Saturday, April 10, 2021: Land Trust to Hold Tidal Wetland Garden Cleanup in Worcester County (Pocomoke City)

On April 10^th, the Lower Shore Land Trust in partnership with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps and the City of Pocomoke will host a garden cleanup at Cypress Park in Pocomoke, MD. They are currently working to revitalize the Olive Lippoldt Tidal Wetland Garden along the river walk as part of a Chesapeake Conservation Corps capstone project.

Lower Shore Land Trust is asking limited groups to come to support the project with a clean-up day in the park. On April 10th, 2021, three shifts will be available to small groups to participate in the cleanup effort;   8:30AM-10:30AM, 10:30AM-12:30PM, and 1:00PM-3:00PM. All COVID safety procedures and precautions will be taken in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Originally designed by local teacher Olive Lippoldt, Dr. Richie Shoemaker and implemented in 2012 by Wallops Island Navy volunteers, this quarter-acre garden is in need of maintenance and restoration.  The garden has become overgrown and hosts many invasive plant species, such as Japanese Knotweed, multi-flora rose, and phragmites.

The Olive Lippoldt Wetland Garden serves as a demonstration garden for visitors to understand wetland ecosystems and their value filtering excess nutrients, absorbing stormwater, and providing habitat for many wildlife species. Volunteers will assist LSLT staff in identifying and removing unwanted vegetation, pruning existing trees and shrubs, and removing trash from the site. Existing signage around the garden will be revitalized, using digitalized drawings created by Pocomoke local Doug Dryden, along with the installation of new signage emphasizing the importance of tidal gardens and wetlands. Lastly, with volunteer support, a 60 square foot native pollinator strip will also be added to the border of the garden along the river walk.

Volunteers do not need any prior plant identification skills or experience with native garden landscaping. This opportunity will be a great educational experience for individuals looking to learn more in such subject area, or individuals looking to earn service learning hours in an outdoors setting. Tools will be provided, although it is recommended that if you have your own gloves and shovels to bring them to minimize the sharing of equipment. Groups and individuals are encouraged to volunteer. If you are interested in being a part of this event or for more information contact Frank Deuter at Fdeuter@lowershorelandtrust.org or by calling 443-234-5587.