Cape Conservation Corps (CCC): A Decade of Dedication to Conservation

Short summary

Cape Conservation Corps (CCC) started in April 2015, 10 year ago !

Our volunteers first worked to remove Phragmites at Lake Claire (as a group called Friends of Lake Claire).

The next area we decided to improve is what is now known as Serene Ravine, removing vines and noxious weeds such as Garlic mustard and Bush Killer.  We now have planted numerous natives, including many flowering plant.

After that, we removed the alien invasive Burning bush at Little Magothy Beach Park, and adding hundreds of native plants.

The next area that got our attention is Deep Creek parking lot, where we already reduced English ivy climbing on trees. 

We have several initiatives, starting with the Wednesday Weed Warriors who did most of the work described above.  We participate and support an Oyster Nursery on the Little Magothy River, organize an annual Native Plant Fest, invite a speaker free to the public twice per year, recognize Habitat Heroes, monitor construction sites for erosion and sediment compliance, started Cape Loves Trees and the Garden Advisor Program, and now we award one annual $1,000 scholarship to one Broadneck High School Senior.

More details

Cape Conservation Corps (CCC for short) began its journey in April 2015 as a non-profit organization 501(c)(3).  Yes, that is 10 years ago!  An earlier organization, Friends of Lake Claire (FOLC), actually started without non-profit status.  FOLC volunteers were worried about Lake Claire, how it progressively was getting choked by Phragmites (an alien invasive species).  They succeeded in getting a small grant and a vegetation management plan (VMP) for cutting and applying glyphosate to the Phragmites, eventually spreading seeds of marsh grasses.  They were hoping that this would keep the Phragmites at bay (well, not so much!).

 

FOLC also enlisted Eco Goats first along Lake Claire Beach, where they munched through all sorts of weeds.  The Eco Goats were then moved to what we now call Serene Ravine, across from 1037 Lake Claire Drive.  The ravine was chock full of all sorts of alien plants, the trees covered with ivy and other vines.  About that time is when CCC was formed.  We then spent many days over a few years cleaning up the entire ravine.  We found two alien invasive plants that concerned us.  Garlic mustard was one; after removing as much as we could by hand, we learned that the native plant Packera aurea, golden ragwort, would choke the garlic mustard, so we planted a lot of them.  You can now see their golden flowers in the spring along the path we created in Serene Ravine.  The other, Bushkiller, Causonis japonica, is more of a concern.  Apparently, Serene Ravine is the only place where it has been found in Maryland.  It is very aggressive (hence its name), with an extensive root system and fast luxuriant vines growing over bushes and trees.  We continue to work on controlling Bushkiller on our Wednesday Weed Warriors days.  But we have also planted numerous flowering natives, native ferns and grasses.  A few volunteers (including scouts) built benches to enjoy nature, and a lending library to learn more about it.

 

We then decided to focus our attention to another area that was overwhelmed with alien invasive plants, the Little Magothy Beach Park (across from 1101 Little Magothy View).  We initially installed a rain garden near the street, to help reduce flooding that occurred during heavy rainfall.  We then started the process of removing Burning bush,  Euonymus alatus.  While many nurseries sell them for their beautiful fall color (hence their name), they too reproduce quickly, and overwhelm native areas.  Our Wednesday Weed Warriors had to cut them, then dab glyphosate on the stump, to kill them.  We also found and removed plenty of English ivy, Hedera helix, and winter creeper, Euonymus fortune, two trailing alien vines, that we are still trying to control.  During 2024, we planted over a hundred natives, including many bushes and trees along the paths that we created.  Benches and a lending library built by scouts were also installed there to enjoy the numerous flowering natives, native ferns and grasses that we planted.

 

We also started to work around the Deep Creek Piers parking lot (end of Gateway Drive).  For now, we removed English ivy that was growing on trees, and have planted native flowering plants and bushes along the top area of the parking lot.  We will need a VMP to work closer to the water’s edge.

 

Besides restoring several areas of Cape St Claire, we have many other ongoing initiatives.

  • An oyster nursery was built by the Magothy River Association (MRA) about 1995 at the Little Magothy Piers (Swan Dr. and Skyway Dr.) In 2015, some of the nursery crew and management joined CCC as it was founded. Funding is provided by Cape St Claire Improvement Association, CCC and MRA.  In addition, the Cape Oyster Nursery receives cages and oyster bags in the Fall of each year to distribute to over 100 sites on the South shore of the Magothy River.
  • We organize an annual Native Plant Fest, every fall since 2017. We buy thousands of native plants wholesale, and sell them at a price that just covers our costs and sales taxes.  We hope to increase the use of native plants in all our yards, hence the very low prices. 
  • We bring in a couple of speakers every year, as a free event, to help educate Capers and neighbors on helping the environment, right here in our yards.
  • Starting in 2018, we started an initiative to recognize Habitat Heroes in the Cape, neighbors who make a special effort to improve the environment in their yards.
  • Since 2021, we have joined a program initiated by the MRA to monitor construction sites along the Magothy River for appropriate erosion and sediment control. We perform a monthly visit of each site in the 21409 zip code and alert County inspectors when we suspect that a site is out of compliance.
  • In 2022, we decided to also appreciate the trees that make the Cape such an enjoyable place to live. Cape Loves Trees identified exceptional trees in the Cape and placed them on a map for us to admire them. 
  • Also in 2022, we started the initiative of the Garden Advisor Program. One of our Master Gardeners will assist Capers in developing a plan to improve their yard’s habitat for their enjoyment, as well as that of the birds and the bees.  The Garden Advisor suggests plants and placement based on soil, water, and light limitations.  Plants can then be ordered for delivery at our Native Plant Fest in the fall, the best season for planting. 
  • In 2024, we started an annual College scholarship of $1,000 awarded to one Broadneck High School Senior who will be pursuing a degree in an environmental or related field. We are very excited in helping the next generation support the environment!

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Cape Conservation Corps continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and community support. From habitat restoration to community education, we’re committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Cape St. Claire. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future!