Exploring the Biodiversity of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

 

In the coming months I will be focusing on exploring the ways Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park are conserving and preserving biodiversity within the soil through the use of pre-civil war era farming techniques as opposed to methods post industrial revolution and on ward. The area of study includes The Belle Grove Plantation hold 283 acres with Cedar Creek Battlefields in compassing the remaining 3,429 acres for a total of 3,712 acres. The original plantation consisted of 7,500 acres with bits begin sold off a various point due to budget and maintenance constraints. The goal with this target site is to  engage with park staff and other community members to learn about the rich biodiversity throughout the park with its rolling hills, dense forested hedgerows, and wetlands. Through conversations and learning experiences hosted by the park and other community groups, an opportunity to learn about the cultural and ecological preservation taking place seems ideal for continued understanding of the systems which govern my community.

Photo Credit: National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/condition-of-selected-natural-resources-at-cedar-creek-belle-grove-national-historical-park-2024-assessment.htm


The following photos were taken by me on a previous site visit approximately 2 years ago.


 





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