Frederick County Landscapes
Marshy Glade Area near Garfield

Submitted by: Mike Kay

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Middle Creek winds across much of the northwestern part of Frederick in a heavily wooded section of the county.  Forest surrounds much of this stream; however, in some cases, periodic flooding at the hands of beaver has resulted in the development of small ponds or open marshy glades that contain shrubby species that are well adapted to periodic flooding. Hazel alder is a prime example of such a plant having the ability to thrive in saturated conditions.

An open shrubby glade area surrounding Middle Creek.

Some of the shrubby species found on this site included hazel alder, ninebark, silky dogwood, black willow, arrow wood viburnum, hazel nut and bladderwort.  There were also some young sapling sized trees such as green ash, sycamore, red maple, yellow birch, elm, and swamp white oak regenerating on the site.  Many of these trees will continue their growth until the site again becomes inundated with water, then only specialized species like alder and willow will persist. 

Shrubs like this hazel alder are well adapted to wet conditions.

These open areas create attractive habitat for a number of wading birds especially species like woodcock, and other birds like the catbird and red wing blackbird.  Other somewhat unusual animals like a muskrat, weasel, or bear frequent these areas as well.

Dense clumps of ninebark are growing in this area as well.