In an effort to re-establish emergent aquatic vegetation (marsh grasses), valued for their positive effect upon water quality and for enhancement of wildlife habitat in our local Chesapeake Bay tributaries, Anne Arundel County is providing wetland plants to communities and individuals for shoreline stabilization, beautification, habitat enhancement, and water quality improvement. Benefits of Planting Emergent Grasses Emergent or marsh grass planting is the recommended method of stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion. Planting of these grasses preserves shallow water habitat necessary for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial species of organisms. Marsh grasses serve as a trap for sediments coming off the land or suspended in the water column. They also function as a sink absorbing nutrients from both the land and the waters. In addition, we now believe that the re-establishment of emergent aquatic vegetation, and the subsequent improvement in water quality and water clarity provided by these fringe marshes can be an important contribution to the restoration of the conditions under which submerged aquatic vegetation, or sea grasses, may also begin to re-establish themselves. |
Program Administration Anne Arundel County’s Emergent Grass Re-Vegetation Program is a multi-departmental effort. Program coordination, information, site evaluation, and site planning assistance to the public is provided by the Office of Environmental & Cultural Resources. The Department of Recreation and Parks produces the plants for distribution at their wetlands nursery located at South River Farms. Grasses Distribution Emergent wetland plants are distributed to qualified individual property owners and community associations at no cost. County staff provide project planning, design, and evaluation if needed and will supervise the planting projects and instruct citizen volunteers in planting techniques if requested. |
