Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust: Recent Activities

Recent Activities

Invasive Plant Removal at Hellen Creek
    For those interested in our native plants, the term invasive plant is probably a familiar one. The most notorious historical example in America has been the oriental vine Kudzu. Brought in my the U.S. Agricultural Department for erosion control and animal fodder this quick growing plant spread rapidly throughout the south.

    Once out of its native habitat, some species have no predator to slow them down. Kudzu is certainly a good example. Alien species can and often do out compete their native counter parts. To combat the loss of native species, groups like Maryland Native Plant Society and Sierra Club have been sponsoring invasive plant removal days at various parks.

    Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust has completed the first year of its five-year invasive removal plan. This year we will continue our efforts to eradicate wine berry, multiflora rose, and tree of heaven. This would make a great Master Gardener or scout project. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us at 410-394-1300.

Earth Day on the Square
    April 23, 2005 marked the sixth annual Earth Day on the Square in Leonardtown. While threatening weather lower the attendance, the day turned out beautifully and we had a good number of people stop by our exhibit. The Trust once again sponsored the very popular live Birds of Prey display.

Calvert County Science Fair 2006
    On February 25, 2006, the Trust participated in its second science fair with executive director Bob Boxwell acting as judge. This annual program is designed to stimulate interest in a wide variety of areas of scientific research. The Trust presented certificates to three individuals and two $100 checks for first place and one $50 check for second. The winner's names and a brief description of their projects are given below.

Emily Brownlee, Calvert HS, "A Tale of Two Oysters"
[an investigation of the comparative susceptibility to disease of the Asian and native oyster in their spat stage]

Emma Miller, Mill Creek MS, "Does Oyster Filtering Add Up"
[this project looks at tests the often repeated statistic that the Bay was once entirely filtered by oysters in 3 to 5 days]

Kassidy Kenney, Plum Point MS, “Puritan Tiger Beetle”
[an investigation of the habitat requirements of the Pyrtian Tiger Beetle and the suitability of several Calvert County beaches for this species]

First Invasive Plant Removal at Hellen Creek
    For those interested in our native plants, the term invasive plant is probably a familiar one. The most notorious historical example in America has been the oriental vine Kudzu. Brought in my the U.S. Agricultural Department for erosion control and animal fodder this quick growing plant spread rapidly throughout the south.

    Once out of its native habitat, some species have no predator to slow them down. Kudzu is certainly a good example. Alien species can and often do out compete their native counter parts. To combat the loss of native species, groups like Maryland Native Plant Society and Sierra Club have been sponsoring invasive plant removal days at various parks.

Earth Day on the Square
    April 17, 2005 marks the fifth annual Earth Day on the Square in Leonardtown. The event will take place from 12:30 to 4:30 and is free to the public. Among the many features are a puppet show, live music, displays from environmental groups, kid's crafts, and a live Birds of Prey display. Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust will sponsor the bird show, which will include owls, hawks, and a bald eagle.

Calvert County Science Fair 2005

    On February 26, 2005, the Trust participated in its first science fair with trustee Peter Vogt acting as judge. This annual program is designed to stimulate interest in a wide variety of areas of scientific research. The Trust presented certificates to four individuals and $50 checks to the two projects deemed best by Mr. Vogt. The winner's names and a brief description of their projects are given below.

Emily Brownlee, Calvert HS, "Use of Clay to Prevent Algal Blooms in Bay Waters"
[several samples of different Bay waters collected, clay added to gauge what I suspect is similar to flocculation, ie larger particles form, with more rapid settling time]

Annalise Kenney, Plum Point MS, "Trees Helping Water"
[water quality estimates e.g. from seiche disks, coliform bacteria counts compared for riparian strips of grass vs. riparian forest; fresh water only]

Megan Bethge & Victoria Matthews, Plum Point MS, "Natural Filters"
[measuring plankton uptake by captive oysters and using this to estimate the time it takes for present oyster population to clean one volume of Chesapeake]

Siddarth Plakkot, Windy Hill MS, "Who is Keeping Calvert County the Cleanest?"
[water samples collected and analyzed in several parts of County]

    The Trust would like to congratulate all the participants and also Mr. Vogt for his time and effort in attending this event.