Important Notice: Prescribed Burn planned for former Bay Club in early November
Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke at the former Bay Club Golf Course – now named Libertytown Branch Forest Tract. A prescribed fire will take place as part of our ongoing efforts to improve plant and wildlife diversity while being a beneficial first step prior to the installation of the native grassland meadow. The exact day and time is carefully chosen by the Maryland Forest Service based on factors such as wind, temperature and moisture levels so please stay tuned. We will announce the exact date on our Facebook page “Friends of Libertytown Branch.”
By adding fire prior to the meadow seeding there will be less grassy thatch to compete with seed germination. The goal is to transition the open spaces back from cool season ornamental species and recover native warm season forbs and grasses that will include gaillardia, echinacea and little blue stem. An increase in diversity will magnify the health and ecologically rich wildlife habitat.
While fire can raise concerns, in this case, it’s a crucial step for the natural succession of the former golf course. There is a high presence of invasive ornamental species on the property and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with support of Lower Shore Land Trust (LSLT) are monitoring effective means to control Black Fountain Grass, (Cenchrus purpurascens), Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), and Canadian Thistle (Cirsium arverse).
This burn will prepare the way for a more diverse range of plants that will enhance biodiversity, support local wildlife, and restore ecological balance. Additionally, the practice of a controlled low fuel fire will reduce the presence of ticks and chiggers in this 18-acre section of the restoration project. Reduced ticks will be a positive for the upcoming spring and summer season. A mowed trail will be added to the new grassland meadow once it is established.
For additional information about projects at the former Bay Club please attend the next community meeting on Nov. 13th at 6pm at the Berlin library.
For additional information about the value of prescribed fire, identifying the invasive Black Fountain Grass, the types of fire in our region, or information from one of DNR’s and LSLT’s previous prescribed fire click on these links:
