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Gainesville/Hall County Cooperative Weed Management Area receives National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star Restoration Grant for 2009.
The “Weeds, Seeds & Deeds” project will control Microstegium in the floodplains of the upper Walnut Creek Watershed, and restore the damaged areas with native plants propagated from sources in the park, helping restore this important wildlife habitat for the Georgia Piedmont.
The project will educate local students, teachers, and the public on the adverse impacts of exotic invasive species on native habitats and biodiversity, and encourage private citizens to identify and control exotic invasive plants on their property.
Microstegium, an exotic annual grass, has invaded floodplain forests in the area. This invasive is a prolific seeder and is shade tolerant. Where it has invaded, it covers the forest floor, decreasing diversity. Continued control involves repeated removal and replanting the area with native species to provide competition for the remaining seeds.
Grant funded by the National Association of Counties.
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Walnut Creek gets restored! As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the health and biodiversity of the preserve, Walnut Creek is being restored as part of Elachee's 319(h) Watershed Restoration Grant, funded by the U. S. EPA through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Over the years, storm water runoff has eroded the banks and altered the original stream habitats. New structures installed in and around the creek force water to flow to the center which reduces stress on the banks, limits erosion, and recreates the natural habitats of the creek which provide homes to a variety of stream critters. Plantings help with stabilization and flora restoration of the area. |
