SULLY HISTORIC SITE Master Plan Revision Approved 7/27/05
FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY MARCH 2005 S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE
FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY SULLY HISTORIC SITE General Management Plan and Conceptual Development Plan February 2005 Approved 7/27/05
PARK AUTHORITY BOARD
Harold L. Strickland, Chairman, Sully District Joanne E. Malone, Vice Chairman. Providence District Frank S. Vajda, Secretary-Treasurer. Mason District Gilbert S. McCutcheon, Mt. Vernon District Kenneth G. Feng, Springfield District Winifred S. Shapiro, Braddock District Kevin J. Fay, Dranesville District Edward R. Batten, Lee District Georgette Kohler, At-Large George D. Lovelace, At-Large Harrison A. Glasgow, At-Large Vacant, Hunter Mill District
SENIOR STAFF
Michael A. Kane, Director Timothy K. White, Deputy Director Lynn S. Tadlock, Director, Planning and Development Division Charlie Bittenbring, Director, Park Services Division Miriam C. Morrison, Director, Administration Division Cindy Messinger, Director, Resource Management Division Brian Daly, Director, Park Operations Judith Pedersen, Public Information Officer
PROJECT TEAM
Kirk Holley, Branch Manager, Park Planning Branch Angie Allen, Project Manager, Park Planning Branch Liz Crowell, Resource Management Division Noreen McCann, Resource Management Division Carol McDonnell, Resource Management Division Jeanne Niccolls, Resource Management Division Jenny Pate, Planning and Development Division Michael Rierson, Resource Management Division Richard Sacchi, Resource Management Division Charles Smith, Resource Management Division
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction I. Purpose of Plan & Description...... 6
Part 1: Background & Existing Conditions I. Park Description & Significance A. Location & General Description...... 6 B. Historical Background ...... 8 C. Administrative History ...... 9 D. Park Classification System ...... 9 E. Visitor Profile...... 10 F. Planning Context...... 10 G. Sully Historic Site Mission ...... 11 II. Inventory & Analysis A. Park Context & Adjacent Properties...... 11 B. Existing Site Conditions 1. Historic Structures ...... 13 2. Historic Objects Collections...... 13 3. Cultural Resources a) Archaeological Sites ...... 13 b) Cultural Landscape...... 14 4. Gardens & Cemetery...... 14 6. Natural Resources a) Hydrology...... 15 b) Topography...... 15 c) Geology & Soils ...... 18 d) Forest Delineation...... 18 e) Wildlife...... 22 6. Green Infrastructure ...... 22 7. Existing Improvements & Facilities a) Infrastructure 1) Utilities...... 22 2) Park Access ...... 23 3) Parking...... 25 b) Maintenance Structures ...... 25 c) Other Amenities...... 25 d) ADA Adaptations ...... 26 C. Existing Exhibits & Programs 1. Exhibits...... 26 a) Orientation Exhibit ...... 26 b) Period Room Exhibits ...... 26 c) Temporary Exhibits ...... 27 d) Outreach Exhibits ...... 27 2. Programs a) Groups on Site...... 27 b) General Public Presentations ...... 27 c) Outreach Programs...... 27 d) Special Events ...... 27
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Part 2: General Management Plan I. Management Framework A. Management Issues ...... 28 B. Management Objectives...... 29 C. Desired Visitor Experience ...... 29 D. Management Zones ...... 30 1. Entrance Zones...... 30 2. Visitor Orientation Zone...... 30 3. Cultural Resource Protection Zone...... 32 4. Natural Resource Protection Zone...... 32 5. Maintenance Zone...... 32 6. Buffer Zones...... 32 II. Management & Development A. Resource Management ...... 33 1. Cultural Resource Management...... 33 2. Historic Structures Management a) Building Preservation & Reconstruction...... 33 b) Maintenance, Housekeeping, & Custodial Duties...... 33 3. Historic Collections Management...... 34 4. Natural Resource Management...... 34 B. Interpretive & Visitor Services ...... 34 1. Programs a) Interpretive & Educational Programs...... 34 b) Special Events ...... 35 2. Other Information & Interpretive Media ...... 35 a) Signage...... 35 b) Publications & Website ...... 35 3. Exhibits a) Orientation & Temporary Exhibits ...... 35 b) Period Room Exhibits ...... 35 4. Relationship to Other Parks a) Sully Woodlands...... 35 b) Integration with other Civil War Sites...... 36 c) Partnerships & Associations ...... 36 5. Research & Archives...... 37 6. Staffing...... 37
Part 3: Conceptual Development Plan I. Design Issues ...... 38 II. Elimination of Relocation of Existing Facilities/Previously Approved Master Plan Elements .... 38 III. Description of Plan Elements A. Vehicular Access & Parking...... 38 B. Visitor Center...... 40 C. Picnic Area...... 40 D. Family Activity Area ...... 40 E. Cultural Resource Interpretation Areas ...... 41 F. Slave Quarters ...... 41 G. Barn Lot Reconstruction...... 41 H. Gardens & Cemetery...... 41 I. Trails...... 42 Page 4 S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Part 3: Conceptual Development Plan (con’t) J. Natural Resource Protection Area...... 42 K. Transitional Plantings...... 42 L. Buffer Plantings ...... 42 M. Maintenance Facility...... 42 IV. Design & Development Concerns A. Potential Impacts of MWAA Access Road ...... 43 B. Land Acquisition...... 43 C. Intermediate Need for Reorientation of Visitor Services ...... 43
Attachments Attachment 1—Plant Species Observations ...... 44 Attachment 2—Wildlife Species Observations ...... 47
List of Graphics Figure 1— 1978 Master Plan...... 7 Figure 2—Hydrology...... 16 Figure 3— Slope Analysis ...... 17 Figure 4—Soils...... 19 Figure 5—Forest Stand Delineation ...... 20 Figure 6—Relocated Entrance Road and Parking Lot...... 24 Figure 7—General Management Plan ...... 31 Figure 8—Conceptual Development Plan ...... 39
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Introduction Part 1: Background & I. Purpose of Plan & Existing Conditions Description I. Park Description & Since the master plan for Sully Historic Site Significance was approved in 1978, the surrounding context has significantly changed (Figure 1— A. Location & General Description 1978 Master Plan). Once open and relatively Sully Historic Site is located at 3601 Sully Road undeveloped, the area in the vicinity of the in Chantilly, Virginia in the Sully Supervisory park site has experienced increased industrial, District. The park is 61.8364 acres in size with commercial, and residential development an additional 66.463 acres under a revocable over the past 25 years. The purpose of the permit license agreement with the Metropolitan master plan revision is to update the existing Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). The plan and create a long-range vision for the park is 4 ½ miles south of Dulles International site. When approved, this document will Airport and an eighth of a mile from the serve as a guide for all future planning on the National Air & Space Museum, Udvar Hazy site and should be referred to before any Center. The site is located at the intersection of planning and design projects are initiated. two major state highways, Route 28 (Sully Road) and U.S. Route 50. The master plan document consists of three parts—the Background and Existing Conditions, the General Management Plan (GMP), and the Conceptual Development Plan (CDP). After presenting the background information serving as the basis for decision making, the General Management Plan and Conceptual Development Plan describe how to best protect park resources, provide quality visitor experiences, manage visitation and visitor use, and serve as a blueprint for future park development. The General Management Plan establishes park purpose and classification, describes existing conditions and constraints, details the desired visitor experience, and Location Map identifies “management zones.” General Sully Historic Site was once part of a larger tract Management Plans are meant to be flexible to of land, spreading south and west into the accommodate the changing needs of park current airport property. Once a working farm visitors. Uses are described in general terms and residence, Sully consists of several original so that as visitor needs change, the uses outbuildings dating from 1794 to 1801 including provided can shift accordingly. The the restored original 2 ½ story dwelling house, Conceptual Development Plan describes the original kitchen/wash house, smokehouse, dairy, planned park elements, identifies design and lumber house. The original outbuildings are concerns, and illustrates the general location used daily to interpret common work on a of the recommended facilities based on the Federal Period farm. Other historic structures guidance of the General Management Plan. on the property include the museum school house store, once a 19th Century one room school house originally from Haymarket,
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Figure 1—1978 Master Plan
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Virginia, and a gazebo that serves as a visitor oversight of the property by the Francis orientation kiosk, originally from the Fairfax Lightfoot Lee Committees also owned County Courthouse grounds. Sully during this period. Also instituted during this period were land use patterns Prehistoric archaeological evidence has also that remained largely unchanged through been found in multiple locations on-site, such the mid-twentieth century, such as the as projectile points and evidence of hunting location of the houselot on a small ridge camps. New construction includes a overlooking the surrounding landscape, representative slave quarter dwelling, built in the clustered arrangement of the house 2000, on the archaeological footprint of an and its outbuildings, the cluster original cabin and visitor restroom facilities, arrangement of the barns and farm built in 1974, beneath the school house store. outbuildings, and the general agricultural These newer structures enhance and support land use pattern. The main house, still the visitor experience. existing today, was completed in 1799 under the ownership of Richard Bland Lee.
• Period 3: Agricultural Expansion (1842-1910) Jacob Haight, James Barlow, Stephen Shear, and Conrad Shear successively owned Sully during this period. Many landscape changes instituted during the Antebellum Period were retained, but with a shift to more intensive and specialized farming, including dairy Stone Dairy and Well operations. Additional features include B. Historical Background new barns and circulation patterns. Sully has a long and well documented history providing insight on the use and appearance • Period 4: The Civil War (1861-1865) of the site dating from 1725. The site’s Although many Civil War battles and history can be divided into seven periods skirmishes occurred in Northern Virginia, based on broad patterns of land use and Sully saw little direct physical impact from development, as presented in the Cultural the war. On at least two occasions, Sully Landscape Report for Sully Historic Site was the site of Confederate and Union (Prepared by Rhodeside & Harwell and John encampments. Little crop production Milner Associates, February 2004): occurred during the war due to lack of labor and potential destruction, and much • Period 1: Tobacco Plantation (1725 of the livestock was taken by or sold to 1788) The property was a tobacco both armies. plantation owned by Henry Lee I and Henry Lee II, organized around a quarter • Period 5: Dairy (1910-1939) When of slaves and overseers. William Miller and King Poston owned Sully, the agricultural focus shifted from • Period 2: Antebellum Period (1787 mixed farming to dairying. This was 1842) Sully was given its name under the evidenced on the landscape by the ownership of Richard Bland Lee. construction and alteration of some Francis Lightfoot Lee II, John outbuildings. New circulation patterns Roberston, William Swartwout, and the were also introduced.
