Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) volunteers continued to make a difference this spring by removing countless Japanese spiraea and garlic mustard plants from the Bear Pen Wildlands area of the Savage River State Forest.  Wade Dorsey, State Forest Manager, expressed his appreciation for SRWA efforts during his site visit saying, “I had no idea how much beneficial work these volunteers accomplish”.  A total of 100 hours was donated by SRWA volunteers who removed botanical bullies that reduce regional biodiversity.

Though Japanese spiraea has been removed by SRWA volunteers in years past because it crowds out native species, garlic mustard was also targeted for removal this year.  Garlic mustard not only out-competes native wildflowers, but it inhibits the growth of a fungus needed for successful forest regeneration.  In addition garlic mustard threatens a rare butterfly, the West Virginia white, which mistakenly lays its eggs on garlic mustard instead of native mustard plants like toothwort.  Any West Virginia white caterpillars that attempt to feed on garlic mustard are poisoned and die.

SRWA weed warriors working in Bear Pen Run this spring included Ron Boyer, Robert Coughlin, Tyler Engle, Bill and Donna Fitzpatrick, ShayAnn Golden, Laura Haynes, Charles Lefebure, Grover Martin, Kelly Martin, Liz McDowell, Shannon Philbin, Matt Sandee, Rick Schiff, Bill and Kathy Tunney, and Jeanette Wampler.

SRWA is a group of local landowners and other citizens dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed.  Members assist interested landowners and public land managers with environmental stewardship efforts and educational outreach.  Anyone who is concerned about the Savage River watershed is invited to join.  SRWA meetings are held at Route 40 Elementary School on the third Thursday of odd numbered months, beginning at 7 PM.

The SRWA is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization.  Donations may be sent to: Savage River Watershed Association, PO Box 355, Frostburg, MD 21532.

For more information, contact SRWA by phone at (301) 689-7156 or visit www.SavageRiverWatershed.org