Habitat Protection

Why?

To survive—and thrive—on this planet, we need to take action to protect the animals and natural communities that support the diversity of life. We need to preserve biodiversity to:

• Protect and enhance air, water and soil quality;
• Control our climate;
• Prevent natural disasters (and lessen their impact when they do occur);
• Detoxify and decompose waste;
• Control pests;
• Pollinate and produce crops;
• Provide food security;
• Generate income; and
• Ensure human health and well-being.

How?

The Montgomery County Sierra Club addresses two of the greatest threats to biodiversity: habitat loss and introduced species.

Every day, our volunteers take direct action to protect and restore natural habitat in Montgomery County, by removing invasives plant species that take over an area, pull down trees and shrubs, and leave behind a less vibrant and diverse ecosystem. We also offer lectures and workshops to educate Montgomery County residents like you about how you can be a habitat steward in your own backyard.

We are:

• Removing invasive plants, in the following locations:
  • Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase, MD, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1st Sat. of each month. The Montgomery County Parks and Planning Commission plans to sow a wildflower meadow and reforest a 50 foot stream side buffer here. But first they need to remove invasive vines and plants that threaten what's left of the natural habitat in this corner of the park.
  • Underground Railroad Experience Trail, Sandy Spring, MD, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 2nd Sat. of each month. We are partnering with Montgomery County Parks to remove non-native invasive plant species, restore the native plant communities, and create a living history museum where people can learn the fascinating stories of those who escaped slavery and the people who helped.
    We are also raising funds to pay for the herbicides and the skilled labor necessary to apply them in a responsible way, when weeding alone will not eradicate an invasive species. Support these efforts today!
  • Blue Mash Nature Trail, in Laytonsville, MD., 9 a.m.-11 a.m., 4th Sun. of each month. Help us transform Blue Mash into a regional birding hotspot!
• Launching "private stewardship" greenscaping programs. We are working with companies in Montgomery County to establish rain gardens, wildlife gardens and meadows, and tree plantings on their corporate property.
• Hosting field trips and lectures that increase public awareness and present low-impact solutions to habitat loss, introduced non-native species, deer overpopulation, and threats to the quality of our air, water and soil.
• Planting trees at Montgomery County Schools. In partnership with TREE-MENDOUS MARYLAND, we provide native trees to support plantings at Montgomery County schools. This program helps schools expand their tree canopy and educates students about the benefits of trees.
• Managing a database of native plant nurseries, landscape architects and arborists. We compile, update and disseminate information to you about resources for planning your wildlife garden, planting a tree, or restoring habitat.
• Advocating for legislation that protects Montgomery County's natural spaces like our Agricultural Reserve.

What You Can Do to Help

Check out our volunteer opportunities!

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