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• Period 6: Country Estate (1939-1959) 1959. At that time, a Congressional bill was During the ownership of Walter passed conveying Sully to “any public or Thurston and Frederick Nolting, Sully private organization of the State of Virginia” ceased to function as an agricultural- under the condition that the organization centered landscape and instead primarily “preserve, exhibit, and maintain said structure served as a residence. The appearance of or structures for the use and benefit of the the landscape does not seem to have public” (Sully: The Biography of a House, Robert been greatly impacted, but the use S. Gamble, 1973). The Fairfax County Park patterns changed dramatically. Authority assumed ownership of the property and began operating it as a public park/ • Period 7: Historic Site (1959-present) historic site. In 1974 and 1975, the main Most recently, Sully has been under the dwelling house and outbuildings were operation of the Fairfax County Park restored to their 1799 appearance, funded by Authority and open to the public as a public park bonds. In 1979 Sully, as well as historic site. Interpretation of the site Colvin Run Mill, were accredited by the focuses on the Federal Period, more American Association of Museums (AAM). specifically the time of Richard Bland They became one of the first county-operated Lee’s ownership. museums to be accredited in the country. Both museums received reaccredidation in The period of significance, or major area of 1989 and again in 1999. interpretation, is the Richard Bland Lee period from 1787 – 1811. Richard Bland Lee To assist with the ongoing preservation and was Northern Virginia’s first representative to restoration efforts of Sully, Eddie Wagstaff Congress. Lee inhabited and developed the established and endowed the Sully land, with the support of 29 enslaved African Foundation Limited in 1969. The group Americans inherited from his father. Lee continues to play an active role in advocating made significant changes to Sully’s landscape the need to preserve Sully, while also to support its agricultural use. providing continuous funding for special projects. D. Park Classification System Sully Historic Site is designated as a Cultural Resource Park in the Park Authority’s classification system. Cultural Resource Parks protect and preserve archaeological sites and historic properties that meet the eligibility requirements for the National Richard Bland Lee and his Wife, Elizabeth Collins Register of Historic Places Criteria or the Public Significance Criteria as designated by C. Administrative History the Fairfax County (Virginia) Heritage Frederick Nolting was the last private owner Resource Management Plan. Historic Sites of Sully. Nolting, along with Eddie Wagstaff, and Archaeological Parks may be located his close friend and local historian, and wherever evidence of human occupation Eleanor Templeman of the Society of the exists on or beneath the land and waters. Lees of Virginia were largely responsible for Depending on the extent of the resource, the saving Sully from demolition by the Federal Cultural Resource Park site may also be Aviation Administration (FAA) during the designated as a Countywide Park or as sub creation of Dulles International Airport in unit of another park classification.
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Acquisition, identification, and preservation of residential, commercial, recreation, cultural resources are for purposes of entertainment, and industrial uses to support stewardship; use of the site is defined within Dulles Airport and the larger suburban area. A stewardship parameters. Development of these mixed-use urban core is planned adjacent to parks should include opportunities for public the Dulles Airport Access Road, with a second education and enjoyment. To the extent that mixed-use node envisioned for the Westfields they do not adversely impact the cultural area. In addition, the potential for a rail transit resources themselves, portions of the site may system within the Dulles Suburban Center is be developed with demonstration areas, and acknowledged, and a provision for rail transit is support facilities such as restrooms and parking. identified as a major transportation objective.
E. Visitor Profile At a more site specific scale, Sully is planned Staff has previously estimated that Sully attracts for public park use surrounded by planned between 23,000 to 30,000 visitors per year. This public facility uses to the north, west, and figure is expected to increase with the south on land held by the Metropolitan installation of a car counter system, providing Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). more accurate information on passive visitation. Mixed use is planned to the east. Land use According to the Key Findings from the 2001 recommendations specific to Sully Historic Site Resource Management Site Visitor Satisfaction Survey include a new entrance road from the relocated (FCPA Parks Services Division, September Air and Space Museum Parkway interchange 2003), one-third of Sully’s visitors travel from and the planned visitor information and beyond the Washington, DC area, which is conference center, as well as archaeological and unique for historic sites owned by the Park historical studies to determine if it is Authority. The visitor survey indicated that appropriate to seek expansion to include parts most users are first-time visitors to the site, but of the Turley Hall property. nearly 12 percent of those were repeat visitors. The majority of the visitors stated they came The Countywide Trails Plan shows a proposed because of an interest in history. Other reasons 8-foot wide paved trail along Sully Road to visit include relaxation and friends and family connecting to a trail along Barnsfield Road, recommendation. In addition, the survey results though it was not constructed during the Route show the majority of the visitors became aware 28 Road Improvement Project. In addition, it of the site through signage and word-of-mouth. is recommended that a countywide trail The 2003 Needs Assessment analysis indicates provide non-vehicular access between Sully that historic sites are well-used facilities within and the Air and Space Museum Annex across the park system, with over one-third of the Sully Road. County’s population visiting a historic site at least once in the past year. The Sully Historic Overlay District (Appendix 1, A-1-300, Part 3 of the Zoning Ordinance) F. Planning Context provides special zoning regulations for the area within a quarter-mile radius from the property In the County’s Comprehensive Plan, the site is line. The intention of the overlay district is to located in the Upper Potomac Planning District protect the historic integrity of the site and to and more specifically in the Dulles Suburban control uses that would have visual and/or Center. As Dulles International Airport is a operational impacts on Sully. All proposed major economic catalyst for the Northern development within the historic district must Virginia Area, growth is expected to continue in be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board the Dulles corridor. The concept for future and should be preceded by an archeological development in the Dulles Suburban Center survey. focuses on providing a broad range of
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In addition, other designations offer protection Park Purpose or recognition to the site, including: • To educate the public on the social histories of the families that lived at • National Register of Historic Places Sully, including the enslaved • Virginia Landmarks Register community and other diverse residents, • Fairfax County Inventory of Historic from the late 18th century through Sites 1959. • Accredited by the American • To promote stewardship through Associations of Museums educational interpretive programs, • National Park Service National focusing on the rich cultural and Underground Railroad Network to natural resources of Sully and the Freedom Program surrounding region. • Virginia Civil War Trails Program Park Significance • Daughters of the American Revolution Sully is one of the most historically significant recognition plaque properties in the park system, protecting and preserving a portion of the architectural and G. Sully Historic Site Mission cultural heritage of Fairfax County. The Sully’s mission describes the purpose and history of Sully, and its use by its fifteen significance envisioned for the historic site. As owners, generally represents the changing development progresses from conceptual character of Fairfax County and Northern master planning to site specific design, Virginia that evolved from a near wilderness, decisions can be continually tested against the with scattered homelots and farmland, to its mission for appropriateness. The overall current suburban state. mission of Sully was adopted in 1996:
“To preserve, maintain and interpret the historic structures, collections and lands that comprise Sully, a restored late 18th century dwelling house, outbuildings, representative slave quarter and park grounds.”
Park purpose statements are intended to guide decision making regarding all plan recommendations, resource allocation, and management issues. If a proposed use conflicts with anyone of the purposes listed, it will be considered an incompatible use. By establishing park purposes, future plans can remain flexible, as legislative requirements and Sully in the Spring visitor preferences change. Park significance II. Inventory & Analysis statements capture the attributes that make this historic site valuable and important to the A. Park Context and Adjacent community and the park system. Like purpose Properties statements, the significance of a park may shift The development of Dulles International over time in response to the surrounding Airport has significantly impacted the context or users needs and desires. surrounding context of Sully. Dulles Airport property, owned by the Metropolitan
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Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), lies that has impacted and will continue to to the west and south of the park site. In influence Sully is the Smithsonian National Air addition, a 100-foot wide former utility and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. In corridor, also owned by MWAA, bisects the 1988, the Smithsonian Institution signed a site. This swath of land provides MWAA the long-term lease with MWAA for a 176.5 acre only potential vehicular access to their property site south of the main terminal on the west side to the south. of Route 28. The 760,000 square-foot facility opened in December 2003 with an exhibit MWAA estimates that Dulles served 17 million hangar, observation tower, multi-media passengers in 2003 and employed 18,000 classrooms, IMAX theater, museum store, and people, and airport expansion is underway with food services. The facility is envisioned to the $3 billion ‘Dulles Development Program.’ house and display 200 aircraft and 135 Improvements include a fourth runway, two spacecraft at capacity and future expansion parking garages, a new airport traffic control includes a restoration area. According to the tower, an additional midfield concourse, and an Smithsonian, an estimated 3 million visitors are airport train system to connect the new expected annually at the Udvar-Hazy Center. facilities. According to MWAA, Dulles has the land capacity to serve 55 million passengers In addition to development on airport when all planned facilities are completed, property, a major mixed-use development is though no specific timetable has been proposed to the north. The ‘Dulles Discovery’ established for final build-out. The current project is envisioned to be an age-restricted expansion plans do not include the use of residential development, with other uses MWAA property located to the south of Sully, possibly introduced in later phases of though MWAA will maintain the right to development. St. Veronica Catholic School is access this property via a private road running located directly east of Sully. Also in proximity through the power easement on the eastern to the park site are industrial uses at the boundary of the park property. intersection of Sully Road and Route 50. Another development on the Dulles property Located east of Centreville Road are the
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residential developments of Armfield Farm museum entrance building and gift shop. and Franklin Farm, as well as Franklin Middle Additionally, a slave dwelling was constructed School. using archaeological and documentary evidence found on the site. B. Existing Site Conditions 1. Historic Structures 2. Historic Objects Collections The focus of the core interpretive area is the The Historic Objects Collections are housed main house from the Richard Bland Lee within the original historic structure. A core Period, built in 1794 and completed in 1799 group of these objects have a provenance of with the east wing addition. The Sully house either having belonged to the Lees or having is a three-part frame structure set on a been used at Sully. Site-specific objects include foundation of local red seneca sandstone. 18th-century furniture owned by Richard Bland The center, two-story section has a side hall Lee including a sofa, card, sewing, and plan with two exterior chimneys and a gable Pembroke tables and two American roof. On the south side of the central Hepplewhite heart-back chairs, along with portion is a one-story piazza or porch. In pieces of china and silver, clothing accessories, addition, the north entrance is sheltered by a and a seal with the Lee family coat-of-arms. small pedimented porch. The architecture is The highest priority for acquisitions are further detailed in a site architectural study additions to this core group of objects. from the 1970s. The Lee pieces are supplemented with Existing outbuildings associated with the representative period pieces and selected main house include a log building used as a reproductions. These objects are interpreted kitchen/wash house, a smokehouse, lumber primarily in period room settings, the visitor house, and a two-story stone Dairy. In 1960, orientation gallery, and temporary changing exterior and interior drawings of the main exhibits. Items once owned by Lee family house and outbuildings were done as part of relatives and later owners of Sully are also part the Historic American Buildings Survey. of the collections, and are housed with Other buildings in the core interpretive area additional Sully research and archival materials include a school house that was moved to the at the central Historic Collections Storage property from Antioch Farm in Haymarket, Facility in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Together VA. This building currently serves as the they provide Sully with a wealth of interpretive material to serve as a basis for exhibits and programs.
