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You can make a difference in your community. We can help!Preparing Poplar Island for Global Warming
In June 2009, the Defenders of Wildlife Volunteer Corps once again braved the elements, muck, and mud -- literal tons of mud -- to do Mother Nature some good. Teaming up with the National Aquarium, we were able to plant grasses on Poplar Island to help mitigate the effects of the erosion that will come with sea level rise.
The project took place over four days and was dedicated to planting smooth cord grass and salt meadow hay, both types of marsh grasses that are able to thrive in brackish, tidal conditions. The site was indeed mucky but also a lot of fun -- especially watching the kids in attendance do headstands in the mud! At the end of the four day period 50,000 plants were installed over a 3 ½ acres of wetland. A total of 178 volunteers (not all from the WVC!) came out and lent their hands to the task and wound up dedicating approximately 1775 hours to the planting!
The Poplar Island restoration project uses dredge material from the Baltimore Harbor to restore the island to its original 1000 acres, its size in the 1800s before erosion took its toll. Restoring the island will reinstate important wildlife habitat and nesting grounds for many different species in the Baltimore/Washington area. Species like a Diamondback Terrapin, released onto the island after having been captured and raised to maturity at a local school to increase its chances of survival. It was a great time with some great people and we hope to see you next time!
Check our Events Page for upcoming projects!
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