Stormwater and Pollinator Showcase

The City of Bowie has begun transitioning some of its stormwater ponds to native pollinator habitat. This showcase is at the first pond to be improved.

Join Sam Droege, other researchers, and City staff to see the work completed by both volunteers and contractors to improve aesthetics and provide habitat for pollinators. In 2017, excavation of the existing dry pond began, and all trees were cut to enlarge the pond (footprint and depth) in an effort to meet State stormwater treatment mandates.

The Midwood Lane stormwater pond is a unique site with an unknown-at-the-time soil pH that would rival the drainage from any acid mine in western Maryland. It was killing large swaths of the standard turf grass planted by the contractor and required annual reseeding by staff. With guidance from current and retired staff of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the City's Environmental Advisory Committee, a transformation to pollinator-friendly plants and grasses began in 2023. This is an interesting case study that will help others determine how they can make their stormwater management areas more natural and ecologically-sound.

We also will hear about the ongoing results from Lorraine Clarke, a Professor from Prince George's Community College, that she and her students have been doing on what native bees this project and other pollinator gardens in the City of Bowie are attracting.

For more information: https://chesapeakebay.wildones.org/events/?wo_event_id=10280

To RSVP, please contact dHdyaWdodCB8IGNpdHlvZmJvd2llICEgb3Jn or 301-809-3043

Please note: This event is not run by Wild Ones.

You may also like the following events from Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter:

• This October, 4th October, 10:00 am, Native Plant and Seed Swap and Share in Leonardtown