United
States
Naval
Academy
Environmental
Division
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Even though the Naval Academy/ Annapolis Area Complex is mostly developed,
there are some areas that are not. These areas are rich in natural resources.
For instance, it is possible at one Naval Academy complex to stand in a
restored native meadow, to hear nothing but the wind rustling the grass
stems, and to watch a family of bluebirds hunt insects. It is also possible
to visit secluded tidal coves where waterfowl and herons rest and eat,
groves of trees where white oaks and butternut hickories stand a silent
sentinel, and areas where expansive water views give one such a feeling
of spaciousness and peace.
The Naval Academy manages and protects its natural
resources because it is the right thing to do. Guidance and authorization
is also provided in various federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
One law in particular, the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670(a) et seq.) requires
military installations to manage natural resources and to ensure that services
are provided which are necessary for management of fish and wildlife resources
on each installation.
Greenbury Point North Severn
Description
Greenbury Point is a 231 acre peninsula on the Atlantic
Coastal Plain. It borders the Chesapeake Bay to the east, the Severn River
to the south, and Carr Creek to the west. It contains around 40 acres of
wetlands which have remained freshwater because the property is bulkheaded
. The remainder of the property is mostly grasslands and successional woody
growth. It has a thin riparian buffer along half of the property.
Common wildlife species inhabiting the Point include
white-tailed deer, red fox, bobwhite quail, osprey, raccoons, woodchucks,
blue birds, and great blue herons. Uncommon grassland birds are sometimes
spotted including the eastern meadowlark, Lincoln sparrow, and yellow breasted
chat.
A new integrated natural resources management plan, written by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, will be finished in 2000.
USNA Instruction
11100.6: Rules for Access and Use of Greenbury Point
Initiatives:
Restore native plants 
Efforts to control invasive
exotic weeds and to replant these areas to indigenous plants is underway.
Native grass species such as big and little bluestem, and Indiangrass,
and wildflowers such as lance-leaf coreopsis and purple coneflower have
been replanted. Native trees and shrubs are also being replanted in riparian
areas.
A rare, threatened, and endangered species habitat inventory.
The grass, Leptoloma cognatum
(fall witchgrass), is listed as endangered on the Maryland State Threatened
and Endangered Species List (COMAR 08.03.08). Two other plants are ranked
watchlist species: Cynanchum laeve (honeyvine) and Cyperus lancastriensis
(Lancaster's sedge).
Amphibian and reptile inventory (1997-98)
The purpose of the
inventory was to get an idea of what species exist, mostly at Greenbury
Point. It is important to know what species inhabit our property so habitat
enhancements can be done. Also, since some amphibians live part of their
life cycles both in water and on land, and because some amphibians breath
through their skin, they are more susceptible to environmental pollutants.
These animals, therefore, are good indicators of environmental quality.
Shoreline erosion control projects
Over 3300 feet of shoreline
has been protected thus far using mostly nonstructural, less costly methods.
Spartina
alterniflora (salt water cord grass) has been planted behind rock breakwaters,
creating small marshlands.
Invasive exotic weed control
On undeveloped areas and along
fence lines, many nonnative species thrive and outcompete our native plant
species. One pest, Phragmites australis (common reed), has been
removed from nearly 30 acres of freshwater wetlands through the dedicated
efforts of the Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Environmental Center.
There is a rogue's gallery of other plant pests are undergoing a multi-year
program of control.
The AACC Environmental Center
also has improved 33 acres of wetlands by controlling Phragmites, enlarging
pool areas for waterfowl, and planting native wetland plants.
Riparian buffer planting
Nearly 800 trees have been planted
along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries since 1996. Several hundred
have been planted by volunteers including Maryland Governor Parris Glendening
and EPA Chief Carol Browning.
Bayscaping (landscaping using mostly native,
hardy plants)
Because native grasses, shrubs,
forbs, and trees have natural checks and balances already in the local
environment, they are strongly preferred as species for use in landscape
beds and butterfly gardens. Only native species are planted in restored
meadows, woodlands, and wetlands.
Water quality monitoring in local waterways
Sampling is done every other
week during the growing season to determine if the water quality is good
enough to sustain submerged aquatic vegetation(SAVs). If results are positive,
then the Naval Academy will plant SAVs such as redhead grass, widgeon grass,
and wild celery along our shores. SAVs are important food sources for waterfowl,
and provide habitat for benthic organisms.
Educational Programs
The Naval Academy natural resources
program strives to provide educational opportunities to the USNA and local
community. The new Greenbury Point Nature Center stands at the center of
our program. Through this facility, we present programs to visitors on
many topics such as USNA natural resources initiatives, terrapin
conservation, local flora and fauna, stargazing, butterfly identification.
Our staff is small, but we try to fit everyone in.
The Natural Resources Program
Manager holds monthly nature walks at Greenbury Point so that the Naval
Academy community can learn more about the outdoors, and see birds or plants
they normally would not at home. Especially popular are twilight walks
during warm weather where walkers experience expansive water views; red,
dramatic sunsets; salty breezes; graceful blue herons in flight; and star
spangled skies with good company. Presently, the walks are open only to
Naval Academy employees and military staff.
Reduced mowing of lawn areas
Removing nearly 10 acres of
lawn from weekly mowing is an initiative being implemented. The savings
realized will amount to nearly $5300 for one year. Also, fewer air pollutants
are being generated. These areas will be left to grow naturally, or replanted
to native grasses and wildflowers.
Bird house installation
Many bird houses have been installed
augment natural tree cavities on Greenbury Point. Most of the boxes house
bluebirds, but variable-sized bird houses also are suitable for wrens,
chickadees, woodpeckers, owls, and wood ducks. The houses are monitored
on a regular basis by volunteers (Doug Farsell, USFWS; Beth Eisenberg,
USNA; and Mary O'Leary, USNA).
Disability-accessible trail and observation blinds
A half-mile crushed rock trail
exists at Greenbury Point that provides access to persons with disabilities.
The trail winds through a restored prairie, past grassy fields, and to
the wooded bluffs overlooking Carr Creek. At the bluffs, an observation
blind was built so that waterfowl, herons, and other creek life can be
observed without causing them to flee. The trail continues back on
a different loop through a pair of Chinese chestnut trees. Another observation
blind is 400 feet from the first blind, along the wooded unimproved path
to the west.
Future plans for this
trail include paving it and adding benches and informational signs.
Partnerships:
Groups have included: the Oyster Recovery Partnership,
the Severn River Association, Anne Arundel Community College, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, MD Department of Natural Resources, many scouts,
Friends of College Creek, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation, and the Lower Western Shore Tributary Strategy Team.
Click here to view
photo of mids picking up bag of oyster shells to put in boat
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