Nature
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At Philip G. Wilmer Park, an invasive stand of Phragmites australis, or common reed, had aggressively taken over former ecologically valuable wetlands. This grass grows over ten feet tall, bears purple plumes that fade to brown in winter, spreads by underground rhizome runners into large single-species colonies, and releases a toxic chemical from its roots that kills surrounding native plants. The resulting loss of plant diversity reduced habitat and upset the delicate marsh ecosystem. Starting in 2003, the Phragmites at this site was sprayed annually with herbicide and burned in preparation for planting. In May 2006, more than 200 community volunteers planted 15,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses to reclaim the landscape. Continued removal of Phragmites and replacement with native plants remained essential to the marsh restoration project, which depended on the commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm of hundreds of local volunteers.
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Chestertown, Maryland · United States
