​SAVE OUR BOBWHITES

The Natural Resource Division at Manassas National Battlefield has over 5,000 acres to monitor, protect and manage.  These projects focus on our grassland and shrubland habitats and the corresponding wildlife that inhabit them.  In addition to the projects listed below, there are numerous ways you can get involved, as a park visitor, citizen science or volunteer.

Habitat Assessments and Grassland Vegetation Surveys

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It is estimated that since the mid-1800s there has been an 80% decline in grassland ecosystems in North America.  In Virginia, it is estimated that idle grasslands have been reduced by 55% since 1945.  Manassas NBP has been actively converting many fields to native warm season grasses (WSG).  To date, the park has converted over 1,000 acres in an effort to provide valuable habitat for migrant and resident birds. 

 

In 2013, park biologists developed a protocol to survey over 1,500 acres of cold and warm season grasslands. This data will provide a baseline for comparisons of different habitat management types and effectiveness.

Bobwhite Quail Call Counts

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The Northern bobwhite population has seen dramatic declines across North America.  This is due in part from habitat loss and fragmentation. Park biologists have observed quail in multiple grassland habitats throughout the park.  Until 2013, no efforts had been made to monitor the quail population.

 

Spring and fall quail call count surveys are now being implemented annually to determine population size, density and distribution.  We hope to continue these efforts with the help of partners like VDGIF, VA Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, George Mason University and local citizen scientists.

Grassland Bird Monitoring

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In 2010, the National Park Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Fish and Wildlife Service that outlines a collaborative and proactive approach to promote and strengthen the conservation of migratory birds.  Manassas NBP is rich with bird life, over 160 species have been sighted and well over half of those species are migrants. 

 

In 2013, the first grassland bird surveys were conducted throughout the park's cold and warm season grasslands.  These surveys were done in conjuction with the spring quail call counts.  This data will help park biologists monitor any changes in populations.

Our Projects.