Riparian Reforestation along the Headwaters of Sligo Creek
The riparian buffer along Sligo Creek helps maintain water quality in the creek by slowing down stormwater runoff, reducing erosion, and capturing pollution. The riparian buffer also shades the creek and provides food and habitat for aquatic insect larvae and other invertebrates that serve as the base of the food chain. Along the headwaters of Sligo Creek there is a stretch of riparian buffer that was until recently regularly mowed by the adjacent homeowners. This prevented that regeneration of the riparian forest buffer. Last fall we proposed to M-NCPPC and COG this location for a reforestation site. FoSC members in Section 9 (the Headwaters of Sligo Creek) committed to work with the adjacent homeowners to find alternatives to mowing the park property, to remove the invasive vines and shrubs that had taken over the trees adjacent to the proposed reforestation site, and to promote a community tree planting workday in the spring of 2006. That commitment swayed M-NCPPC to provide the trees and allow us to work on park property. COG agreed to prepare the site for the tree planting and take part in the workday.
Over the winter we have been removing invasive vines and shrubs. By April 29 we need to have the area substantially cleared of invasives. Some of the Porcelainberry vines are so thick, we have had to request the assistance of M-NCPPC in destroying them. Bush Honeysuckle shrubs are also a major problem.
One of the adjacent homeowners has agreed to "adopt" the reforestation site. The maintenance of the reforestation site is the most critical issue that will determine if this project will be a success. Invasive vines will need to be periodically removed and the deer protection will need to be regular repaired. We have learned from the other reforestation sites in Sligo Creek Park that the wood stakes that support the deer cages will start to deteriorate in the wet riparian soil and fall within a year. At old over-run sites like this we really need at times the help from the Parks maintenance staff. Coordinating our efforts is important.
May 2, 2006 Update
Friends of Sligo Creek, along with Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) held tree planting on April 29 at the Ladd Street reforestation site. 75 new trees and shrubs were planted, mulched and watered. A wire cages to protect the young trees from deer were also installed at every tree and shrub. Trees and shrubs planted include: River Birch, Redbud, Silky Dogwood, American Hazel, American Sycamore, White Oak, and Northern Red Oak.
