Text and photos by Susan Berry, except as noted. On Saturday June 3, 2023, ARMN co-hosted a successful tour and clean-up of Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria. This was the second time in 2023 that ARMN partnered with the Alexandria Library system to host a nature-based event. And we’re confident there will be opportunitiesContinueContinue reading “ARMN and the Alexandria Library System Enjoy a Tidy Collaboration at Four Mile Run Park”
Category Archives: Stewardship
Fighting a “New” Non-Native Invasive in Town: Reports from the Front Line on Removing Italian Arum
Text by Kit Britton; photos by Jim Bly, unless otherwise noted. The February 26 Italian arum eradication event at the grounds of Culpepper Garden senior living community was the kickoff of a stewardship activity to last one year. A plant that was likely spread to the site as an escaped houseplant, in the root ballContinueContinue reading “Fighting a “New” Non-Native Invasive in Town: Reports from the Front Line on Removing Italian Arum”
Restoring Nature by Whittling Away at Woodlawn Park’s Invasive Plants
Text and photos by Devin Reese, except as noted. ARMN Volunteer Becky Hamm looking for small invasives sprouting up. I joined a group of volunteers recently who were getting ready to attack exotic invasive plants on the banks of Lubber Run stream. The site—Woodlawn Park—is a small park tucked into a residential neighborhood in Arlington.ContinueContinue reading “Restoring Nature by Whittling Away at Woodlawn Park’s Invasive Plants”
The Grass Seeds, My Friend, Are Blowin’ In the Wind
Text and photos by Noreen Hannigan, unless otherwise noted. Yes, grass seeds are blowin’ in the wind, but they’re not necessarily producing a pretty song! The list of non-native invasive grasses that escape cultivation from yards and gardens keeps growing. The 2022 edition of Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide by Jil M.ContinueContinue reading “The Grass Seeds, My Friend, Are Blowin’ In the Wind”
English Ivy, a Deadly Invasive, is a Winter Target for Removal from Local Parks
Text and photos by Nancy Cleeland Like rust, English ivy never sleeps. It escapes yards and creeps down embankments and over rocks and up trees all year long. Planted by colonists in the 1700s and still sold in garden centers as a carefree ground cover, this ivy smothers the ground with dense mats and drapesContinueContinue reading “English Ivy, a Deadly Invasive, is a Winter Target for Removal from Local Parks”
What is Killing Our Oak Trees and What Can We Do to Help?
By Colleen O’Hara Oak decline has been a growing concern in our region. In fact, many of us have experienced this outbreak firsthand in our own back yards or neighborhoods. But why are these oak trees dying and what can we do about it? How do we know that we have a problem with ourContinueContinue reading “What is Killing Our Oak Trees and What Can We Do to Help?”
Lacey Woods Park Grape Vine Discovery!
Text, photo, and video by Nora Palmatier In late January, ten volunteers met at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington to remove English ivy and porcelain berry vines from the edge of the managed area next to the forest. This is an area we’ve long neglected in favor of the natural area in middle of park.ContinueContinue reading “Lacey Woods Park Grape Vine Discovery!”
Trees Taking Root in Ben Brenman Park
Text and Images by Devin Reese Bonnie Petry demonstrating proper tree planting techniques. Recently I participated as an ARMN volunteer for a tree planting event at the Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria. The event was hosted by the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria. When I arrived, an impressively large group of volunteers was watchingContinueContinue reading “Trees Taking Root in Ben Brenman Park“
Clipping, Pulling, and Uprooting Invasive Plants to Restore Fort Scott Park
Text and photos by Devin Reese, unless otherwise noted. Park Steward Terri McPalmer wielding the weed wrench while Colt Gregory looks on. When I arrived to volunteer for a recent invasive removal event at Fort Scott Park in South Arlington, I was drawn to Park Steward Terri McPalmer’s wheelbarrow full of gloves, poison ivy protection,ContinueContinue reading “Clipping, Pulling, and Uprooting Invasive Plants to Restore Fort Scott Park“
Arlington’s Native Plant Nursery Restores Our Area’s Native Flora
Text and photos by Leslie Cameron. (Photos were taken on a July 12, 2022 workday unless otherwise noted.) Historically, Arlington County is home to 28% of the native plant species in Virginia—representing substantial plant diversity in the county’s 26 square miles. Unfortunately, Arlington has lost an estimated 200 of these native plant species. Though 600ContinueContinue reading “Arlington’s Native Plant Nursery Restores Our Area’s Native Flora”