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NAACP Freedom Grove
The NAACP Freedom Grove Dedication CeremonyThe NAACP Freedom Grove Riparian Forest Buffer (Freedom Grove) is a living memorial that recognizes and honors the Anne Arundel County NAACP, while restoring and protecting the environmental health of College Creek, which it borders. The installation of the Freedom Grove helps to broaden the constituency of environmental stewards that are working to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. By working with a traditional civil rights and social justice organization, the CEC is developing a more inclusive approach to environmental restoration and protection efforts. Centered in the grove, is a commemorative plaque displayed on a large boulder that lists local NAACP presidents. The Freedom Grove dedication and CEC groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 20, 2002, and attended by over 200 invitees.
The trees and shrubs that were planted as part of a living memorial also create a riparian forest buffer, designed to provide protection for College Creek from stormwater runoff from upland parking lots and the Adams Academy school building. Several medium-sized trees and shrubs, and over 70 seedlings were planted. As they mature, these plants will add to wildlife habitat while contributing shade, slowing and filtering runoff, absorbing water, transpiring water vapor into the air, and cleaning the air. They will contribute far more wildlife habitat, water and air quality benefits than the turf grass that was there previously.
The installation of the NAACP Freedom Grove was a tremendous, collaborative effort between Anne Arundel County NAACP, Blacks of the Chesapeake, Chesapeake Ecology Center, Anne Arundel County School System, Adams Academy at Adams Park including administration, teachers, and students, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and several community residents.
The Freedom Grove was designed by Mitch Keiler, Restoration Project Manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and planted by numerous volunteers and Adams Academy students.
Pictures:
Click on the thumbnail image below for a larger picture and description
Size: 4,320 square feet
Plant List:
- American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
- Winged Sumac (Rhus copallina)
- Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
- Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Shadbush A.K.A. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
- Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina)
- Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
- Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)
- Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
