MNPS Field Trip: Howard's Branch Restoration Site - International Bog Day Tour (Monday)

Monday, July 29, 2019 - 8 AM-10 AM

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland Native Plant Society 

Description:  We will celebrate International Bog Day (which is actually on Sunday, July 28) by visiting a world-renowned wetland restoration site (listed at number 11 of the most significant Earth Day Projects recognized by the Environmental News Network). Completed in 2001, Howard’s Branch wetland and stream enhancement project was designed to support the reintroduction of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) by creating a seepage wetland in a degraded stream valley previously impounded for use as a drinking water reservoir. A series of cobble weirs and a network of sand berms was placed over a dry lakebed to mimic the hydrology found in natural Atlantic white cedar sites and provide habitat for a robust native plant community. This is the site of a successfully reproducing stand of Anne Arundel County MD Atlantic white cedar trees that were grown from seed collected at the last 10 remaining AWC sites on the Western Shore of MD back in the 1990's. Some of the other natives we may see at the site are Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), sedges, iris, rushes and ferns. After we visit Howards Branch, we will return to the meeting place and if you have time, you can stick around to see another wetland and stream restoration site, Cabin Branch, which is about a 2 minute walk from the parking lot.

Leaders: Keith Underwood and Ellie Chetelat  

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 15 people. Not limited to MNPS members.

Notes: Short walk but VERY steep and rocky slope to access the project site. We will meet at 8 AM at 901-A Commerce Road, Annapolis, MD and carpool to the site from there. Directions will be sent with your registration confirmation whe n you register online.

Read more about the restoration of Howard’s Branch here:

http://ecosystemrestoration.com/howards-branch/ (see before and after photos of the site)

https://eco.confex.com/eco/2007/techprogram/P8626.HTM

About atlantic white cedar:

http://www.atlanticwhitecedar.org/species.html

About International Bog Day:

https://bogday.org

Bring:    Water,  bug spray, hiking boots/sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet. Long pants recommended. Hand lens and plant identification handbook if you like.

Contact (for information, not to register): Ellie Chetelat, ellie@ecosystemrestoration.com

Directions: included in registration confirmation.