Master Gardener Anne DeMott and Horticulturalist Eileen Boyle set native plants in a new nursery. Photo courtesy Judy Owen, Cecil Master Gardener.

Eileen Boyle, Horticulturalist and Volunteer Coordinator with the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service in Elkton, helps direct a small, yet dedicated group of individuals in Cecil County, the Cecil County Master Gardeners. This group is working on a number of projects at The Woodlawn Wildlife Area, including a native plant nursery and community compost pile. The native plant nursery serves as a tool to educate community members about growing and caring for native plants and flowers.  Plants grown here will be transplanted throughout New Beginnings in an ongoing attempt to facilitate ecological restoration efforts and fend off non-native invasive plants.

Since there is no running water at New Beginnings, the Master Gardeners have set up a simple rain barrel water collection system that is used to water the nursery. The compost pile will be used to provide the nursery with vital soil nutrients. In the summer of 2005, the Master Gardeners hosted a series of public education workshops at the site. The Master Gardeners have welcomed taking a primary role in the restoration and utilization of the site. If you’d like to get involved with the Cecil Master Gardeners, please contact Eileen Boyle at 410-996-5280.

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research
WHC formed a partnership with Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research to release rehabilitated birds at New Beginnings. This exciting partnership has already seen four Eastern screech owls, a red-tailed hawk, and a barred owl released at the site. 

Boy Scout Troop 28
Members of Boy Scout Troop #28 (Rising Sun) have assisted fellow scouts in their quest for the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout projects at New Beginnings have included construction of the pavilion, the information kiosk, and, most recently, the nature trail.  

Local Schools
Students and teachers from local schools, including West Nottingham Academy and Perryville Middle School, have constructed trails, planted trees and riparian vegetation, controlled invasive nonnative plants, and conducted soil testing at New Beginnings. Teachers at West Nottingham Academy will continue to utilize the area for school projects, including soil testing for more efficient meadow management, tree plantings for continuing restoration and migratory birds, and butterfly studies for international cooperation.

Local, Dedicated Residents
The New Beginnings project benefits from a number of local, dedicated residents, in addition to those affiliated with particular groups. For example, Bill Kilby, a local dairy farmer and president of the Cecil Land Trust, continues to offer his time to helping out with the native wildflower and warm season grass meadow at New Beginnings. Jerry Newmana, a devoted bluebird conservationist, has been an integral volunteer, contributing time and effort to the success of the wildlife program at New Beginnings. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forest Service
WHC, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., and the MDNR Forest Service teamed up in 2004 to enroll New Beginnings into MDNR's Forest Stewardship Program.

Cecil Land Trust
WHC and Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. have been working with the Cecil Land Trust and Maryland Environmental Trust on a conservation easement for the site.  An easement would guarantee New Beginnings as open space for future generations.

Other Partners
Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County
Cecil Bird Club
Fair Hill Nature Center
Maryland Cooperative Extension
University of Delaware's Wildlife Conservation Club

Back to top