![]() ![]() We use a variety of methods, such as hand pulling and cutting, girdling trees, and careful use of herbicide, in addition to prescribed burns. Perhaps one of the biggest efforts we undertake to conserve this rare habitat is invasive species management. ![]() Fire serves two purposes: it removes any buildup of organic material that would change the unique soil composition and it knocks back any invading non-native, fire-intolerant plant species. One of the most interesting and challenging tasks we perform at Soldier’s Delight is to mimic these historic fires by conducting prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns. Species that survive this type of disturbance are called fire-tolerant. Also called an oak savanna, this tall grassland (and the surrounding forests) supports more than 30 rare plant and animal species! Several thousand years ago, this ecosystem formed in the presence of fire, started either by lightning strikes or by the indigenous people. Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills is home to a rare ecosystem, the serpentine barrens. A landscape of invasive plants at Soldier’s Delight with Wavyleaf basketgrass carpeting the forest floor, two autumn olive bushes in the foreground. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |