Winter 2019-2020 Serpentine Ecosystem Restoration Wrap-up!
Read the seasonal wrap-up by our Serpentine Ecosystem Restoration Program (SERP) Volunteer Coordinator Paula Becker on what was accomplished this winter in our ongoing struggle against invasive plants at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area. (Content edited for clarity)
Grass Fire At Soldiers Delight
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| Photo by Ranger Mike Travers |
Fire crews on foot contained the low temperature, slow-rolling fire using hand tools and backpack Indian tanks, which carry five gallons of water and are operated with a hand pump. No heavy trucks or chemical retardants were used to access or contain the small blaze. The primary fuel consumed was dried grasses and wildflowers. The fire did not burn into the surrounding woods. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources conducts prescribed burns annually in spring and autumn at Soldiers Delight (weather permitting), as part of the serpentine ecosystem restoration program. These regular, controlled burns effectively reduce the fuel load and the risk of damage from uncontrolled wildfires.
Many thanks to the Baltimore County Fire Department for their excellent job in suppressing this fire while avoiding any damage to the ecosystem.
Jack A. Wennerstrom, RIP
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| Author and former SDCI board president Jack Wennerstrom |
Birds and Soldiers Delight
We’re always on the lookout for great sources of information that speak of the importance of SDNEA to conservation. Today's article from Your Public Radio (WYPR 88.1 FM) includes a quote from the Director of Bird Conservation at the Audubon Society in Baltimore. We recommend this article to all of Soldiers Delight’s supporters.
Please let us know anytime you encounter good info that helps make the case for Soldiers Delight and the mission of SDCI. Thanks!
Big Changes!
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that the wonderful Visitor Center at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area will be closing on Sunday, October 27, 2019.
Celebrating a Legacy
Read how a long-retired Baltimore County Planner was recently feted for his significant contributions in the 1960s toward getting land set aside that would become Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area.
