of 2016
Lending a Helping Hand to Monarchs
In 2015, we established two Monarch Way Stations with guidance from MonarchWatch. org. One is on Eaglehead Drive near the run-off pond berm as you head towards the dam and one is in Summerfield near the dog park. These are“ grow, no mow” areas featuring native plants that attract pollinators, such as Monarchs.
During 2016, we worked with our local Daisy Troup 81360 and other volunteers to plant more native plants in the Monarch Way Stations. We also removed non-native invasive plants that threaten to choke out the desirable native plants.
The Monarch Way Stations add to the beauty of our community, attract pollinators, and provide flowering plants necessary for monarch butterflies to produce the successive generations necessary to sustain their migration to Mexico. These areas are also a source of environmental education for our community.
You can help Monarchs and other butterflies, too! Reduce your lawn and replace the grass with native flowers, such as goldenrod and black-eyed Susan. Also, fight the urge to“ clean-up” natural areas. Do not mow property that does not belong to you and give the plants that butterflies need a chance to thrive.
Waterside Buffer Program Launched
Most of the shoreline in the developed areas of the Lake Linganore community lacks adequate riparian buffers. These waterside buffers of plants help shade and protect water from the impact of adjacent land uses. They play a key role in improving water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. In order to address this important issue, we launched the Waterside Buffer Program on October 15, 2016.
The star of the Waterside Buffer Program is our demonstration garden along the Lakeside Trail, a short walk west from the Coldstream Beach. The garden was unveiled during an education event on October 29 that was well-attended.
Waterside buffers are so vital to the health of our lake that the Lake Linganore Association is offering a $ 300 rebate to homeowners who follow best practices and install buffers on personal property that is adjacent to Lake Linganore Association lakeside property. There is also a reward for planting buffers on adjoining Lake Linganore Association land. See the Friends of the Lake Waterside Buffer Program page for more information about waterside buffers, best landscaping practices, and the buffer rebate program: https:// www. lakelinganore. org / waterside-buffer-program /- can this stand out in its own box or something?
Sign up now! Only 10 rebates are available this fiscal year!
Connecting through Education and Outreach
FACEBOOK PAGE
Our Facebook page, Friends of the Lake * Lake Linganore at Eaglehead, started with 30 + members in January 2015. As we close out 2016, we have grown to 743 followers. Seven days a week during the summer months, we post the results of the E. coli testing so that followers can make informed decisions about swimming in the lake. All year round, our page is a source of articles, messages, and photos about the natural world around us. Find us on Facebook and connect with others who care.
LAKE TALK
Every month, LakeTalk features one to three articles from our team. Look for our articles to stay informed and learn how you can help the lake and the world around you. During 2016, we covered water quality from many angles, tree care, lake-friendly landscaping, non-native invasive plants, managing storm water, encouraging wildlife, the benefits of reforestation, and more.
WEB PAGE
You can always find us on the Lake Linganore web site at: https:// www. lakelinganore. org / friends-of-the-lake /
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