3. Cultural Resources a) Archaeological Sites Since 1970, much has been learned about the Sully property, including the identification of various elements of the farm complex and the connections between Sully and the nearby farms. During an archaeological survey to uncover more information about the farm components, a rich set of features and artifacts were discovered to southeast of the main house at the Sully South Road Structures site. This site, along the south entrance lane to the main house, contains a complex of foundations and other features which identify it as a set of
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farm outbuildings dating from the late 18th a relatively large number of retouched flakes century. Among the foundations, three were argues that the Cain’s Branch area was identified as possible slave dwellings. The probably used for hunting camps. site confirms Sully as a working farm from circa 1780 (and possibly as early as 1746) through the late 19th century.
The Sully Tenant Farm site, located east of the main house, was first surveyed in 1983. It has yielded the foundation of a building identified as an early 19th century dwelling of a tenant farmer. Richard Bland Lee is known to have had tenants on his farm.
Cain’s Branch was the border between Sully and Little Sully when Jacob Haight divided Sully in 1845 between his son and daughter. Archaeological Excavation at Sully The south lane led from Sully to Little Sully House and thence to Frying Pan Road and b) Cultural Landscape the main entrance to Sully. At Cain’s Branch, A Cultural Landscape Report was completed southeast of the main house, are original for the property in 2003. The report bridge abutments where the south lane established periods of significance for the crossed the stream. Also located southeast of landscape using historical documentation the main house, the ¾ Foundation has been including historic maps, photographs, and identified as an ice house that was made of primary source material that contained written wood and set into the bank to provide descriptions, such as letters and diaries. Other insulation. sources of information incorporated into the report include existing landscape features and Running along the northeast corner of the the results of archaeological studies. Plan maps Sully property is a part of a railroad which were prepared that documented the landscape was never completed. The Loudoun Branch during the different periods of significance. of the Manassas Gap Railroad was graded before 1860, but the entire enterprise ended This document is envisioned to be the first in failure without track being laid. The right phase of the Cultural Landscape Report for of-way cut along the boundary of the Sully Sully. The second phase is anticipated to be a property bears mute testimony to the continuation of the work presented in the 2003 economic impact of the Civil War. The report and this master plan document. Phase Manassas Gap Railroad is listed in the Two of the Cultural Landscape Report will National Register of Historic Places. provide recommendations on the treatment, management, and interpretation of landscape Prehistoric artifacts have been found all along elements. Cain’s Branch. A small camp was probably located southwest of the house. Projectile 4. Gardens and Cemetery points found around the Sully Tenant Farm Sully has three interpretive gardens that Site indicate occupation during the Late represent plantings appropriate to the Federal Archaic-Early Woodland period (5000 to time period. Richard Bland Lee had a two acre 2500 years ago). Undated prehistoric artifacts garden on the west side of the kitchen/laundry were found around the Ice House Site and building. The exact plantings for this two-acre the South Road Structures. The presence of garden are not known, except for a few
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references in Lee’s correspondence. Existing southernmost portion of the site. Under the interpretive gardens include a vegetable Fairfax County Chesapeake Bay Preservation garden, flower garden, and a slave quarter Ordinance, perennial streams are designated a garden. Each garden has samplings of Resource Protection Area (RPA), which is a heirloom plants. The flower garden is a minimum 100-foot buffer intended to limit bullet-shaped revival garden designed in the development adjacent to streams. The early 1970’s to be similar to the bullet-shaped County’s Perennial Stream Identification and gardens at Mount Vernon. Mapping Project identified Cain’s Branch as a perennial stream required to have an RPA. The current cemetery is not original to Sully. In addition, flood plains have been mapped Richard Bland Lee and Elizabeth Collins Lee along Cain’s Branch just south of the were re-interred in 1970 to Sully from property line in the eastern half of the site, Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, extending to Centreville Road. by the Society of Lees of Virginia. The Sully Foundation, Ltd. funded the construction of a brick wall and the restoration of the epitaphs on the headstones. Additionally, a commemorative marker was placed there for the children that died at Sully—Algernon Sidney (Light Horse Harry Lee’s child), Mary Ann Lee, and Mary Collins Lee. Letters written by Elizabeth Collins Lee indicate that children who had died at Sully were buried in the vicinity of the house. Though the actual location of the children’s cemetery has not been discovered, the historical documentation and other research techniques have identified Cain’s Branch probable locations of the cemetery site. The Fairfax County Stream Protection Strategy Baseline Study (Dept. of Public Works and Environmental Services, January 2001) summarizes the general stream conditions across the County. Based on biotic integrity, habitat, fish taxa richness, and impervious surfaces, Cain’s Branch was assigned a site condition rating of “fair.” Given that rating, the stream was classified as Watershed Restoration Level I, the higher priority management category. The primary goal of this management category is to re-establish Flower Garden healthy biological communities (Figure 2— Hydrology). 5. Natural Resources a) Hydrology b) Topography The Sully site lies within the 55 square-mile The northern two-thirds of the site is Cub Run watershed, covering portions of relatively flat, though the main house is Fairfax and Loudoun Counties as well as located at a high-point with slopes between 5 Dulles Airport. Cain’s Branch, draining and 10 percent. Along Sully Road, landscape Chantilly and Dulles, runs through the berms were constructed to help shield the
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Figure 2—Hydrology
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Figure 3—Slope Analysis
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views and noise of traffic. The steepest Surface grading and subsurface drainage are slopes are found in the southern portion of often necessary due to the high water table the site, sloping down to Cain’s Branch and shallow depth to bedrock. Geotechnical occupying the lowest elevations on-site. investigations by an engineer are Slopes associated with the stream generally recommended prior to construction due to exceed 5 percent, many over 10 percent. In wetness and drainage problems associated addition, severe slopes are found in the with the Manassas soils group. northeastern portion of the site at the Manassas Gap Railroad cut (Figure 3—Slope The Rowland and Calverton soils groups Analysis). found on-site are classified as problem soils due to unstable slopes and land slippage, c) Geology & Soils poor foundation support, and high water Ratings of Soils for Urban Development in Fairfax table conditions. Adequate engineering County identifies three major geologic regions evaluations for geotechnical issues will be in Fairfax County with the Coastal Plain to required prior to construction for these soils. the east, the Piedmont Upland in the central The Rowland (#12) soils group is associated portion of the County, and the Triassic Basin with Cain’s Branch, consisting of silty and to the west. The Sully site falls in the western clayey alluvium subject to flooding after Triassic Basin characterized by red storm events. Calverton Silt Loam (#78) sedimentary (sandstone, siltstone, shale, and soils are located at the northern tip of the site. conglomerate) rocks. The soils over the red This silty to clayey soil group is characterized sedimentary rocks are often shallow, by soft, plastic subsoil clays. A distinct pan frequently with large flat areas being poorly layer in the subsoil prevents water movement drained. In general, the soils are acidic in in these soils (Figure 4—Soils). reaction. According to existing County records, five soils groups are found on-site, d) Forest Delineation though a detailed soils report and field The Forest Stand Delineation, prepared by sampling may be required prior to future Rhodeside & Harwell for the Park Authority, development and construction. identifies eight forest stands on the park property based on an inventory of the quality Penn soils (#73, #67) dominant the site, and character of plant material found on-site which are characterized by good foundation (Figure 5—Forest Stand Delineation). support, fair to marginal drainage, low organic matter, and high erosion potential. • Forest Stand 1: Eastern Red Cedar- Permeability is moderate to moderate rapid, Virginia Pine—Located south of Cain’s but can be restricted by un-fractured bedrock. Branch, this stand is dominated by a Grading and subsurface drainage may be dense canopy of mature eastern red needed to prevent wet areas and to provide cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Virginia adequate drainage for paved areas. In pine (Pinus virginiana) with canopy trees addition, topsoil may be needed to increase ranging from 8 to 15 inches in diameter. rooting depths for plant material. The understory is sparse due to the dense canopy. A few co-dominant Adjacent to the Penn soils, the Manassas hardwoods are scattered throughout. (#14) soils group is found. Occurring in This stand is in good condition and drainageways, this soil consists of sandy, silty, should eventually transition to and clayey materials with moderate hardwoods. permeability. The soil is strongly acidic in reaction in most places, while natural fertility, productivity, and workability are good.
