Upper School Campus' White Cedars Get 10 Year Check-Up

On the 27th of February, Justin Arseneault from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources stopped by the Indian Creek Upper School campus to help members of the Creek Goes Green Club to evaluate a 10-year-old stand of White Cedar trees. The trees were planted when the Upper School opened as an effort to revitalize a local, yet endangered, species. Spear-headed by Dr. Maryellen Polvino-Bodnar, the trees were planted by students in a low-lying area that emulated their natural ecosystem.

Mr. Arsenault, a Project Forester with the Forest Service, was able to determine that all the trees were disease free and healthy, although, overcrowded. (The reason for the overcrowding is that the trees have had a much higher survival rate in their environment than was originally anticipated.) He suggested that the roughly tenth of an acre stand be reduced to 30-40 of the strongest trees in order to maximize the stand’s ultimate survival. He instructed a handful of club members and faculty advisor Tricia Roth on identifying the best trees to keep, how to properly remove the remaining trees, and how to protect the trees from animals and invasive species.

The club plans to act on Mr. Arseneault’s advice this Spring in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Back
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.