DEIJ - Nature as a Healing Space

The environmental community everywhere in the United States has struggled to make protection of the planet the work of all people. WSA is doing just that. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice is more than a series of words for WSA and more than our vision and values statement – it’s baked into what we do.

It began in 2014 with our first Strategic Plan that included outreach and engagement of underserved communities throughout the County – from the urban north to the rural south. Last fall we partnered with the Anne Arundel County Public Library system on an Environmental Justice Panel that featured a distinguished panel and participation from attendees.

This year, WSA hired Terryl Acker-Carter as Community Engagement Specialist to build relationships in underserved communities and establish buy-in for tree planting and other projects. His goal is to bring Nature to all, regardless of background or financial capacity, in the firm belief that Nature heals. Terryl has helped design programs that touch not only on tree planting but also on sensory experiences for kids, helping them to connect with Nature.

"I want to make sure that communities are the center of the work that we do. Community voices should be elevated and at the forefront of the programs that we offer and develop,” he said. “As I work with congregations, schools, and other community hubs across the county, it is imperative to first listen to their environmental and educational needs and then collaboratively build programs and install projects to build more authentic relationships with those communities."

Mindfulness is at the core of the program Terryl has been delivering, especially to the littlest future environmentalists.

“I love working with people of all ages but working with the little kids has been a fun experience,” he said. “It’s amazing when a little one sees a pinecone for the first time or stops to smell the aroma of certain plants. I know we’re reached them when a smile stretches across their faces, and they can't contain their excitement! That one experience can influence their lives in ways they can’t even imagine now.”

New This Year: Replant Annapolis!

The City of Annapolis has lost over 100 acres of forest canopy since 2011. Based on Replant Anne Arundel, Replant Annapolis will engage Annapolis-based Tree Troopers to plant hundreds of trees within the City of Annapolis.   We’re focused on helping Annapolis achieve its goal to reach 50% urban tree canopy by 2036.  

For more information about Replant Annapolis, please contact Restoration Technician Rob Pavlik (rpavlik@aacps.org).

Building Community Momentum for Widespread Behavior Change

Cape St. Claire is one of several communities where a long-term Watershed Steward presence has built incredible momentum for change. The Cape's first Watershed Steward, Brad Knopf, has penned a watershed Tip of the Month cartoon for over 13 years, giving humorous monthly inspiration to Stewards and residents alike. There are now six active Watershed Stewards, working together to lead specific community restoration initiatives focused on controlling invasives, planting natives and reducing pollution sources.

Cape Conservation Corps

Led by Watershed Stewards Stacey Wildberger and Jeanne Martin, the Cape Conservation Corps (CCC) “ignites community pride in our native landscape through projects that promote stewardship, create healthy natural spaces and champion swimmable, fishable waterways.” CCC’s active communications, projects and volunteer events ensure that environmental stewardship is at the forefront throughout the year.

The Serene Ravine

The Serene Ravine, is a “sometimes forgotten” area that intermittently feeds into Lake Claire. The process of removing invasive plants has been ongoing since 2012.

Today, the Serene Ravine is an oasis filled with flowering native plants, trees and shrubs. Stewards Stacy Wildberger and Jeanne Martin marked Earth Day with a children’s event at the Serene Ravine, a location they and other CCC members have worked hard to restore.

They presented Water Savers info, led a bird feeder craft project, and held a book swap, all geared to the youngest environmentalists, ages 3 to 12! High school students led the little ones in the craft creation, passing on their environmental care and passion to the next generation.

Using Behavior Change Science to Affect Change

During the Habits that Help session of the WSA Certification Course, Steward Jeanne Martin learned about helping community members overcome barriers to adopting new, beneficial behaviors.   Once she identified her priority behavior (protecting tree canopy by removing english ivy) she needed to learn about her community’s barriers to adopting this behavior so, right during class, she launched a survey to Cape St. Claire residents asking what help they needed to protect their trees.   

