BTWNM Native Grass Restoration Project

The Booker T Washington National Monument (BTWNM) native grass restoration project is progressing! On 9/18/17, chapter members Guy, Paul P., Rick, Jean, Charlotte, Rich and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) sponsors Ryan and Collin assessed the success of various seed mixtures in this year’s test plots.  

Seed mixture success was described by identifying and estimating the coverage of various species found within each test plot. This is the first time I have participated in this particular project and I was pleased to learn how to identify several native grasses and some common weeds that had been nameless to me before.

Yes, there were many more species than the native switch grass you see in the first photo. It only looks as if it is swallowing all others. I am happy to report that we did not lose any chapter members during this event; at least none have been reported missing.  

Next steps for native grass restoration are being identified by the project team, so get in on the action while you can. What is it they say about the excitement of watching grass grow? Don’t believe it! This was an intriguing way to spend a Monday morning and made a contribution toward restoring native grasses in the BTWNM fields. 

How many naturalists can you find in this picture?

Guy getting down to it

Instruction and planning the attack

Each test plot measures 1m x 1m

Ryan ready for BTWNM or for any savanna!