LEONARDTOWN — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has completed a tree planting project at Newtowne Neck State Park that expands the shoreline buffer to reduce runoff into the Potomac River.
The Maryland Forest Service oversaw the planting of 31,990 native seedlings across 15 fields along the park’s edge. The project increased the riparian buffer from 100 to 300 feet in most areas. Newtowne Neck is a 794-acre peninsula bordered by Breton Bay, St. Clements Bay and the Potomac River. The park includes seven miles of waterfront.
Riparian buffers help intercept sediment and filter pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers before they reach waterways. Tree roots stabilize banks and reduce erosion. The expanded buffer also provides additional habitat and food sources for wildlife.
“This will improve the space for future generations, future Maryland residents, as well as our wildlife that call Maryland home,” said Freddy Bascom, the Forest Service’s lead specialist for the project.
Staff from DNR’s Maryland Park Service and Watershed and Climate Services developed the project after attending training hosted by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. The training focused on a climate change adaptation plan for the park, and the primary recommendation was to increase the forested buffer around the peninsula.
The Forest Service selected tree species based on site-specific environmental and soil conditions. Planted species include beautyberry, black cherry, black locust, blackhaw viburnum, chickasaw plum, chokeberry, dogwood, hazelnut, pawpaw, persimmon, redbud, red maple, red oak, serviceberry, tulip poplar, Virginia pine, white oak and willow oak.
Contracted workers installed the trees in rows to allow for maintenance and mowing. Each seedling is protected by a five-foot tree shelter that shields young trees from weather, animal browsing, buck rub, trampling and maintenance damage.
“Tree shelters are important to protect the seedlings,” said Isaac Whitmore, 5 Million Trees program coordinator for the Forest Service. “In about five to eight years, they will be removed and recycled.”
The 5 Million Trees initiative funded the project, with additional support from an Arbor Day Foundation grant. The Maryland Forest Service offers technical assistance and funding opportunities for tree planting on public and private property.
Newtowne Neck was home to the Piscataway people and their ancestors for many centuries before colonial settlement. The park is the first historic district designated in St. Mary’s County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can hike, fish, hunt and observe wildlife throughout the park.
Marylanders can find local tree planting specialists on the Maryland DNR website.
