THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service invites you to comment on a proposed update to the management plan for the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the historic network of forts, batteries and parkland that protected the nation’s capital during the Civil War.
Official NPS source
In 2026, Rock Creek Park and its partners will bring history to life with exciting programs and events for all ages. Come hike, explore, discover, volunteer and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Rock Creek Park.
Official NPS sourceJoin the National Park Service (NPS) on the historic grounds of Fort Reno on June 19, for a special event, “Remember Reno City” to commemorate Juneteenth.
Official NPS sourceVenison donations from national parks of the National Capital Region in 2025.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to share comments on the development of a Management Plan (Plan) update and a corresponding Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) located in the District of Columbia; Fairfax County, Virginia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Official NPS sourceJoin the National Park Service (NPS) on the historic grounds of Fort Stevens on Sept. 21, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day. The NPS, in partnership with the Military Road School Preservation Trust (MRSPT), will mark this milestone with a day of history, music, and community.
Official NPS sourceEight national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded this year’s annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 13,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve approximately 55,000 meals to families in need.
Official NPS sourceOn February 28, 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) notified Georgetown Heritage of the termination of its philanthropic partnership agreement effective April 29, 2024. This does not change the operation of the canal boat in Georgetown.
Official NPS sourceMost forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications.
Official NPS source