AACo Fair and Arundel Rivers Federation Partnership

16 Mar AACo Fair and Arundel Rivers Federation Partnership

• The Anne Arundel County Fair, Chesapeake Bay Fund and Arundel Rivers Federation have partnered together on a long-term invasive species removal and native tree replanting project.
• Through this project, the partners will improve the aesthetics and habitat value of the forested stands surrounding the Fairgrounds most-used areas.  There are multiple forested areas that are heavily covered with invasive species, including the highly invasive Tree of Heaven.
• The group of volunteers from the organizations, members of the community and Girl Scout Troop #1778 planted 170 native trees and shrubs down by the pond area.
• In some areas, the invasive plants and vines are so prevalent that some mature trees will succumb to the woody vines if not freed. This project is using a variety of invasive control removal techniques including mechanical removal of the large, woody vines; goats to clear out the smaller invasive brush, and limited chemical control by a licensed company as needed to keep invasive plants from returning.
• Areas freed of invasive plants will be replanted with 900 native trees and shrubs. Native trees and shrubs have been selected to add habitat value and source of food for native fauna as well as to enhance the beauty of the site.  Flowering trees and shrubs like the Eastern red bud, serviceberry, viburnums, and red twig dogwood will line the forested areas to bring a variety of color to the forest stands.
• Educational signage will be installed to both identify native trees and educate the public about invasive species control and the benefits of planting native trees