Why Ellanor C. Lawrence Park?

 

Located within the densely populated county of Fairfax, VA, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (ECLP) is a critical stepping stone within the heavily modified landscape. Despite working at the site for 6 years, efforts to record current biodiversity levels within the park have been limited. While I have contributed to the knowledge of Anuran species located within the site, documentation for the species richness of the habitat are fairly dated and might not represent current distributions. For example, current listings for amphibians do not list the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) as present within the site and only lists the status of the Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) as possible within the site. However, both species have been present in surveys for the past couple years. A more thorough investigation into the biodiversity present within the site may be warranted.

Development of shopping centers, residential developments, and expansions of route 28 and I-66 have been prevalent in surrounding areas. If historical species lists are present, it will be useful to also compare current and past distributions to determine how development of the surrounding landscape has impacted ECLP biodiversity. ECLP is also home to one of the most diverse stream ecosystems within the county, as Walney creek originates within the site and remains enclosed until its eventual connection with Big Rocky Run stream. While listed as healthy from past stream monitoring initiatives, the total biodiversity of the ecosystem is not effectively documented. Determining Walney creek's species richness could be beneficial for future efforts to monitor the relative health of the habitat.


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