Each spring, ESMN volunteers from the Eastern Shore Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists work alongside DCR Natural Heritage Stewardship staff to trim back vegetation encroaching on the trail through an area of the preserve that was restored by planting thousands of native shrubs in 2009 and 2010.
On June 4, four DCR DNH staff and seven ESMN volunteers ensured safe traverse of the MBNAP trail by carefully trimming over 5 truckloads of vegetation and removing climbing invasive Japanese honeysuckle. These efforts are vital to keep the trail safe for visitors and for DCR staff to access for mowing and other maintenance activities.
These DCR stewardship events instill an increased sense of ownership of and responsibility for the preserves, helping ESMN volunteers to continue to improve their stewardship skills and share them with others in the community.
Shannon Alexander
They also present the preserve as a place that has a significant management presence and is cared for, thus deterring potential inappropriate behavior on the preserves.
Staff also replaced aging boards on the kiosk to improve preserve appearance and in preparation for new signage.
Many thanks to ESMN volunteers Frank Renshaw (MBNAP Volunteer Committee Chair), Ed Augustine, David Boyd, Peter Fisher, Laurel Gould, Jim McDaniel, Patricia Skees, and Christine Waldenmaier who assisted DCR staff Bryan, Jack, and Will with this important stewardship event.
Top Photo L to R: Laurel Gould, Jim McDaniel, Shannon Alexander, Frank Renshaw, Jack Saladino, and Bryan Ehrenfried at the June 4, 2024 MBNAP work day. Photo by Will Mears, DCR.