Restoring St. Mary's Run

Submitted by - Dr. Jeffrey Simmons
Associate Professor of Biology
Science Department
Mount St. Mary's University

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A huge THANK YOU to all 25 volunteers who helped to plant the 160 trees and shrubs on Saturday morning, November 3rd along a small stream in front of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Athletic complex.  Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and local residents participated.   Many of the students were members of the Environmental Club, Beta-Beta-Beta (the Biology Honorary), or Women in Science.   Volunteers from the community included Pastor Jon Greenstone from Elias Lutheran Church, an active member of the Tom’s Creek Watershed Stewardship project.

It was chilly at first, but we quickly got warm once we got to work. You can admire our handiwork the next time you drive by the Athletic Center. The area will look terrific next spring when everything blooms!

Many thanks also to Elvin Wolfe, Mount Saint Mary’s Master Gardener and his crew.  Elvin did the design and plant selection using all native plants.  Clear Ridge Nursery supplied the plants.  Elvin and other staff from the Grounds Dept. supplied the tools, topsoil, mulch and planting guidance.

Thanks to Vice-President Mike Malewicki who not only planted his share of trees but also provided much needed coffee, hot chocolate and donuts from the University’s dining services. Photo credits go to Dr. Lisa McLeod-Simmons.
 
Finally, thanks to Kay Schultz, the Frederick County Division of Public Works and the Chesapeake Bay Trust for purchasing the plants and initiating this project.