Steward Stacy Wildberger did the same thing in Fall 2020 to help her community replace invasive shrubs with native ones.   She learned that community members needed (1) someone to identify their invasive shrubs and  choose appropriate native replacements (2) help procuring the right natives and (3) help removing the stubborn invasive shrubs.   This resulted in a very successful invasive/native plant swap that has been ongoing for two seasons. This spring, Cape St. Claire residents who pledged to remove invasives such as nandina, burning bush and Japanese barberry, were given free native shrubs (ninebark, gro-low or red chokeberry). The result was the removal of 50 invasives and planting of 90 natives! 

When it comes to behavior change, helping community members overcome their barriers such as access to native plants and knowing which plants to plant, is key to helping people take positive actions.  When it comes to planting natives, Cape Stewards make it easy for residents!  Each fall,  the Cape Conservation Corps native plant sale brings thousands of natives right to the community! In addition to Stacey’s shrub swap,  84  native trees were delivered to the Cape St. Claire clubhouse for residents to plant in their yards.

Recognizing Great Stewardship

The enthusiasm for native plants is catching on in Cape St Claire. The Habitat Hero award recognizes Cape neighbors who create exceptional wildlife habitat in their yard.

Engaging Community Volunteers 

Steward Stacey says volunteers are essential. In fact, that’s the title of her latest Cape Conservation Corps blog. She explains the work this way: “Volunteers are the backbone of the work Cape Conservation Corps does in the community. We have been so fortunate over the years to have so many students, community members, board members and families come to support us and create healthy natural areas through invasive species control and planting native plants, champion healthy waterways for clean, swimmable and fishable areas through storm water management and take pride in healthier ecosystems.” Of course, none of this can be successful without leadership and that is what Stacey provides… along with wisdom, inspiration, a kind word, and experience.

The Newest Steward in the Cape

This fall Steward Candidate Lydia McPherson (Class 14) will lead an expansion of an invasive removal project begun by Jeanne Martin (Class 13) last year at the Cape boat ramp. Because her planting won’t go in until the fall, she is using the “already replanted” area compared to the “still overgrown with invasives” area as a teaching tool for the community this summer. The juxtaposition is the perfect “before and after” illustration.

Latin for Gardeners: May 2022

May’s Native Maryland Plant

Baptisia australis (L.) R. Br.

(bap-TEE-zee-uh aw-STRAL-iss)

Common Name: Wild Blue Indigo

When two people look at a plant they may sometimes see things very differently, I find this is often the case with Baptisia australis: where I see a wondrous perennial that grows to the size of a small shrub - an early blooming, drought-tolerant, fantastically blue to purple flowering plant that thrives in some of the most difficult areas in my garden - others may see a sprawling bush, that in the fall loses all attraction; its fruit, a dry-rattle and its brown stems providing little winter interest.

I planted Baptisia australis in the back of my pollinator garden, just barely peeking out from under the eaves of a window in my home where it gets just enough water. In early spring as I walk by the window I can look out on its early growth and know that the ground is warming, and as it blooms I can marvel at its unique flower shape that is particularly attractive to long-tongue bees.

Considering a different perspective is helpful in all aspects of life – even gardening. When you look at a plant through the seasons and from different angles you become more understanding of what it needs, where it will thrive and how you can best use it in a space. Baptisia australis is a nitrogen-fixing, tap-rooted plant that requires a season to develop its drought-tolerance; most of its growth the first year is below ground, enabling it to be sited where other plants would perish.

It's often difficult to remain positive when all you see around you is dry, compacted soil or raging weeds. I’m forever hopeful; I know that nature has a plant for every situation and that weeds can be pulled. My mother always told me it’s best to look for the good in people, to reserve judgment and that everyone deserves a chance. I find that way of thinking useful in my garden as well. I’ll be celebrating my mom this Mother’s Day (she passed away in 2019) as I observe my blooming Baptisia australis. She would have loved this plant - even in the fall and winter.

Alison Milligan – MG/MN 2013

Watershed Steward Class 7, CBLP

aligmilligan@gmail.com