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American University Restoration Site, 2005 |
In January 2005 a graduate level Conservation Biology class from American University took on a restoration project at Riggs Road, now known as the American University site. The restoration was directed by the professor, Dr. Susan Solarz, who was living in the area and had been serving as Steward for section 1. The purpose of the class project was to improve the site and to provide students with hands-on experience in how to organize and carry out such a project. Friends of Sligo Creek worked closely with AU during the work. President Jim Baird and Sally Gagne spoke to the class, as well as Carole Bergmann, Forest Ecologist. Sally Gagne helped with plant identification.
A major goal was to remove invasive plants, and to stabilize a sandy piece of land 10 x 50 yards by planting grasses. Two work days were held. At the first workday, March 19th, biodiversity was measured in randomly selected areas by counting the number of species with leaves. Numbers of individual plants were also counted. The same was done at a control site a half mile upstream, along the upper stretch of land where the Pepco power line crosses the Creek. Trash was collected and quantified in the 10x50 yard area and at the control site. Last, the group hand-pulled invasive plants: kudzu, multiflora rose, and porcelain berry.
On the second workday, April 3rd, remaining invasives were pulled and newly accumulated trash collected. The 10x50 yard plot was tilled using a rental machine, and three species of native grass seed from Sara Tangren's Chesapeake Natives company were planted - Virginia Wild Rye, Bottlebrush, and Flat-stemmed Panic. On April 7th twenty trees were planted on the grassy floodplain above the 10x50 yard plot, consisting of equal numbers of Northern Red Oak, Willow Oak, Pin Oak, Red Maple and River Birch.
As a follow-up when the class ended, American University planned to offer two semesters of independent work to a student who would maintain the restoration site, draw in the community to clear trees of vines as needed, and keep in contact with Prince Georges Park Manager Kyle Lowe. Ultimately no student took on the work. Dr. Solarz may leave the area, and Friends of Sligo Creek awaits a replacment Steward. A grant is being considered.
So far the trees have been cared for and Friends of Sligo Creek will try to continue this.
This project has encouraged Friends of Sligo Creek to consider saving at least the woods between New Hampshire and Riggs Road. They contain valuable natives such as mountain laurel, and the quantity of invasive plants, mainly Japanese honeysuckle and wintercreeper, is manageable.