Left : Blue herons are frequent sights along the canal ; above : towpath at Great Falls ; below : post-storm drama at Great Falls .
dangered ( RTE ) plant species in the Park since its founding in 1971 , but a 2020 survey found that number had dwindled to just 106 . Invasive non-native plants , surging visitation , and regional urbanization have taken a toll on the area ’ s fragile habitats . Rangers are hoping to conserve RTE species by identifying and monitoring these plants , protecting their habitats , collecting seeds , propagating new plants , and establishing new populations of RTE species in unique habitat niches within the Park .
The most ecologically significant area of the Park , Mather Gorge , is also one of the most significant in the country . Lying just downstream of Great Falls , the Gorge ’ s unique geological and hydrological features provide habitats for many of the RTE species , from those that thrive in moist , shaded areas to those that are adapted to drier , sunnier conditions .