Huntley Meadows - A Timeline by Adele Ingeman

Huntley Meadows A Timeline

Early 1600s Huntley Meadows is one of the largest Wetlands in Northern Virginia.

Huntley Meadows in its natural state

1825 Wetlands are some of the largest carbon sinks in North America, absorbing up to 50 times more carbon than rainforests when preserved.

George Mason’s descendents build farms and summer homes

1941-1971

Wetlands are highly efficient at filtering water, helping to provide easy access to sources of clean fresh water.

Huntley meadows becomes government property

1975 States like New York have saved millions by investing in the preservation of their wetlands.

Huntley Meadows officially becomes a state park

1982 Wetlands also act as a natural barrier, protecting against hurricanes and heavy winds from the sea.

Huntley Meadow’s boardwalk Trail opens to the public

Present Day Huntley Meadows is a rare example of preservation done right. Other Wetlands are not so lucky. While Virginia has lost 40 percent of its wetlands, the US as a whole has lost more than 50 percent.

Huntley Meadows is in the process of recovering thanks to conservation efforts

Passing laws to protect wetlands and keep them clean, as well as starting efforts to restore wetland habitats can go a long way to helping us regain what we have lost.

Please work to conserve your local wetlands for the future