NPS


A Day in the Life of a Park Ranger
Jul 28, 2023

A Day in the Life of a Park Ranger

From relocating animals to helping children earn their Junior Ranger badges, no day is ever the same for Will Rifenbark, Park Ranger at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts For the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods crowd, Park Ranger Will Rifenbark is a familiar face–even if you don’t know his name. He’s the bearded guy in a hat whom you see driving patrons to the theater...

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History Hidden in Plain Sight
May 13, 2020

History Hidden in Plain Sight

Before Wolf Trap was the only National Park for the Performing Arts, before legendary artists took the stage at the Filene Center, before The Barns opened its doors, the land we enjoy today was once a farm of over 150 acres owned by Catherine Filene Shouse. “Kay,” as she was known to family and friends, hosted decades of lively gatherings at her country home. With...

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Do You Know Wolf Trap?The National Park Edition
Jul 10, 2019

Do You Know Wolf Trap?
The National Park Edition

Established by an act of Congress, Wolf Trap is the only National Park dedicated to presenting the performing arts in the U.S. The Filene Center contains one of the largest stages in the country. The first performance at the Filene Center was on July 1, 1971, which featured Julius Rudel conducting the National Symphony Orchestra with pianist Van Cliburn and New York City Opera star...

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Kick Start Your New Year’s Resolutions
Dec 04, 2018

Kick Start Your New Year’s Resolutions

Goodbye, 2018. Hello, 2019! Now that it’s 2019, it’s time to kick start your New Year’s Resolutions! Here are some tips to help you stick to your goals:   Get healthy Be more active. Lose a few pounds. Get more fresh air. There are tons of reasons why these are regular New Year’s resolutions —but we know, the struggle is real. For a jolt of...

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Take a hike!… At Wolf Trap
Dec 05, 2017

Take a hike!… At Wolf Trap

There are more memories and good feelings to experience beyond the music. Part of the Wolf Trap experience comes from memorable moments and good feelings before, during, and after a performance—but did you know it also goes beyond the stage? A benefit of being America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts are the 117 acres of pristine parkland that is included, having the National Park Service as a partner. Winding through the woods and over Wolf Trap Run, the trails are a great way to explore the outdoors. Here are a few tips for getting off on the right foot and your next adventure....

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Wolf Trap Founder Catherine Filene Shouse’s Historical Marker
Oct 23, 2017

Wolf Trap Founder Catherine Filene Shouse’s Historical Marker

Next time you drive down Trap Road, take a look around, and you might notice something a little different near the Filene Center’s West Parking Lot. On October 18, Wolf Trap founder Catherine Filene Shouse’s legacy and generosity were honored with the unveiling of a brand new Virginia Historical Highway Marker. To celebrate, local community leaders, friends of Wolf Trap, staff, and members of the...

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