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Habitat Restoration

In an effort to educate landowners about what they can do on their own properties for the benefit of wildlife, Audubon Maryland-DC views its Centers and Sanctuaries as demonstration sites for best land management practices. A 90-acre wetland restoration completed by Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage in 2006 at our Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and the recent restoration of a 40-acre wetland at the Jean Ellen duPont Shehan Audubon Sanctuary both serve as great examples of quality habitat, provide visitors with a first-hand look at the succession of improved habitat and illustrate the benefits of partnerships with other conservation organizations. The immediate usage of the wetlands by numerous species are an indication of the critical need of such habitat restoration.

The Point Project
The 950-acre Jean Ellen duPont Shehan Audubon Sanctuary already sports 250 grassland acres, 60 wetland acres and 340 acres of mature forest attracting 200 bird species while supporting a wide variety of other wildlife, including some rare species. Recognizing that there is still tremendous opportunity to improve the site’s habitat offerings, Audubon staff are working on an ambitious program of restoration, conservation and management measures. In the end, we’ll have more experience to draw from; advice for local landowners seeking assistance; and a site with increased value to a greater diversity of wildlife.

Earth moving to construct the wetland.

This first stage of a larger habitat complex was completed in November with partners Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Waterfowl Festival, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The wetland is inviting to birds, turtles, and amphibians as it meanders between two former agricultural fields, creating wetter pools and puddles as well as drier spots. A set of mounds rising above a foot-deep “moat” is planted with 200 native trees and shrubs. Herbaceous plant life was jump-started by adding 64 species through seeding and planting more than 2,000 plants over a few very wet, muddy volunteer days. These plants – many of which offer beautiful blooms, nectar and seeds—are growing inside an eight-foot tall deer exclosure. Though wildlife benefit is a main goal, we need to see if keeping the ample deer herd at bay will produce better results.

To see pictures and more of the Point Project Wetland restoration click here.

Recent Sightings at the Point
Merlin, Bald Eagle, Osprey (nesting in one of the tree stumps placed on the wetlands), Red-tailed Hawk, Green-winged Teal (14), Mallards, Canada Geese, Black Duck (12), Wood Duck, Greater Yellowlegs (2), Lesser Yellowlegs (1), Killdeer (2), Great Blue Heron

Submitted by Shehan Bird Survey Volunteer