30, 2024. Using a combination of wildlife cameras and bioacoustic recordings, the presence and behavior of various mammal and bird species was documented. The study site, part of a narrow corridor of protected green spaces, serves as a crucial ecological link connecting the Anacostia River's tributary system to broader conservation areas in the DC region. The findings highlight the surprising diversity of wildlife supported by this small urban habitat, underscore the challenges faced by urban ecosystems, and provide valuable insights for future conservation and urban planning efforts in Washington, DC and similar urban areas.

Key Findings:

Biodiversity: We documented 39 vertebrate species (8 mammals and 31 birds), showcasing unexpected diversity in this small urban habitat.
Conservation Significance: Several species of conservation concern were observed, including four listed in the DC State Wildlife Action Plan and one (Chimney Swift) classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Habitat Functionality: Regular sightings of animal families, particularly raccoons, indicate the woodland's role as a functional habitat supporting full life cycles.
Temporal Patterns: Nearly 74% of wildlife activity occurred during nighttime hours, highlighting the importance of 24-hour habitat protection.
Environmental Challenges: The study revealed issues such as invasive plant species dominance in the understory and the impact of nearby busy roads on wildlife movement.

Implications: This study underscores the role of urban green spaces in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological connectivity, as well as the need for targeted conservation strategies in urban planning, including invasive species management, habitat expansion, and wildlife-friendly infrastructure.

Recommendations: Based on these findings, several actions are proposed, including invasive plant removal, native species restoration, and implementation of wildlife corridors. We also suggest further research to address study limitations and explore emerging questions about urban ecology in Washington, DC.

Read more background context about the forest patch in detail in the next section, see the detailed methodology in the section following that, or skip directly to the findings section for data analysis and visualization. Following the findings is a conclusion section presenting policy recommendations and suggestions for further study. There is also an appendix available with the raw data in spreadsheet form and a table of all detections throughout the study.