Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is increasing pollinators and native wildlife in its parks. Through its Meadow Management and Restoration Program, the department is seeing a resurgence of many new pollinator-friendly plants. At Rachel Carson Conservation Park, parks staff restored eight acres of a meadow over the past two years and plans to restore 12 more acres by the summer of next year.
Senior Natural Resources Specialist Dianna Loescher oversees Montgomery Parks’ Meadow Management and Restoration Program. “The goal of the restoration program is to increase native biodiversity to better support pollinators and native wildlife,” Loescher said. “With this unique program, we are boosting the health and resiliency of our native ecosystems through planting efforts.”
Rachel Carson Conservation Park is experiencing a reawakening of its meadow after the Meadow Management and Restoration Team removed invasive, non-native plants, including Japanese stilt grass, Himalayan blackberry, autumn olive, Bradford pear, Japanese honeysuckle, and mile-a-minute. With the invasive plants gone, pollinator-friendly plants have room to flourish. As the meadow at Rachel Carson continues to flourish, the team will focus resources at other park locations to address the ongoing threat of invasive plants to local wildlife.
Ryan Colliton is a vegetation ecologist and principal natural resources specialist with the parks department. “By planting those species, we are creating a resilient native habitat,” said Colliton. “Because it’s so diverse, it’s much more likely to deflect invasion by non-native invasive species. But we will always need to go back and check to make sure things aren’t reverting to the way they were.”
In some Montgomery County meadows, invasive species are so pervasive that there are widespread population declines of local pollinators such as bees, butterflies — including the giant swallowtail — and moths, namely the wavy-lined emerald moth, which uses Maryland’s state flower, the black-eyed Susan, as a host plant. In 2020, the park’s meadow could not support many pollinators because it had just 15 different plant species. At its latest count, the number of plant species at Rachel Carson Conservation Park has almost tripled. Now there are about 40 different types of plants. Because the meadow is more diverse, pollinators have a consistent rotation of food sources as plants bloom at different times during the year.
The Vegetation Ecology and Management Unit removed non-native invasive plants and reintroduced pollinator-friendly plants at several other parks, including Sligo-Dennis Stream Valley, Meadowside Nature Center at Rock Creek Regional Park, and Locust Grove Nature Center at Cabin John Regional Park. Park visitors can see the revitalization at Rachel Carson Conservation Park with the blooming of native wildflowers such as daisy fleabanes and black-eyed Susans which are abundant during peak blooming seasons.
Inspired gardeners should check out the Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed(opens in a new tab) guide from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to learn about native plants that benefit pollinators. Visit the Montgomery Parks webpage on the Meadow Management and Restoration Program(opens in a new tab) for more information.
Recent Stories
Sixty fourth grade students from Woodlin Elementary School in Silver Spring visited Annapolis to learn about the history of Maryland, and were able to spend 30 minutes with Maryland Governor…
MCPS celebrated excellence in autism services during the third annual Autism Unit Awards on April 25. Teachers, paraeducators, administrators, service providers, volunteers and substitutes were recognized.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Bethesda, MD, will hold its annual Greek Festival on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, 2024, starting at 12 pm. The…
By Ben Shlesinger On a recent trip to Springfield, Massachusetts I decided to swing by the Basketball Hall of Fame. It was either that or the Dr. Seuss Museum. I’d…
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
