[BSW] Field trip Sunday, July 9 + NPS activity at Carderock

[Kathy Bilton]

There is now a summer field trip on the docket for Sunday, July 9 at 8 a.m.
going to the same area where we have been having spring field trips, 
namely the Bear Island area near the C and O Canal, with parking across 
from Old Angler's Inn.

Note that the meeting time is 8 a.m. which takes into account the 
likelihood of there being more people vying for parking during the summer 
as well as nigher temperatures.

http://botsoc.org/bswfieldtrips.html

Next meeting: Members' Night on September 5
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Some may be interested in this relatively new (4 yrs?) native plant 
nursery out in Loudoun: http://www.watermarkwoods.com/

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Below is an email written by the president of the MNPS regarding goings-on 
at Carderock to Emily Hewitt who is the Volunteer Program Manager for the 
park.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2017 12:33:04 -0400
From: Kirsten Johnson <kirsten2622 at comcast.net>

Dear Emily Hewitt,

We have learned from our long-time member and past President, Marney Bruce, about NPS activity in the climbing wall area of Carderock. Specifically, shredded hardwood mulch has been spread on the paths and access to the main wildflower trail has been blocked. That trail has long been used for plant identification and teaching by Maryland Native Plant Society, Audubon Naturalist Society, Botanical Society of Washington and others. We have not seen evidence that use of the trail was causing any harm, but its closure - if permanent - will greatly diminish the public’s ability to learn about and appreciate the unique botanical diversity at Carderock.

In addition, the use of hardwood mulch is completely inappropriate at Carderock. The plants in that area are primarily acid-loving, meaning they grow best in low pH soil. Hardwood mulch is known to raise soil pH. That mulch should be removed as soon as possible to avoid damage to the flora of the area.

We recognize that the Park Service’s actions were well-intentioned, and we hope you will reconsider your decision to close the wildflower trail and that the hardwood mulch will soon be removed.

Yours truly,
Kirsten Johnson
President, Maryland Native Plant Society