Streambank Stabilization
Project at Waterford Park

-Mike Kay
Forester, Maryland Forest Service

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A streambank stabilization project was recently conducted on a beautiful autumn day in Waterford Park by members of The Friends of Waterford Park, Frederick City Personnel, The Frederick County Forestry Board, and the Maryland Forest Service.  This is part of a comprehensive program designed to enhance the ecological and aesthetic benefits of this lovely open area. Waterford Park is approximately an 18-acre natural area located in the western edge of Frederick City bordered by Rock Creek Park at Baughman's Lane, Rock Creek Drive, Route 15, and the Waterford Subdivision.  This natural area is part of the Frederick City Greenways system. 

The site before planting began

This planting is part of a comprehensive management program planned for Waterford Park in the coming years.  A wide-ranging Stewardship Plan was prepared during the summer of 2005 to provide guidance for these projects.  Following the recommendations, an all-inclusive weed control strategy has been adopted, and residents have already initiated some control of Japanese hops, honeysuckle, and mile-a-minute growing throughout the park.  Another project that has been initiated is the establishment of a native grass cover crop throughout much of the park that was disturbed during sewer line installation. A tree replacement program is also being planned to replace some recently deceased trees.

Ginny Brace (President of Friends of Waterford Park) and Darrell McCartney (Chairman of Frederick County Forestry Board) discuss the planting

Upcoming projects for 2006 include planting a 2.0 acre riparian forest buffer, initiating a field management program where native meadow, turf, and landscaped plantings will be conducted in the open areas, continuing the weed control practices, expanding the walkway, pruning trees along the walkway, planting additional trees along the walkway, and installing educational signs along the path.

 
The planting begins

Frederick County is blessed with a multitude of environmentally conscious individuals and organizations that seek to help organize and conduct stream restoration, tree planting, and other beneficial environmental programs.  If you are a member of a homeowners group, community organization or private landowner with some open land that may be in need of some assistance; or you are an individual that wishes to help out please email watershedalliance@fredco-md.net or contact the Alliance Community Restoration Coordinator at (301) 694.1741 for more information.

Rocky conditions were encountered higher up on the bank

Putting the finishing touches on the planting

Watering the trees after the planting

The planting site after mulch was applied