Friends of Waterford Park’s Planting
Season Culminates In “Open Park”

-Submitted by Carol Gutwalt
Friends of Waterford Park

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The Friends of Waterford Park (FWP) hosted an “open park” on Sunday, September 16, to showcase its work for the 2007planting season.  Located in a flood plain, the park is bounded on the east by Route 15 (between the Rosemont Avenue and Route 40 exits) and on the west by Baughman’s Lane.  The park is comprised of two smaller parks:  Rock Creek Park and Waterford Park.  The park’s goal, approved by the city, is to develop a tranquil setting where people can enjoy animal life and a diversity of plant species native to MD.
         

Several new additions to the park were featured
at Sunday’s event.  Guests being welcomed by Ginny Brace,
president of Friends of Waterford Park

Through a grant from the MD Urban and Community Forest Committee, FWP planted a woods edge that included wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.   Just off Baughman’s Lane visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden made possible through a donation.   In cooperation with the city and the DNR, FWP is experimenting with a meadow area that features perennials and native grass.

Nineteen nursery-sized trees were donated to the park and will eventually provide shade along the park’s macadam path.  These trees have plaques identifying the species and the donor.  

Lynne Marquess of the Frederick County Forest
Conservancy District Board.   She is reading the
plaque that explains the white oak given to Frederick
County by the State of Maryland and the Frederick County
Forest Conservancy District Board to commemorate
100 years of forest and park conservation in Maryland.

Nancy Speck, who donated a dogwood in
the park in memory of her mother Mina Speck.
Hers was one of 19 trees in the park that were
donated in honor of or in memory of someone.

In addition, the MD Department of Natural Resources has administered extensive spraying of invasive species to allow the “good guys” to have a chance.

The development of the park has benefited from the support of volunteers, including scout troops, and cooperation from the city of Frederick’s Department of Parks and Recreation.  With the park’s efforts to keep invasive species under control and maintain its diverse plantings, FWP always welcomes additional help.   If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ginny Brace, president of FWP, at ginny4FTP@aol.com or 240.353.7303.