George Liffert of Woodbridge, once a park ranger at Prince William Forest Park, now Superintendent

On May 24, George Liffert of Woodbridge became the new superintendent of Prince William Forest Park, the national park in Triangle where he started his career as a park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS).

“Prince William Forest Park is dear to my heart in so many ways, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the park’s team and partners again,” Liffert said. “I look forward to continuing to protect this incredible national park and providing opportunities for neighbors and visitors to learn about nature and history, explore the outdoors and build community.”

Liffert returns to PW Forest Park from Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts where he had been superintendent for the past five years.

At Wolf Trap, Liffert led the renegotiation of a new 20-year agreement with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, successfully secured funding for a major rehabilitation to the Filene Center’s electrical and rigging systems and positioned the park to embark on an amendment to the General Management Plan to begin significant improvements to carry Wolf Trap into its next 50 years.

“George brings almost 35 years of experience protecting park resources and collaborating with partners to this role at Prince William Forest Park,” National Capital Area Director Kym A. Hall said. “It’s exciting to welcome him back to the park where he started his career and to a place for which he has great history and affection.”

During his previous time at Prince William Forest Park, Liffert worked in resource management and law enforcement. Then he was the park’s chief ranger, deputy superintendent and acting superintendent. He was instrumental in forging a partnership with NatureBridge to establish its first East Coast environmental education campus and implemented a Rangers Against Drugs program for sixth graders. Liffert has also served as the acting superintendent at National Capital Parks – East, which includes Anacostia Park, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens and more.

According to a news release from the National Park Service, Prince William Forest Park protects the largest piedmont forest in the national park system and the largest green space in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The park gives area residents and visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history.

Liffert holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation from Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Woodbridge and have three children.

Tanya Gossett, previous Superintendent at Prince William Forest Park, is now Associate Area Director for Resource Stewardship and Science for National Capita; Area national parks. At Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Ken Bigley, Deputy Superintendent, is Acting Superintendent.