Photo by Kim Strader

New York Ironweed, Wild Basil, Flat-top Goldenrod, Cinnamon Willow-herb, Mistflower, small oak trees, and Silky Dogwood were among the plants Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) members dug and took home.

On  Saturday, October 22, LWC held its first and only opportunity for members to dig plants at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary.  This members-only event is part of an effort to relocate native plants in advance of the wetlands mitigation project in the east meadow area at JK Black Oak.  After doing multiple relocation projects to retain plants on the property, organizing volunteer Sheila Ferguson thought this would be a good way to give back to those that help support LWC programs.

Some participants came with a wish list of what they were looking for, such as small Eastern Redcedars, white oaks and New York Ironweed.  Others were looking for plants to fill a new meadow area, provide plants for pollinators or to try out unfamiliar plants such as Cinnamon Willow-herb.  All were happy for the opportunity to acquire free native plants.

Photo by Kim Strader

The dig-your-own event provided a way for members to add to the biodiversity of their own landscapes with plants that are genetically local, and in some cases, not available in the native plant nursery trade.  We are excited that these plants will have a new home and provide habitat for the myriad of wildlife that calls Loudoun County home.

Events like this are one of the benefits of being a Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy member!

To protect the environmentally sensitive habitat and rare species at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, it is not open to the public except with prior permission from Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Thank you for understanding and helping protect this important part of Loudoun County’s natural heritage.