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Figure 4—Soils
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Figure 5—Forest Stand Delineation
Aerial Imagery © Commonwealth of Virginia
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• Forest Stands 2 and 3: Bottomland brambles, greenbrier, Japanese holly, privet Hardwoods—This stand is located in (Ligustrum spp.). The prevalence of invasive the Cain Branch stream valley. The species downgrades the overall quality of species represented include sycamore these early successional stands. (Platanus occidentalus), white ash (Fraxinus • Forest Stand 6: Eastern Red Cedar— americana), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), This early successional eastern red cedar American elm (Ulmus americana), red stand is the largest forest stand found on- maple (Acer rubrum), boxelder (Acer site, located in the central portion of the negundo), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), property. The cedars range in size from 8 willow oak (Quercus phellos), persimmon to 15 inches in diameter. Virginia pines are (Diospyros virginiana) and Southern red also found scattered throughout the stand. oak (Quercus falcata). The understory is Several species of hardwoods are beginning composed of spicebush (Lindera benzoin), to overtake the cedars in some areas. The Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), hardwoods that are filling in include brambles (rubus spp.), sassafras (Sassafras southern red oak, white oak, tulip poplar, albidum), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) persimmon and red maple. and the overstory species. This stand is in good condition despite the presence • Forest Stand 7: Mixed Mesophytic of some exotic invasives, such as Forest—This stand is unique in that it is honeysuckle, and rates as a high priority associated with the Manassas Gap Railroad for preservation. cut that runs across the north-eastern property boundary. The trench is generally • Forest Stands 4 and 5: Early 15 to 20 feet deep and equally wide. Successional Hardwoods—Located to Standing water can be found in several the east of the existing parking lot, the areas. The rocky steep sides of the trench young trees found in these stands are have created a shady microclimate where predominantly hardwoods ranging in size many ferns and a broad diversity of from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. Canopy hardwoods now grow. The size class ranges trees include red maple, white ash, black from 20 to 25 inches in diameter with a locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), eastern red few specimens exceeding 30 inches in cedar, boxelder, black cherry (Prunus diameter. The species represented include serotina), tulip poplar (Liriodendron Southern red oak, willow oak, white oak, tulipifera), persimmon, and Virginia pine. persimmon, tulip poplar, red maple, pignut The understory includes dogwoods hickory (Carya glabra), black walnut (Juglans (Cornus florida), sumac (Rhus typhina), nigra) hackberry, black cherry, white ash, eastern red cedar, dogwood, ironwood, redbud, and black gum.
• Forest Stand 8: Black Locust-Black cherry—At the northern tip of the property, this early successional stand is overgrown with multifloral rose (Rosa multifloral), greenbrier, honeysuckle and brambles. The black cherry and locust range in size from 10 to 15 inches in diameter. Several trees exceeding 20 inches in diameter can be found scattered Existing Forest Trail throughout. American elm, white ash, hackberry, sassafras, red maple, persimmon
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and dogwoods can also be found throughout 6. Green Infrastructure the stand. This stand is in poor condition The Fairfax County Park Authority has and is therefore rated low priority for developed a modeling tool to identify preservation. significant natural and cultural resources in the County. Using the County’s geographic In addition to the work completed by the information system (GIS), the FCPA has consultants for the Forest Stand Delineation, produced a countywide “Green Infrastructure” Park Authority staff has compiled a partial list of model and resultant map based on a weighted plant species observed during site visits, which is analysis of significant environmental and included as an attachment (Attachment 1—Plant historic features. The weighted analysis Species Observations). Site staff has also produces a general resource value that observed introduced horticulture species of fruit recognizes the combination in value of various trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers located resources within the three general categories of throughout the property that may provide environmental, cultural, and open space areas, additional insight into the historical use of the but does not rank importance between land. More work could be done in the future to categories. The model is limited by the extent, further locate and identify introduced plant accuracy, and resolution of the source data species and varieties and tie them to specific used. Several important resources, such as periods. The Cultural Landscape Report should rare, threatened, and endangered species and be referred to for additional information on Environmental Quality Corridors (EQCs) are introduced species at Sully. not considered in the analysis due to the unavailability or incompatibility of the data. e) Wildlife Sully Historic Site plays host to a variety of Areas surrounding the main house, as well as wildlife including many bird, mammal and reptile some additional outlying areas, fall within the species. Due to its location adjacent to the highest value category when evaluating cultural Dulles International Airport property and resources in the Green Infrastructure Model. connectivity by air and via culvert pipes under The remainder of the site and areas adjacent to Route 28, Sully could be expected to host or be park property are in the next highest cultural visited by most of the species listed by Dulles resource value category. The highest values for Airport in the species lists developed as part of natural resources are found along Cain’s their Environmental Impact Statements for the Branch to the south. The weighted analysis of National Air and Space Museum and the runway all factors within the model found the highest expansion project. One species of particular note resource values to be located in proximity of that could occur at Sully is the red squirrel which Cain’s Branch, where the most evident overlap is fast disappearing in our region due to loss of of cultural and natural resources occurs. large stands of conifers and competition from eastern gray squirrels. Several reptiles and 7. Existing Improvements & amphibians have been sighted at Sully including Facilities black racer and black rat snakes, eastern painted a) Infrastructure and eastern box turtles, and gray tree frog. 1) Utilities Mammals seen on site include eastern gray Numerous utility easements are found on or squirrel, white-tailed deer, red fox, and adjacent to the site, the most prominent being woodchuck. The bird species at Sully are diverse the power easement along the eastern and include such relatively uncommon species as boundary of the property. Currently, the yellow-breasted chat, prairie warbler, ruby- power easement is an open corridor of mowed throated hummingbird, and bald eagle grass. According to Dominion Virginia Power, (Attachment 2—Wildlife Species Observations). plants less than 5-feet tall are permitted in the conductor zone and plants less than 10-feet tall
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are allowed outside the conductor zone. been added to help direct Sully visitors. Prior to planting, an encroachment request must be submitted to the area inspector. As part of the Route 28 road improvements, Dominion Power provides a suggested list of access will be relocated to the north from the plants for transmission right-of ways, though Air and Space Museum Parkway. Once additional species can be accepted if completed, a two-lane access road will come in information on height and general plant from the north, avoiding known cultural characteristics is provided. resources, moving to the eastside of the main house. VDOT has agreed to build 5,000 feet An eight-inch water main supplies water to of the access road, though the Park Authority the site running east-west through the center will be responsible for securing funds for of the property, terminating near the main desired road amenities, including parking lot house complex. The Fairfax County Water lights, a controlled access gate, landscaping, Authority controls an easement along the and demolition of the existing entrance road line, which is currently not planted. Shallow and parking. The relocated parking rooted shrubs and trees, in addition to accomodates 72 cars, two buses, a dumpster perennials, are permitted within the easement. pad, and a bus turnaround. Construction on If plant material is damaged or removed the new entrance road is anticipated to begin in during repairs, the Park Authority will be 2005. Once construction is complete, the responsible for replacement. It is existing entrance and parking will be recommended, though not required, that the demolished. The alignment with the Air and proposed plantings for the water easement be Space Museum Parkway will provide a second discussed with the Water Authority, prior to public access from Centreville Road to the east installation. on the old Barnsfield Road to the new Air and Space Museum Parkway. Three underground gas lines are in the immediate vicinity of the site. Two pipelines The Park Authority and MWAA have reached run along the eastern boundary of the parcel an agreement to provide an access road from and a third cuts through the northern tip of the Barnsfield interchange to the MWAA the site. In addition, a gravity sewer line is property located south of the Sully site. The located along the northern side of Cain’s proposed MWAA access road would separate Branch extending north along Sully Road. from the Sully entrance road at a cul-de-sac Lastly, fiber optics run parallel to Route 28 north of the park property. Instead of running along the western edge of the property. down the utility corridor in the center of the site, the 24-foot access road would continue 2) Park Access along the eastern boundary of the property Currently, the entrance to Sully is oriented to within the existing power easement, crossing the west to Route 28, rather than toward the over the utility corridor onto park property just east where the entrance road was historically located. Vehicular access is from Route 28/ Sully Road northbound only, just north of the Route 50 intersection, which temporarily became right-in, right-out in December 2003. With the present traffic configuration, traffic leaving Sully must use the National Air and Space Museum exit to head southbound on Route 28, and southbound traffic must use the Route 50 interchange to access the site Existing Parking Lot from Rt. 28 north. Additional signage has
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Figure 6—Relocated Entrance Road and Parking Lot
Aerial Imagery © Commonwealth of Virginia
Page 24 S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE west of the corridor, and accessing the airport non-permanent buildings on raised skids for property to the south. Actual disturbance for storage. These buildings form the Sully the access road is dependent upon topography , maintenance compound located to the east of the and the roadway way elevation will be graded to main house, which is an enclosed yard serving as a match existing elevations. Efforts will be made staging area for event and program set up, to minimize the disturbance. (Figure 6— equipment and supplies storage, as well as a garage- Relocated Entrance Road and Parking Lot). type area for repairs. This area is inadequate, due to the lack of temperature control and no 3) Parking electricity. To the southwest of the main house along Sully Road, the existing paved parking lot provides c) Other Amenities 75 spaces with eight designated for staff Visitor services are located in the school house, parking. For large special events, overflow which houses the gift shop, ticket sales, and parking is located in several spots such as the restroom facilities. The restrooms are located in area south of the paved lot, the west field, the the walkout basement accessible from the southern east field, and the power easement area. The elevation by a sunken walkway. The gazebo also overflow parking can accommodate a provides space for posting directional signage and maximum of 2,500 vehicles. information on upcoming events and programs. Twelve picnic tables are provided in the lawn area b) Maintenance Structures near the current public parking lot. Sully’s picnic In addition to the historic structures within the grounds are used by thousands of visitors who core interpretive area, Sully has acquired two
Cultural Landscape Report for Sully Historic Site (Rhodeside & Harwell and JMA, Feb. 2004) Existing Features in Core Area
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might not participate in site tours or introduction to the site for visitors awaiting programs, but come to enjoy the park setting. tours, this exhibit is the backdrop for changing In addition to the paved paths in the core exhibits, school program introductions, interpretive area, a natural surface trail system selected programs and staff training sessions – was developed. A ¾ mile eastern loop has activities which all take place in the same space been completed, with future plans for for lack of appropriate program space. interpretive signs and a walking brochure for Depending on the activity, portions of this public viewing. The Eastern loop, or “Cain’s exhibit are sometimes obstructed from view or Branch Trail,” includes stops at the slave crowded, thereby diminishing the quarter, a stone bridge abutment from the interpretation. Haight time period (1850’s), archaeological sites including the ice house site and a 19th century tenant house, and the Manassas Gap Railroad unfinished spur from 1851. A second phase is planned for the southern property, owned by MWAA; however, negotiations on the use of this land may prohibit the proposed forest trail.
d) ADA Adaptations Dining Room In the Park Authority’s commitment to provide accommodations in accordance with b) Period Room Exhibits the Americans with Disabilities Act, the main The period room exhibits form the core house was retrofitted with new railings and an exhibits seen by visitors to Sully and are also elevator lift in 1996. Additional brick used as learning centers for visiting school pathways were installed near the house to groups. accommodate the wheel chair lift. From the lift on the porch, a small ramp at the dining • Main House Exhibits—Rooms on the room door was added to provide access to first, second, and third floors of the house the main level of the house. From the parking are interpreted as “period room” exhibits lot to the school house store, the path was featuring a combination of original and regraded to meet ADA requirements, and representative furnishings, along with a few metal rails placed along the path closest to the reproduction pieces. Most of these spaces store. interpret the Richard Bland Lee ownership period from 1795-1811 and are furnished C. Existing Exhibits & Programs based on the Sully House Furnishings Plan.
