March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 48 F

Carrie Weedon Meadow & Wetland Garden To Be Planted In April

chesbayThe Carrie Weedon Science Center Foundation and the West/Rhode Riverkeeper have been working together on plans to reduce stormwater runoff by transforming areas of turf grass on Carrie Weedon’s property into sustainable, native landscapes – a native meadow and a wetland garden.   Thanks to the generosity of a local business and the hard work of Will Saffell, Chesapeake Conservation Corps intern for the Riverkeeper, both of these projects will be in the ground this spring!

Carrie Weedon’s Board removed an aging asphalt ball court behind its building last summer.  Will had a wonderful idea —   instead of replacing the court’s footprint with additional turf grass, why not create a sustainable and eco-friendly native meadow, planted with a diverse mix of grasses and wildflowers?  Carrie Weedon was also considering another restoration project.  Their property and the surrounding ballfields, form a shallow bowl, at the bottom of which stormwater runoff from the parking lot and the building collects.  The vision was to transform this wet spot into a wetland garden by replacing turf grass with appropriate water-loving plants.

Milt McCarthy, owner of McCarthy & Associates, an environmental restoration consulting firm, in Upper Marlboro, has taken on both projects, agreeing to donate his time, and the use of his company’s equipment, as well as most of the plants, seed, and soil amendment materials needed.  Will has submitted a proposal to Unity Gardens that, if accepted, will pay for additional herbaceous plants for the wetland garden, to supplement the trees and shrubs that Milt McCarthy will provide.

The West/Rhode Riverkeeper and the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy will be seeking volunteers from the local community to assist in planting the meadow and the wetland garden on a weekend in mid or late April.  The planting date will be posted on the Facebook pages for the West/Rhode Riverkeeper and Carrie Weedon Science Center.  Many hands make light work!  We invite you to join us for this event, and learn about the benefits of sustainable, native landscaping.

The Carrie Weedon Science Center Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, in Galesville, MD, offers curriculum-based science field trips for Anne Arundel County elementary school students. Carrie Weedon’s building and grounds are owned and maintained by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.

For additional information, please contact Will Saffell, [email protected] , 443-254-8301, or Nora Terres, [email protected], 301-385-7141.  Will Saffell is this year’s Chesapeake Conservation Corps intern for the West/Rhode Riverkeeper, and a member of this year’s class at the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy.

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