This paper surveys the natural environment and ecological assets of Arlington, Virginia, a densely populated county situated along the Potomac River and within the broader Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It identifies key parks, forests, and wildlife habitats that distinguish Arlington's local ecology, then examines how human activities — including agricultural runoff, urban development, and deforestation — have degraded these ecosystems. The paper further considers how global warming, particularly sea-level rise along the Atlantic coast, poses serious risks to the Chesapeake Bay region and Arlington's surrounding habitats, and concludes that current preservation efforts may be insufficient to meet the challenges ahead.
Situated across the Potomac River from the nation's capital and close to the sprawling Chesapeake Bay, Arlington, Virginia, is proud of its natural history heritage and boasts many outstanding ecological places and environmental venues that are being monitored, maintained, and preserved. Better known for the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and its proximity to Washington, D.C., Arlington is in fact a dynamic destination for outdoor activities, hiking, birding, and many other pursuits related to the natural world. Arlington County covers 25.9 square miles and averages 8,407 people per square mile.
While not directly abutting the bay, Arlington is part of the enormous Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which is the largest and most diverse estuary in North America, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Bay is extremely valuable to Arlington, Arlington County, the state of Maryland, and other nearby regions and states, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay is 200 miles long and features more than 11,000 miles of tidal shoreline, and is fed by 100,000 creeks, streams, and rivers (EPA).
The entire watershed of the Chesapeake Bay encompasses 64,000 square miles. The economic benefits of the Bay to the nearby population, including Arlington, add up to more than $33 billion annually (EPA). Flowing right past Arlington and into the Chesapeake Bay is the Potomac River, offering relaxation, recreation, fishing, and historical linkages with the founding of the United States. One well-known historical site along the Potomac is Fort C.F. Smith Park, situated right on the river, which offers 19 acres of meadows, forests, and gardens. The park is located at the juncture between the physiographic provinces of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, featuring a diversity of wildlife, habitats, and exotic tree species (Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, 2010). Another park along the Potomac is Potomac Overlook Regional Park, which encompasses 70 acres of trails, gardens, and woodlands.
Arlington has numerous forested areas in the midst of a thriving, bustling metropolis. These include Gulf Branch Park (5.4 acres of hardwood forest); Donaldson Run Park (30.22 acres of hardwood, oak, and hickory forest); Windy Run Park (7.5 acres of oak forest); Glencarlyn Park (2.6 acres of acidic oak-hickory forest); Long Branch/Glencarlyn Park (49.67 acres of oak-hickory forest); Arlington Forest Park (1 acre); and Barcroft Park (24 acres of wetlands with 23 springs, considered the most ecologically significant natural site owned by Arlington County) (Natural Resources Management Plan).
Arlington is presently conducting an inventory of its large trees and has identified 53 that are designated "champions of Arlington" — enormous trees up to 300 years of age — and 32 that are "state champions," also very large and protected trees. Arlington County plants over 1,200 trees per year as part of its ongoing commitment to urban forestry.
Human activities have significantly affected the ecosystems in and around Arlington. First, the Chesapeake Bay is polluted to the point of being environmentally stressed. Culprits include agricultural runoff (animal waste), city wastewater treatment plants, and airborne pollutants, among other sources. Environment Virginia's 2009 report states, "After 25 years of government efforts, the bay is still dangerously sick." The report claims that the soft-shell clam and oyster fisheries "have collapsed" and that the commercial harvest of striped bass is now restricted to protect the survival of that species (Tolbert).
In addition to water quality concerns, tree cover loss poses a serious threat to the local environment. Over the last 30 years, according to the Executive Summary of the Arlington Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP), Arlington County has lost "a significant amount of acreage with heavy tree cover," which has had "a dramatic effect on the overall canopy coverage." Of the 16,500 acres of forest, more than 3,000 acres have been "converted from heavy tree cover of over 50% to low tree cover of less than 20%" (Urban Forest Master Plan). This dramatic loss of canopy reduces wildlife habitat, increases stormwater runoff, and diminishes the county's capacity to absorb air pollutants.
"Sea-level rise risks to bay habitats and wildlife"
"Comparative coastal risk and hurricane exposure"
Arlington and the surrounding areas have a wealth of natural world wonders, including forests, rivers, open space, parks, and the Chesapeake Bay. While it is clear that many people in positions of leadership are aware of the need to preserve natural resources, it is not clear that current preparations are adequate for the changes global warming will bring to this region. This is a challenge for Arlington, and indeed for the whole United States.
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