Take a Walk with Wolf Trap!

Aug 15, 2016

Summer nights at Wolf Trap are filled with music, picnics, and—for a growing number of people—nature! Beyond the Filene Center stage lie 117 acres of National Park land just waiting to be explored. During the summer concert season, National Park Service Rangers and Volunteers lead tours before all Thursday and Friday night performances. The tours take visitors to four of Wolf Trap’s gardens and give a little insight into the plants, animals, and other natural features that make up the United States’ only National Park for the Performing Arts.

In front of the Filene Center is the Native Meadow Demonstration Area. This area was formally maintained turf, but four years ago was converted to a native meadow that now consists of over 21,000 flowers and grasses! It serves as a habitat for a variety of animals and a model for the use of sustainable landscape techniques.

In the Farm Vegetable Gardens, Wolf Trap grows all sorts of fresh produce, including tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and eggplant! Once harvested, some of the food is used at Ovations Restaurant at Wolf Trap, while the rest is donated to local food banks.

The Native Garden and Woodland Garden are home to a variety of plants, trees, flowers, and shrubs. While both are beautiful sights to see, the shady Woodland Garden is a great place to get a break from the summer sun!

If time permits, Rangers may even take visitors on a short hike through the park to sites that are off the beaten path, such as the pond that Wolf Trap’s founder, Catherine Filene Shouse, used to water her livestock when the land was a working farm. It is now home to all kinds of fish, turtles, and other creatures!

With 117 acres, two hiking trails, and six gardens, there is so much nature to explore while you wait for your favorite artists to take the stage! Tours take place every Thursday and Friday show night at 6:30 PM and will continue through the remainder of the Filene Center concert season. If you are interested in participating in a tour, there is no need to sign up! Simply meet next to the Wolf Trap chalkboard in front of the Filene Center at 6:30 PM. Tours will last roughly an hour getting you back in time for the show!