200 Trees to be Planted at Wilde Lake Park on Oct. 26; Volunteers Welcome

A total of 200 trees will be planted on Saturday, Oct. 26, in a half-acre site just below the dam at Wilde Lake Park. All are welcome to join and help plant these trees, which will serve a crucial role in protecting the environment by preventing soil erosion, as well as reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.

“We have a significant erosion issue in the stream that flows into Wilde Lake, out of Wilde Lake and into Lake Kittamaqundi,” said John McCoy, watershed manager for Columbia Association (CA). “This tree planting will enhance the buffer along the section of stream directly below the dam. It’ll keep that area stable, helping to trap sediment when the stream gets out of its banks and helping to slow runoff moving into the stream.”
This planting is being done as a capstone project by Rhoda Toback, who is a student of the Howard County Watershed Stewards Academy.

“We want people to come out, plant a tree and be connected to the environment,” said Toback, who is also a Wilde Lake village board member and vice chairwoman of CA’s Watershed Advisory Committee.

The trees — dogwood, locust, oak, poplar, sweet gum and wild cherry— are presently about two to three feet tall. They are being provided by CA through a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. CA will be digging the holes and volunteers will assist in planting the trees.

The planting event is being held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to noon at the park, which is located off Hyla Brook Road. Registration is recommended at HowardWSA.org/Events/Plant-The-Grove (children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).