1. Exhibits • School Room Exhibit—Also in the main a) Orientation Exhibit house, the School Room exhibit is located Originally the first floor of the 1799 east wing on the second floor of the East Wing, 1797 addition to the main house featured two fitted with benches, desks and other rooms, possibly used by the Lee family as a objects associated with mid-19th century bedchamber and possibly office space. Since education during the Haight residency. 1975, this space has housed Sully’s orientation exhibit. A series of wall-mounted • Outbuilding Exhibits—The kitchen/ panels and cases presents an overview of the wash house, dairy, and smokehouse site’s history and its restoration. In addition outbuildings, as well as the representative to serving in its original capacity as an slave quarter are also interpreted and furnished to the Lee period based on
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carefully researched furnishings plans for Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Day, and Lantern each structure. Tours.
c) Temporary Exhibits c) Outreach Programs Temporary exhibits focus on other Sully Outreach programs are conducted at off-site ownership periods, featured themes and locations at the request of organizations or historical events involving either the Lee family groups. Examples of outreach programs include or Sully property. Currently, the only space presentations, lectures and demonstrations at available for changing exhibits is in the East garden clubs, scout functions, schools, Wing, either in exhibit cases or behind rope professional organizations, and community barriers. Temporary exhibits present groups. opportunities to promote Sully to new audiences and to attract repeat visitors. d) Special Events Currently two large-scale annual events are held d) Outreach Exhibits as Sully: Occasionally outreach exhibits, consisting primarily of graphics and reproduction objects, • Car Show—Co-sponsored by the George are installed at locations off-site. Examples Washington Chapter of the Model A Ford include venues such as local libraries and the Club of America and the Park Authority, this Virginia Tourism Center, and events like the event held every Father’s Day attracts Dulles Gateway Gala and the Fairfax Fair. between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors. Over 400 While these provide good opportunities to vintage cars fill the grounds, along with a flea increase public exposure and promote the site, market with nearly 100 vendors. Other Sully currently lacks adequate work space for activities include house tours, music, and exhibit fabrication. food.
2. Programs a) Groups on Site Groups on Site (GOS) programs are scheduled at the request of citizen groups, schools, scouts, and other organizations. These programs are usually designed specifically for the requesting groups. For example, the museum education program is a hands-on program designed to meet many of Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements through the interpretation of open hearth cooking, 18th and 19th century school Car Show customs, slave life, and textile production. • Quilt Show—This annual show and sale of
b) General Public Presentations American-made new and antique quilts and General Public Presentation (GPP) programs quilt related merchandise attracts are initiated by the site staff and are advertised approximately 3,000 visitors. Activities and marketed through the agency’s include lectures, more than 50 vendors, a publications and publicity. Programs may be quilt exhibit in the main house, textile interpretive, educational, or instructional in demonstrations, children’s activities, music, content. Sully’s GPPs have included and food. The Park Authority has formed candlelight tours, holiday concerts and other partnerships with Quilter’s Unlimited for musical performances, War of 1812 Muster, demonstrations and the Hayfield Country
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Quilters, who create the door prize, quilt management for Sully, a number of issues each year. require consideration. Some issues may be resolved through management actions, some through development solutions, and others may not be resolved within the life of the plan for various reasons.
• As development increases in the Dulles Corridor and as Dulles International Airport expands, visual, noise, and traffic impacts on Sully will increase.
• The relocation of the entrance road and parking lot will necessitate visitor services Quilt Show and amenities to be relocated and reoriented to the east side of the main house. Part 2: General Management • At current staffing levels, it is challenging Plan to meet the needs of both public visitation The General Management Plan (GMP) is and museum responsibilities. intended to be a long-range document establishing and articulating a management • Sully has already experienced a slight framework and philosophy for problem increase in visitorship with the opening of solving, allowing for proactive decision the Smithsonian National Air and Space making for park planning and development. Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. A The GMP clearly defines the direction for significant increase in visitorship is resource preservation, management, and expected once the park entrance is development, as well as visitor experience. relocated and the Air and Space Museum Parkway Interchange provides access to I. Management Framework both Sully and the Udvar-Hazy Center. As visitorship increases, expanded visitor The overall goal and function of the services and amenities will be required. management framework is to integrate the extensive background information and the • The alignment of the MWAA access road existing conditions of the site with the along the eastern border of Sully will management objectives and management isolate and hinder access to potential and philosophy of the park. The framework known cultural resource sites, such as the provides broad flexibility within a range of remnant of the Cain’s Branch Bridge potential uses for each management zone. abutment and Ice House. The potential uses are intentionally general to
allow flexibility when making future decisions. The intent of the framework is to • Current office space and maintenance guide future planning and use of the park, facilities are insufficient to support site while insuring the integrity and quality of the operations. In addition, storage, site’s resources. classroom, and program space is needed to enhance visitor experience and expand A. Management Issues programs to meet the growing demand.
In considering the future planning and • The offices, exhibits, and the two exhibit
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spaces currently used as learning centers B. Management Objectives for school group programs and activities In order to achieve the park mission, the create the potential for damage to the following objectives have been developed to historic collections and structure. The guide specific actions and strategies for relocation and creation of new exhibit dealing with management issues: spaces will serve to protect these fragile resources from continued risk. The new • Education and Interpretation—To exhibit spaces will also allow for a provide a broad range of educational and broader and more comprehensive interpretative programs and exhibits interpretation of Sully’s history. promoting an appreciation of Fairfax
County history with a focus on domestic • The location of the offices, orientation life in the 18th and 19th centuries. and changing exhibits, and storage space • Cultural Resources—To identify, in the main house conflicts with best record, and preserve the park’s cultural practices for historic house museums, as resources and foster attitudes and established by the Secretary of Interior’s practices that support conservation of Standards for Historic Preservation. cultural resources. • There is no appropriate work space for temporary and outreach exhibit • Natural Resources—To conserve and, preparation or temporary sign fabrication. where appropriate, enhance designated
natural areas. To foster attitudes and • Sully lacks space for temporary storage of practices that support conservation of collections in transit. This includes natural resources and responsible objects brought to Sully for installation in environmental stewardship. temporary exhibits, left for evaluation as possible gifts or loans, or removed from • Historic Collections— To care for and exhibit for special cleaning, repair, or preserve, document and manage the return to Collections storage. Space for Historic Collection items according to temporary collection storage should be best practices for historic house provided in the future visitor center. museums. To foster attitudes and Housekeeping and maintenance supplies practices that support good stewardship will require separate storage spaces. of historic objects and material culture.
• Storage for program equipment and supplies is inadequate especially for C. Desired Visitor Experience reproduction items used in exhibits and programs and reproduction clothing worn Many visitors are attracted to Sully Historic by staff and volunteers during programs Site for house tours, to participate in and events. programs, attend special events, or for school field trips. Others come to the site to picnic, • The school house store and gazebo, not use the trails, or enjoy the park setting. The original to the site, are not accurate programming and design of the site should representations of the area surrounding accommodate the various types of users by the main house during the period of including amenities such as trails, benches, significance from 1787-1811, and picnic areas, and a playground area that will compromise the integrity of the overall allow those not participating in planned site interpretation. activities to experience and enjoy the park site.
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landscape restoration, such as a representative The completion of the new Udvar-Hazy orchard, and historic structure reconstructions Center at Dulles, less than a half-mile from to better illustrate the site as a home and the park site, creates new growth working farm. An important component to opportunities at Sully. Sully’s visitor service complete the visitor experience is the transition facilities, such as parking, bathrooms, sales between the modern orientation area and the spaces, office space, and storage, are core interpretive area. During the short walk inadequate for current visitation levels and between these areas, visitors should be aware critically deficient in meeting projected that they are stepping away from a visitation figures. The anticipated increase in contemporary environment to experience a late visitation will also likely increase the demand 18th century farm and dwelling house. for special events and programs.
The creation of a visitor center that D. Management Zones consolidates services and amenities will allow When developing a management framework, a the site to handle the increase in demand, range of opportunities are evaluated for the site while also enhancing the visitor experience. to determine the most appropriate uses for The reorientation of the entrance presents an each part of the park. The end results are opportunity to separate the modern facilities zones which delineate general areas of the site, associated with visitor services from the identify the primary purpose of each area, and interpretation areas of the site. The suggest appropriate land use activities. The relocation of the visitor center, parking, management zones provide the foundation for picnic area, and other visitor amenities to the future decision making in the park (Figure 7— eastern portion of the site will limit modern General Management Plan). intrusions in the core interpretive area and heighten visitor experience. The orientation 1. Entrance Zone and temporary exhibits in the main house Located in the northern portion of the site, the should also be relocated to the visitor center entrance zone consists of the park entrance allowing for a more accurate historic road and parking. Along with the adjacent representation of the house from the Lee visitor orientation zone, the entrance zone period. In addition, the relocation of parking creates the initial impression of the site for the and visitor services will allow for cultural park user. Landscape buffering should be used to limit the impact of the entrance road on the cultural resource protection zone to the south and west, while still providing select views to the main house. The entrance zone should accommodate emergency vehicle access into the park, as well as traffic associated with special events providing access to designated overflow parking locations. Other potential uses include pedestrian trails, entry and directional signage, and specialized landscape treatment. Any outside lighting that is The gift shop, ticket sales, and restroom installed, in this zone or any other zone, should facilities are currently located in the School consider staff and visitor safety without House. Restroom facilities are partially below adversely impacting the historic landscape. ground, accessed from the opposite side of the structure.
