Fencing separates the cattle from the stream and tree planting.

Maintenance has involved mowing the site three times during the growing season, initiating some control of Canada thistle, fixing the shelters when the site was flooded in 2004 and sometimes when deer rub up against them, and removing shelters after the tree becomes 8’ tall and 2” diameter. Fixing the shelters after the flood and cutting up and removing large sections of trees that were deposited with the flood were the hardest part of maintenance according to Bill. Mr. McCall seems to enjoy the work and is very proud of the results.  He often invites visitors down to look at his trees when they stop by.

 

Bill has done an excellent job mowing and removing shelters
and his plantation has an 85% survival rate in its 3rd growing season.
Many of the trees are 10’ tall already.

 

Both sides of Israel Creek have a 300’ buffer on this property.

 

Bill piled up some used shelters that he would like to give away.
Please call our Forestry Office at 301.473.8417 if you are interested.

 

Here’s Bill with his Watershed Steward sign.

It’s Bill’s hard work and conscientious maintenance that keeps this project in tip top condition.  Thanks to Bill, a 4,200 foot stretch of Israel Creek has a vigorous young forested buffer which helps to cleanse the water, improve the water for aquatic organisms, while providing habitat for wildlife in this “riparian” corridor.