Greenbelt Forest Stewardship Project Volunteers Protect Trees

The Greenbelt Forest Stewardship Project led a tree protection volunteer event in Buddy Attick Park on Monday, January 18, 2016 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over 50 volunteers and 3 Public Works employees honored the holiday by contributing to a National Day of Service. Participants of all ages demonstrated hard working and positive attitudes throughout the event despite frigid temperatures.

Volunteers met inside the Public Works Department for orientation to the Greenbelt Forest Stewardship Project. A short video demonstrated the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following the history lesson was an introduction to the City of Greenbelt Public Works Department’s role in coexisting with beavers.

The purpose of protecting trees is to sustain the forest by coexisting with beavers. In order to maintain woodlands from transforming into wetlands, certain slow-growth tree species must be protected from beavers with wire caging placed around trunks. In order to ensure adequate food and building materials for beaver dams and lodges, nonnative trees are purposely left uncaged. As time passes, wire caging needs to be replaced to make space for continued tree growth.

After orientation, volunteers took a bus or walked along the lake path to see the beaver dam in person. Volunteers were divided into groups to learn the proper techniques to protect trees from beavers and English ivy. Wire cutters were used to remove tight wire and replace fencing that will provide enough space for continued tree growth. Hand shears were used to liberate trees from English ivy. An estimated total of 25 trees were protected from beaver herbivory with wire caging, and 40 trees were liberated from the invasive species, English ivy.

Laughter could be heard throughout the forest as individuals and families worked together make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day on, not a day off. Thanks to the all of the individual participants and volunteer groups, especially Islamic Relief USA, Eleanor Roosevelt High School National Honor Society, Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society (CHEARS), Junior Miss Greenbelt and Little Miss Greenbelt, and St. Vincent Pallotti High School. Another special thanks to Bagel Place of College Park for donating bagels and to Generous Joe’s for donating pizza!

The next tree protection volunteer opportunity will take place on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15, 2016 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in Buddy Attick Park. Remember to dress warm and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. RSVP here to confirm your availability. Questions? Contact Erin Josephitis at ejosephitis@greenbeltmd.gov.