by Jim Hurley
On the northeast corner of S. Walter Reed and S. Four Mile Run Drives is the only remaining patch of woodland on the north side of the Four Mile Run stream valley in the Shirlington area. This woodland remnant has some of the same steep topography, underlying geology and hydrology (perched seeps), and plants as Barcroft Park, which is located on the opposite side of the valley.
Recently, Arlington County proposed to develop its part of the woodland. This proposal was opposed by a number of individuals, groups, and organizations that value the woods, so little of which is left. Nora Palmatier of the Tree Stewards made a commitment to initiate a cleanup of these woods––invaded by all the usual suspects (English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle, Bush Honeysuckle, Porcelainberry, etc.)––if the site were left undeveloped. (Thank you, Nora!) The County pulled back from its proposal just last week.
This Saturday, April 5, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Arlington/Alexandria Tree Stewards, Master Naturalists, and residents of neighboring condominium associations will begin the promised restoration work. Arlington County Parks will provide trash bags for the debris.
The public is welcome to join in this effort. We recommend that volunteers wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves, and bring hand clippers and/or pruning saws to cut ivy and other invasive vines from the trees. See you there!