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Figure 7—General Management Plan
Aerial Imagery © Commonwealth of Virginia
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2. Visitor Orientation Zone restoration, reconstruction, or spatial Adjacent to the entrance zone, the visitor demarcation of non-extant structures to orientation zone will serve as the primary enhance site interpretation. Modern facilities visitor orientation point that provides the should be limited to visitor amenities such as basic site interpretation and education. All walkways, interpretive signage, and benches. visitor services and staff offices should be Overflow parking for special events will also be relocated to the visitor orientation zone to accommodated in designated areas. A allow for a more accurate historic continuation of the Cultural Landscape Report representation of the main house and is recommended to provide a management surrounding area. A visitor center is summary including an existing conditions envisioned to house a variety of uses that may inventory, analysis and evaluation, and include space for site orientation, exhibits, treatment recommendations. This report classrooms for programs, an auditorium, food should be used to inform any modification to service, library, restrooms, staff offices, the landscape and to determine the appropriate workspace, and event rental. extent and location of trails, signage, cultural Picnic facilities, a small playground area, landscape interpretation, and other visitor interpretive and directional signage, and trails amenities. are other suitable outdoor uses for this zone. Visitor amenities such as water fountains, 4. Natural Resource Protection Zone benches, and animal-proof trash cans should The Natural Resource Protection Zone be provided in the visitor orientation zone. includes the area associated with Cain’s Branch All visitor services and routes will be in the southwest portion of the site. The developed to be fully accessible. primary purpose of this zone is to preserve and, where appropriate, enhance the ecological value and integrity of the stream and existing vegetation. Development in this zone will be minimal and limited to trails, natural resource and habitat management, interpretation and education, and archaeological exploration.
5. Maintenance Zone Slave Quarter The primary purpose of the maintenance zone is to provide an appropriate location for facilities, storage, and the staging of 3. Cultural Resource Protection Zone maintenance operations. All maintenance uses Nearly the entire western portion of the site should be located in this zone and sufficiently is designated as a cultural resource protection buffered from other zones in the park. The zone, including the 6-acre core interpretive zone consists of the existing maintenance area, slave quarter, and numerous facility, which should be expanded and archaeological sites. The preservation, renovated to meet the operational needs and protection, and interpretation of historic upkeep associated with the park. It should also structures and cultural resources will be the be designed to accommodate future expansion focus of this zone. As most the important to meet changing and/or growing operational function of the historic site, all other uses needs. developed on-site should support or consider the impact on this zone. Development 6. Buffer Zones within the Cultural Resource Protection Zone Buffer zones will be crucial to maintain and will be restricted to cultural landscape protect the integrity of the historic resources interpretation and historic structure from modern uses on-site, as well as from
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S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE adjacent development. The most extensive Efforts should continue to identify, record, buffer zone is located along the eastern preserve, and interpret archaeological boundary of the site intended to minimize the resources, historic structures and remains, impact of the MWAA access road on the park and cultural landscape elements. Cultural site. To the west, a second buffer zone is resource management should focus on proposed to reduce the effect of Route 28 providing a historically accurate traffic. In addition, the cultural resource representation of the Lee period, extending protection zone should be buffered from beyond just the historic structures to include adjacent uses within the park to preserve and restorations of cultural landscape features. protect the historic character. The buffer Prior to any new development on-site, the zones should consist of existing vegetation, visual or direct impacts to cultural resources enhanced with additional plantings as should be assessed. A continuation of the necessary, and possibly landscape berming to Cultural Landscape Report or treatment plan limit sound travel and lines of sight. is recommended to provide specific guidance, parameters, and limitations for interpretation of archeological resources and the cultural II. Management & Development landscape.
A. Resource Management 2. Historic Structures Management This portion of the plan provides guidance for a) Building Preservation & management decisions affecting the cultural Reconstruction and natural resources of the park. Throughout Over the last 15 years, the Park Authority has the planning and development of the site, all managed a five-year maintenance and decisions should be in keeping with the park building preservation/ facility assessment mission. program, updated annually with an intensive examination of all building conditions. The 1. Cultural Resource Management assessment lists cyclical needs such as The cultural resources on-site include known painting, mold removal, structural damage, and potential archaeological sites and cultural building stress observations, and museum landscape elements. The historic and cultural standards for routine and preservation significance of Sully relates to the documented maintenance. A historic preservation social history of the site as a reflection of larger building survey should be conducted to land use and demographic patterns in the analyze and detail the condition of current County, focusing on the Richard Bland Lee facilities, prepare a plan for immediate, short- family residence as the period of significance. term, and long range preservation work, provide acceptable preservation guidelines, and suggest resources and techniques to implement the plan. Moisture problems in the main house that are of particular concern should be specifically addressed in the plan.
b) Maintenance, Housekeeping & Custodial Duties Housekeeping and cyclical maintenance are the most effective preventive care and stewardship measures for preservation of historic objects and structures. Maintenance Sully Artifacts at Sully comprises many aspects of park and museum management. Museum standards
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S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE require daily, weekly, monthly and annual general forest health should be actively maintenance tasks to keep historic structures monitored in priority areas to ensure the and collections in good condition. The RMD quality of the woods is maintained. In Housekeeping Manual stipulates the addition, invasive species should be specialized methods and equipment required controlled or removed in the woods east of for maintaining spaces housing Historic the existing parking lot and at the northern Collection. tip of the property, as the extensive presence of invasives is impairing forest quality. Maintenance requirements will be an important planning consideration when Efforts to address water quality issues should future development and expansion of involve monitoring ground and surface water facilities and services occurs. Staffing and for quality and quantity. When applicable, operation needs will need to be analyzed strategies and initiatives should be carefully as new development occurs. implemented from the Natural Resource Management Plan’s Water Resource Element 3. Historic Collections Management and the Cub Run Watershed Management As an AAM accredited museum, standards Plan, currently being developed by the and best practices for stewardship of museum Department of Public Works and collections are required to be met. At Environmental Services (DPW&ES). present, an outdated HVAC system with two zones provides heating and cooling to the B. Interpretive & Visitor Services main house. A three-year monitoring Sully Historic Site’s interpretive services program of environmental data loggers is in include educational and interpretative process until 2006. This program will programs, demonstrations, living history provide a year-round picture of temperature events, other special events, in-house and and relative humidity in all spaces that house outreach exhibits, and informational collections. The results of this study will publications. This section of the plan provide data to assist in designing a new provides an overview of existing and future HVAC system with additional zones. interpretative services. The historic site’s interpretative services are intended to 4. Natural Resource Management promote responsible resource stewardship Natural resource management efforts should and provide for a wide range of experiences focus on protecting and improving the quality for the general visitor, as well as targeted of existing natural resources on-site, guided audiences, consistent with the park mission. by principles and strategies outlined in the 2004-2008 Natural Resource Management Plan. 1. Programs Key management issues include promoting a) Interpretive & Educational native plant species and controlling invasive Programs plants, protecting rare and significant wildlife Programs are developed to support the Park habitat, and protecting the water quality of Authority's mission, to highlight site Cain’s Branch. resources, and to reach diverse audiences. The intention is to increase visitor knowledge An important component of natural resource and stimulate interest in the natural and management will involve the preservation and cultural resources, while sharing a resource protection of priority preservation areas, as protection message. Interpretive and identified by the forest delineation report, education programs should continue to be such as the Bottom Land Hardwood and expanded, as funding and staffing allows, Cedar-Pine stands associated with Cain’s promoting a broader and more Branch. Tree diseases, pests, invasives, and
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comprehensive interpretation of Sully’s information that can be examined at leisure. history and the diverse lives of its residents. Informational pamphlets should be Self-guided tours, using recordings or developed to allow for a self-guided tour or pamphlets to guide and inform the visitors, increase the understanding of the site for should be explored as a means to expand the passive users who may not interact with park educational tours without significantly staff during their visit. In addition, increasing staff. information should continue to be added and expanded on the Park Authority’s website b) Special Events providing information on events, programs, Special events attract visitors that may not facilities, park hours, and directions. typically visit in the historic site, while providing an important source of revenue for 3. Exhibits the site. The most successful special events a) Orientation & Temporary draw thousands of visitors over a short Exhibits period of time. This results in a much more Exhibits create an important first impression intensive use of the site than during other for the visitor. The design of the new visitor times of the year, and potentially damage to center should accomplish the following the grounds and overuse of facilities. Future objectives: planning and design must consider the • Provide adequate space for orientation, location of overflow parking to ensure it is permanent, and temporary exhibits, located appropriately to limit impact on • Provide an area for interactive activities natural and cultural resources. geared toward those on self-guided tours or with school groups, and 2. Other Informational & • Provide a controlled environment Interpretive Media meeting AAM standards. Signage and publications are effective means All of these spaces should be designed for to dispense information, stimulate visitor maximum protection of the objects on interest, and promote visitor understanding. display and at the same time allow for viewing on a self-guided basis to minimize a) Signage the need for staffing. Informational and interpretative signage should be improved and expanded at the b) Period Room Exhibits park as it plays a crucial role in welcoming, To maintain the historic context, period directing, and educating visitors. With exhibits should remain in the original historic passive use of the park potentially increasing, structures. The house should remain signage will become more important. furnished with period pieces interpreting the Lee family residence, based on the Sully Signs should have a professional appearance, Furnishings Plan. Outbuildings should be be visible but unobtrusive, durable, and of an furnished with reproductions, according to appropriate size and placement. Throughout the plans for each space now in progress. the site, signage should covey a sense of Once the orientation exhibits and learning continuity and uniformity with the historic centers have been relocated to the visitor nature of the site. A comprehensive sign plan center, these spaces should be furnished as should be prepared as part of the period rooms according to the Sully recommended Interpretive Plan. Furnishing Plan.
