Anacostia Park is a land use mosaic along the Anacostia River.  It is a park of recreation fields, marshes, magnolia bogs, and landscaping.  No where is this more obvious than at the northern end of the park.

Like a time capsule from the past, one finds remnants of Washington's natural past here.  There are plants that fed the local civilization for thousands of years, mink skitter on the islands in winter, and colorful summer butterflies feed on wetland plants preserved here.  By preserving a part of the flood plain of the Anacostia River, Congress authorized a park that serves the public by filtering water, reducing flood damage, and preserving the biological and cultural resources that let us see from the past into the future. 

In setting aside land here for public use Congress saved a garden that is rare in the public domain, as well as habitats for wildlife unusual in a city.  You can learn more about gardening in the Gardener's Corner.