Belt Woods

Belt Woods is a nature reserve in Prince George's County containing an old-growth hardwood forest where white oaks and tulip poplars grow taller than 100 feet. The preserve spans approximately 43 acres of largely undisturbed woodland with thick tree cover and a natural understory layer.

The protected forest traces its origins to Seton Belt, a banker and landowner, who specified in his 1959 will that the trees should remain untouched and undisturbed. This legal commitment ensured the woodland would be preserved from logging and development for future generations.

The forest shelters a notably high concentration of breeding birds whose calls and movements bring the canopy to life during warmer months. This abundance of birdlife reflects the health and integrity of the woodland ecosystem that has existed undisturbed for centuries.

The reserve is not open to casual public visiting as it is protected to maintain its ecological integrity and support ongoing scientific research. Those interested in the forest should contact local conservation authorities to learn about any available guided tours or limited educational access.

The South Woods section contains one of the last remaining stands of virgin hardwood forest along the entire Atlantic coastal plain. These ancient, undisturbed trees are increasingly rare in the modern landscape and offer a glimpse into what the region may have looked like before widespread human settlement.