b) Publications & Website Publications enhance the learning which takes place in the park, providing more detailed
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4. Relationship to Other Parks within the County that has Civil War a) Sully Woodlands resources. In November 2004, Sully became During previous planning efforts for the a member of the Civil War Trails Program. A parklands in western Fairfax County, it goal of the Park Authority is to create a became evident that a broader and more in- coordinated interpretation of Civil War depth regional context review was necessary activities on separate but related sites that to adequately assess and address park issues ultimately results in a unified interpretative such as natural resources, cultural resources, experience of Civil War sites and events that transportation, trails, and recreation facility took place throughout Fairfax County. The deficiencies. The result is a broad-scale desired outcome is to provide the visitor with project, known as Sully Woodlands, to a more complete idea of where those specific identify and address planning issues for over resources fit within a larger historical context. 3,000 acres of parkland in the Sully Supervisory District. The Sully Woodlands Using the Virginia Civil War Trails as a General Management Plan presents an model, it is recommended that the Park opportunity to take a comprehensive Authority develop a comprehensive approach approach to land use and resource for interpretive signage and programming of management for these parks using Civil War resources within the park system. DPW&ES’s Watershed Management Plans Integration with other Federal, state, local, for Cub Run and Bull Run as a framework. and private Civil War sites should be considered as well. The development of an The goal is to produce a GMP that not only interpretative program at Sully as part of the achieves park objectives, but is also in direct Civil War Trail initiative will help connect the concert with, and rooted in, similar County site to other Civil War resources within the watershed management objectives. In turn, park system. Through the planning of the the Park Authority will provide the County Sully with other appropriate sites, the public with input on future park planning concerns will be able to trace significant events through and goals. This dual effort, encompassing a a series of parks (both local and national) broader context, will yield additional across the region to facilitate a more global information and analysis which impacts the understanding of this time in the history of ultimate development, preservation, and the United States. management of not only parkland, but other County and private lands as well. It is c) Partnerships & Associations envisioned that the Sully Woodlands area Cooperation with others is integral to the would act as an overlay for park management development of the park’s interpretive purposes. In regards to Sully Historic Site, services. Cooperation in the form of time, this document will provide guidance on the support, and funding allows for the role of Cain’s Branch in achieving watershed improvement and expansion of services management objectives for Cub Run and the provided to the public. The following is a list relationship of the site’s cultural resources to of the current partnership or associations that other resources in the area. It is anticipated Sully maintains: that this plan, when adopted, will be a subset of the larger Sully Woodlands ‘umbrella’ • The Sully Foundation, Ltd. master plan. • The Model A Ford Club of America, George Washington Chapter b) Integration with other Civil • Quilters Unlimited, Northern Virginia War Sites Chapter Though site interpretation primarily focuses • The Hayfield Country Quilters on the Lee Period, Sully is one of many parks
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• The Sully Stitchers workspace. • The Clifton Lions Club • The Knights of Columbus, 6. Staffing Warrenton Currently, the paid staff consists of 6 full- • Reenanctor Groups time employees, 2 part-time merit employees, and 5 part-time seasonal employees. Site staff • Ships Company, Inc. also receives support from other Park • 17th Virginia Company G, 5th Authority staff for interpretive planning, regiment, Army of the Northern collections management, and administrative Virginia duties. Staff is supplemented by a large and • Historic House Museum Consortium active group of volunteers acting as tour of Greater Washington DC guides, living history interpreters, museum • Virginia Association of Museums education docents, gardeners, youth and • American Association for State and special event helpers, and office workers. Local History • American Association of Museums To accommodate the anticipated increase in visitation, increased staffing should be Volunteers are crucial to historic site considered. Additional staff will provide a operations and programs. Over 100 active variety of services including the retail and volunteers assist with giving tours, orientation functions at the visitor center, conducting outreach programs, gardening and maintenance and renovations of historical landscape work, living history and office structures and grounds, programs, and other work. The site also has an active youth corp, interpretive services. with approximately 20 youth who assist with programs and daily operations. Short time volunteers include high school students meeting civic volunteer requirements and Eagle Scouts working on their hands-on project. Eagle Scouts have completed numerous projects on-site including building a fence around the slave quarter garden, making a chicken pen at the quarter, building benches at the creek, and constructing portable benches for visitor use. Partnerships and volunteer programs should continue to be fostered in the future providing valuable Blacksmith demonstration assistance in meeting the needs for visitor contact, programming, and resource management.
5. Research & Archives Sully maintains a small library, though space is limited. Adequate space is needed for staff research and to house the site library of research books, files, and other materials, which are currently housed at the Collections Management Office in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This space should include a research
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Part 3: Conceptual II. Elimination or Relocation of Development Plan Existing Facilities or The Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) has Previously Approved Master two primary purposes. First, it describes the elimination of previously planned facilities no Plan Elements longer appropriate or needed in the park. The following facilities are recommended to be Second, the CDP contains descriptions of eliminated from the master plan approved in concept plan elements, design concerns, and a 1978 for the park: plan graphic that illustrates the general location • Formal garden to the east planned to be of the recommended facilities (Figure 8— the ‘twin’ to existing garden on the west Conceptual Development Plan). side of the main house • Overflow parking to the south I. Design Issues The following are master plan elements or The need to relocate the entrance road and existing facilities recommended to be relocated, parking will require the site to be reoriented to as described in subsequent portions of the the east, presenting an opportunity to CDP: reconsider the relationship between the visitor • and support services and the historic core. Entrance and parking Currently, modern visitor and support facilities • Entrance sales are incorporated into the interpretative core of • Picnic area the historic site. Sales and visitor services are • Gazebo located in the school house store, while exhibit facilities, offices, and support space are found III. Description of Plan in the main house. Elements An important component of planning and A. Vehicular Access & Parking development efforts should be to separate the Vehicular access to the site will be relocated to modern intrusions from historic site elements. the north of the site from the Air and Space Isolation of the interpretive core from modern Museum Parkway Interchange. The new facilities will allow the historic landscape, entrance road should be paved, and have an including Sully’s main house, outbuildings, and electric controlled access gate. To the east of reconstructed agricultural buildings, to create a the main house, the entrance road leads to a sense of space and visual authenticity for the paved parking lot accommodating visitor. All future planning and design of the approximately 75 parking spaces, including site should address the balance between the accommodations for buses. The parking lot authenticity of the Federal Period landscape should be lighted and limited pedestrian with modern visitor services necessary to allow lighting provided along primary routes. At the Sully to operate as a premiere historic site in southern end of the parking lot, a gravel drive Fairfax County. provides maintenance access to the interpretative area and maintenance yard, as well as access for emergency vehicles. The entrance road should also allow for access to overflow parking areas located to the north and the south of the main house area. Overflow parking should be limited to the existing open lawn areas without any constructed surfaces, as identified on the Conceptual Development Plan. In addition, a limited number of ADA
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Figure 8—Conceptual Development Plan
Aerial Imagery © Commonwealth of Virginia
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parking spaces should be considered in close • Laundry facility and storage for proximity to the main house, possibly near reproduction clothing, program the lumber house, with plantings to screen supplies, and collections cleaning the cars from the historic structures. materials • Garden and/or rental space for B. Visitor Center weddings, receptions, and parties A visitor center with modern service facilities is proposed to the east of the relocated This modern facility should be entrance road and parking lot. This new complimentary to the landscape, while facility should be independent of, though still possibly featuring some architectural in close proximity to, the core interpretative elements from Sully’s historic structures. It area. Due to an expected 50 percent increase should be a low-level building to limit its in visitorship over the next few years and visual impact on the core interpretive area. fulfilling the criteria established by the AAM Poplar siding, red sandstone, and comparable accreditation process, a 12,000-15,000 square colors from the main house and kitchen foot facility is recommended to include the could be incorporated into the new structure following: to create an effect of symmetry to the original • Exhibit room structures. The design of the visitor center • Galleries for the orientation and should allow for potential future expansion. temporary exhibits in museum quality environments C. Picnic Area • Public restroom facilities meeting ADA It is recommended that the existing picnic requirements area be relocated to the east of the main • Store/sales facility to expand current house, between the relocated parking lot and sales area and revenue potential proposed visitor center. This area should • Multi-purpose room for meetings and consist of picnic tables, trash receptacles, and conferences possibly a small pavilion with hardscape • Classroom for hands-on history paving to offer weather protection. In programs and other uses addition, it is recommended that the gazebo • Auditorium for orientation videos, be relocated to this area for posting of conferences, and seminars directional information and news on accommodating up to 100 visitors upcoming events. • Office space to relocate staff and office equipment from the historic main house D. Family Activity Area • Storage space for Historic Collections in Just to the north of the visitor center, a family transit, reproduction clothing and items, activity area is proposed to serve the social and collections housekeeping supplies and activity needs of families coming to enjoy and equipment the park, but not necessarily participating in • Staff library and research space structured programs or tours. The area • A work room for exhibit preparation should include additional picnic tables or and sign fabrication benches for seating, an open play area with
natural-looking play equipment or structures, Support facilities may include: possibly with a farm animal theme in keeping • Storage space for reproduction pieces, with the interpretation of the site as a in addition to rotating exhibit, working farm. programming, and cleaning supplies • Food service area offering light refreshments for visitors
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E. Cultural Resource Interpretation documentation. As an alternative to Areas reconstruction, the spatial dimensions of the structures could be marked and interpretative A cultural resource interpretation area is signage used to describe the appearance and proposed to the south of the main house in function of the barn lot. The intention is to the location of the existing entrance and offer a more complete interpretation of the parking. This area should be developed for plantation landscape by illustrating the archaeological and cultural landscape functional and working areas of the site to interpretation, for example a demonstrative compliment the residential area centered on agricultural landscape recreation, as the main house. Recreating the barn lot recommended by the continuation of the within its historical context will significantly Cultural Landscape Report or treatment plan. contribute to the interpretation of the Trails, visitor amenities such as benches, and agricultural component of the site. interpretative signage will allow park users to Illustrating the working and functional side of envision how the landscape looked and the site will provide a more complete functioned during the Lee period. interpretation of the plantation landscape
during the period of significance. Any Additionally, there are numerous cultural resource sites throughout the park property, proposed work that may impact ;the utility including the Manassas Railroad Cut, Ice corridor will need to be submitted to House, and Tenant Structure. These MWAA for comment and approval. locations should be incorporated into the pedestrian trail system as cultural resource interpretation points with educational signage highlighting the significant of the site. Access to these sites is subject to an agreement between the Park Authority and MWAA on pedestrian crossings of MWAA’s access road. F. Slave Quarters It is recommended that the additional two slave quarters be constructed in the future, based on archaeological evidence. In addition, planting is recommended along the Location of Barn Foundation South Road to recreate the character of the H. Gardens & Cemetery road during the Lee Period, based on the The existing vegetable and flower gardens treatment plan presented in the continuation should be consolidated into a 2 acre garden, if of the Cultural Landscape Report. staffing is available for maintenance. In addition, identified high-yield sites should be G. Barn Lot Reconstruction explored to determine the actual location of The barn structure, corn cribs, and/or animal the children’s cemetery. An analysis of the corrals are recommended to be reconstructed, gardens and treatment recommendations as recommended by the continuation of the should be incorporated into the continuation Cultural Resource Report or treatment plan. of the Cultural Landscape Report. The As contributing structures to the National report should also address future Register of Historic Places, the construction development for the gardens and interpretive of these elements must be based on sound signage for both the gardens and cemetery. archaeological evidence and historic
Page 41 S ULLY H ISTORIC SITE I. Trails intended to add texture, color, and seasonal A trail system is proposed throughout the site interest, while also creating a transition connecting the visitor center and parking to between the modern entrance area and core all interpretation areas, while also providing interpretative area. Larger trees and shrubs access to the natural resource areas along the should be introduced in select locations to stream and in the eastern portions of the site. offer additional screening to the historic area. In addition, the relocation of the entrance road and parking will require the existing L. Maintenance Facility Cain’s Branch trail to be reconfigured. Trails in proximity to the visitor center and The existing maintenance facility to the east parking lot should be asphalt paved. As the of the main house should be expanded and trails approach the core interpretive area, the renovated to better meet the operation and surface should transition to brick, in keeping maintenance needs of the park. The facility with the existing walkways in the vicinity of should have storage space for site materials the main house. Trails in the woods, along and equipment, while also providing staging the stream, or within cultural landscape space for maintenance operations. Access to interpretation areas are recommended to be water and electricity should also be available. stone dust or natural surface. Benches Plantings and fencing should buffer the should be provided along the trail routes. maintain facility, including any future The continuation of the Cultural Landscape expansions, from other areas of the park. Report should address interpretive signage. At minimum, crosswalks should be provided If at all possible, the trails should blend ADA and pedestrian activated lights may be desired accessibility requirements with the historic depending upon the traffic volume and integrity of the site. speed. In addition, the location of the access road could potentially impact the unique In addition to the internal trail system, the mixed mesophyte forest associated with the Countywide Trails Plan requires a minimum railroad cut and the sensitive lands of Cain’s 8-foot wide asphalt paved trail along Sully Branch on the southeastern portion of the Road and Barnsfield Road. property.
