The Maryland Native Plant Society

The Maryland Native Plant Society
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  • Invasive Species Removal at Chapman Forest

Invasive Species Removal at Chapman Forest

  • 08/01/2010
  • 10:00 AM - 3:59 PM
  • Chapman Forest, Charles County

Sponsoring Organizations: Maryland Native Plant Society, Sierra Club, Chapman Forest Foundation

There are about 3,000 native plant species in Maryland, with 800 at Chapman Forest and contiguous Swann Park, 49 of which are endangered.

Help remove invasive non-natives from the 800-acre portion of Chapman Forest designated Chapman State Park. There will be time for plant identification and a beautiful beach lunch.

There are general methods and species-specific methods, such as best season for species, wet soil condition for pulling, handouts, extent of area of natives seen rescued, delayed gratification, targeted use of herbicides, and matching funds for staff to do what volunteers find hard to do.

Non-native invasive plant removal will reach maintenance phase following a major work effort at each site in the Mid-Atlantic region and around the world for about three to five years to remove the massive populations of species. Regular stewardship projects are conducted in all seasons including winter, early spring, late spring, summer, and late summer. This high-intensity program is followed by a low-intensity annual maintenance program for plants we have missed, plants emerging from the seed bank, and occasional plants migrating in from neighboring areas.

Directions: Meet at main gate of Chapman Forest. Take the Washington Capital Beltway to Indian Head Highway (MD 210) south toward Indian Head (from VA Exit 2; from MD Exit 3A). At 14 miles, continue through on MD 210 through the traffic light at MD 227 (This crossroads is the center of the community known as Bryans Road). At about 1.1 miles past the light, veer to the right onto Chapmans Landing Road. Follow for 1.6 miles to the gated entrance of Mount Aventine and Chapman State Park.

Carpool Info: Meet at Sierra Club Md. Chapter office at 9 a.m.; return 5 p.m. Call Laurel Imlay at 301-277-7111.

Wear/Bring: Casual clothing, long sleeves and pants, sturdy comfortable walking boots/shoes; gloves are encouraged for these events.

Contact: Marc Imlay, 301-699-6204 or 301-283-0808; call 301-442-5657 (cell) on workdays.

More information: Area information and map can be found at www.chapmanforest.org and www.mattawomanwatershedsociety.org.

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