Flexible Schedule
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Clarksville, MD 21029
The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area Conservation Stewardship Project (MPEA CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in Howard County Recreation & Parks’ Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Invasive exotic plants reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, and space, and other poorer quality or insufficient food and habitat for native wildlife; they may also increase soil erosion and reduce water quality, or present a nuisance to visitors. During the CSP events, volunteers help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants and the restoration of native, ecologically appropriate species. Each event also includes an educational component concerning the target species or area of the day. Registration is required, see requirements section for links and more info. Tree & Shrub Planting Tuesday, March 26 / Trotter Parking Area / 9-11:30am Removing invasive exotic plants, while a crucial step, is only one component of habitat restoration. On this day, we will visit a site already cleared of invasive flora, and plant native trees & shrubs that will benefit the local ecosystem. Install shelters around plants that protect them from deer. We will also install shelters over planted material to protect them from deer. Invasive Plant Removal & Spring Flower Walk Tuesday, April 9 / South Wind Circle Trailhead / 9-11:30am Tuesday, April 23 / South Wind Circle Trailhead / 9-11:30am Garlic Mustard and Wineberry are tenacious, invasive species that our volunteers have traditionally removed every spring, particularly alongside one of our most scenic trail routes. After hand-pulling and digging up the two target species each morning, embark on an educational wildflower walk highlighting the blooming spring ephemerals. Shelter Clearing & Breeding Bird Atlas Saturday, May 11 / Trotter Parking Area / 9-11:30am Tuesday, May 21 / South Wind Circle Trailhead / 9-11:30am Non-native, invasive plants pose a continuing threat to our habitat restoration efforts, particularly within areas hosting trees & shrubs planted and sheltered by staff and volunteers. On these days, remove vines and vinelike plants from some of these areas, freeing young trees & shrubs from the threat of smothering. Additionally, on Tuesday, May 21, participants receive an introduction to the Breeding Bird Atlas community scientist survey. Japanese Barberry Removal Tuesday, June 18 / Trotter Parking Area / 9-11:30am Japanese Barberry is an abundant foe of the environmental area, and controlling this species requires continuous maintenance. Luckily, this invader is relatively easily uprooted. Revisit an ever-expanding restoration site to continue digging and hand-pulling these spiny shrubs.
Date Posted: 2024-03-15