J. Natural Resource Protection Area The natural resource area presents an opportunity for park users to experience a forested stream setting, though proposed development in this area is limited to trails, stream crossings, benches, and educational signage promoting stewardship. Care should be taken to minimize disturbance and degradation to the existing conditions.
K. Transitional Plantings Existing Trail To provide a buffer between the historic core and visitor center, plantings are M. Maintenance Facility recommended within the MWAA power The existing maintenance facility to the east corridor. A combination of evergreen and of the main house should be expanded and ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials are renovated to better meet the operation and
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maintenance needs of the park. The facility southeastern portion of the property. should have storage space for site materials and equipment, while also providing staging B. Land Acquisition space for maintenance operations. Access to Efforts should continue to acquire additional water and electricity should also be available. land adjacent to the park property to further Plantings and fencing should buffer the buffer the historic site from encroaching maintain facility, including any future development and protect resources associated expansions, from other areas of the park. with the Sully site. The Park Authority At minimum, crosswalks should be provided should pursue acquiring the parcel adjacent to and pedestrian activated lights may be desired the north to ensure protection of cultural depending upon the traffic volume and resources and provide a much desired buffer speed. In addition, the location of the access area. It is also desirable to have the parcel road could potentially impact the unique currently under a lease agreement with mixed mesophyte forest associated with the MWAA for exploratory archaeology, railroad cut and the sensitive lands of Cain’s permanently dedicated to the Park Authority. Branch on the southeastern portion of the property. parking lot. C. Intermediate Need for Reorientation of Visitor Services IV. Design and Development The timing of entrance road and parking Concerns construction project will require visitor services to be relocated to the east side of the A. Potential Impacts of MWAA site before a permanent visitor center can be Access Road established. Until funding for a permanent Future development of the MWAA access structure is available, this new modular road has the potential to significantly impact structure will be free-standing and serve as the Sully Historic Site. Coordination will be the temporary visitor center and orientation required to ensure the park site is adequately to the site, as well as the new sales area. In buffered from the access road and that addition, the temporary structure will be known and potential cultural resource sites required to house restrooms, temporary are properly managed during construction. exhibit space, and some office space. In addition, basic utilities, such as water and The alignment of the access road will isolate electric, will be needed. The temporary some cultural resource sites, such as the 3/4 structure should be located in the Foundation and the bridge abutment along approximate location of the permanent Cain’s Branch, from the park. Safe pedestrian visitor center, adjacent to the relocated access to these cultural resource sites will be parking lot. an issue once the road is constructed. Futher discussion with MWAA will be required to determine the need for crosswalks and/or pedestrian activated traffic control signals along the access road, depending upon the traffic volume and speed. In addition, the location of the access road could potentially impact the unique mixed mesophyte forest associated with the railroad cut and the sensitive lands of Cain’s Branch on the
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Attachment 1—Plant Species Observations (Invasive species shaded gray) Scientific Name* Common Name Vegetation Type Habitat Type orchard grass Grass Lawns, fields, Dactylis glomerata meadow Festuca elatior tall fescue Grass Lawns, fields, meadow Microstegium vimineum Japanese stilt Grass Invasive plant of grass woods and fields Panicum clandestinum deer tongue Grass Fields, meadow, woods Elaeagnus umbellata autumn olive Shrub meadow and cedar thicket on North Loop
Lindera benzoin spicebush Shrub woods
Rosa multiflora multiflora rose Shrub Ubiquitous Rubus allegheniensis blackberry Shrub thikets, edges & woods Symphoricarpos orbiculatus coral berry Shrub edges, thickets & woods yarrow Terrestrial Forb Lawns, fields, Achillea millefolium meadow garlic mustard Terrestrial Forb edges & woods Alliaria petiolata Indian hemp Terrestrial Forb fields, meadows & edges Apocynum cannabinum false nettle Terrestrial Forb moist woods and edges Boehmeria cylindrica ox-eyes daisy Terrestrial Forb fields, meadows & edges Chrysanthemum leucanthemum field thistle Terrestrial Forb fields, meadows & edges Cirsium discolor Deptford pink Terrestrial Forb Lawns, fields, meadow Dianthus armeria false strawberry Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges & woods Duchesnia indica Erigeron annuus daisy fleabane Terrestrial Forb Lawns, fields, meadow lesser daisy Terrestrial Forb Lawns, fields, Erigeron strigosus fleabane meadow
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Attachment 1—Plant Species Observations (con’t) (Invasive species shaded gray) Scientific Name* Common Name Vegetation Type Habitat Type Glechoma hederacea ground ivy Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges & woods Hypericum perforatum common St. Terrestrial Forb fields, edges & Johnswort meadows jewelweed or Terrestrial Forb wet meadows spotted touch-me and woods & Impatiens capensis not streams Mecicago lupulina black medick Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges and fields Perilla frutescens perilla Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges & woods Phytolacca americana pokeweed Terrestrial Forb edges, thickets & woods Plantago lanceolata English plantain Terrestrial Forb Lawns, disturbed soils Polygonum persicaria lady's thumb Terrestrial Forb edges and woods Potentilla recta rough-fruited Terrestrial Forb edges & fields cinquefoil Potentilla simplex common cinquefoil Terrestrial Forb edges, fields & woods narrow-leaved Terrestrial Forb meadows, fields Pycnanthemum tenuifolium mountain mint & edges Rudbeckia hirta black-eyes susan Terrestrial Forb fields & edges Rumex obtusifolius broad or bitter Terrestrial Forb fields & edges dock Sisymbrium officinale hedge mustard Terrestrial Forb edges, thickets & woods Tovara virginiana Virginia knotweed Terrestrial Forb edges, thickets & woods
least hop clover Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges Trifolium dubium and fields Trifolium repens white clover Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges and fields Triodanis perfoliata Venus looking Terrestrial Forb lawns, edges glass and fields Verbascum blattaria moth mullein Terrestrial Forb fields, edges Verbascum thapsus common mullein Terrestrial Forb fields, edges Acer negunda Ash-leaved maple Tree Young woods Acer rubrum red maple Tree Woods Cercis canadensis redbud Tree edges and woods Cornus florida flowering dogwood Tree Upland woods, understory Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Tree woods Ilex opaca American holly Tree ubiquitous Juglans nigra black walnut Tree Woods, lawns
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Attachment 1—Plant Species Observations (con’t) (Invasive species shaded gray)
Scientific Name* Common Name Vegetation Type Habitat Type Juniperus virginiana eastern red cedar Tree Fields, old fields, young woods Paulownia tomentosa princess tree Tree edges and old fields Pinus virginiana Virginia pine Tree Fields, old fields, young woods Prunus serotina black cherry Tree edges, hedgerows, woods Quercus alba white oak Tree Moist or dry woods Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Tree edges, hedgerows & woods Sassafras albidium sassafras Tree edges, hedgerows Ulmus rubra slippery elm Tree edges, hedgerows Celastrus orbiculatus oriental bittersweet Vine edges, hedgerows & woods Lonicera japonica Japanese Vine ubiquitous honeysuckle Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper Vine Ubiquitous Polygonum perfoliatum mile-a-minute Vine edges, thickets & woods Smilax rotundifolia common Vine Woods, wood greenbriar edges Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy Vine Ubiquitous Vitis sp. grape Vine Woods, field edges, old field Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern Fern Woods *Note: This list is based on a limited number of field visits in 1999 and does not include additional species found during inventories in late 2004.
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Attachment 2—Wildlife Species Observations
Bird Species Yellow-Breasted Chat Northern Mockingbird Catbird Wood Thrush Rufous-Sided Tohee Field Sparrow American Goldfinch Indigo Bunting Cardinal House Wren Carolina Wren Prairie Warbler Eastern Kingbird Chimney Swift Tree Swallow
Mammal Species Groundhog/Woodchuck White-tailed Deer Gray Squirrel
Amphibian Species Gray Tree Frog
Stream Macroinvertebrates Riffle Beetle Oligochaete Worm Limpit
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