Did someone say Spring Clean Up? Well, you can take a look at the new and improved water view at Quivett Marsh Vista! All thanks to the Brewster Conservation Trust’s habitat enhancement project underway, at the BCT’s 1.5 acre marsh-front property, just east of the town-owned Quivett Marsh Vista. In an effort to enhance the quality and diversity of wildlife habitat and also open the scenic view, the BCT developed a detailed land management plan that included the removal of several invasive plant species such as honeysuckle and bittersweet, as well as smothering natives like catbrier, grape, and others.
“The rapid spread and destruction bittersweet and other invasives can cause is something we are all familiar with on Cape. As these plants continued to take over, they were not only destroying valuable habitat but also blocking the scenic view,” said BCT’s Jeff Thibodeau who led the charge. BCT’s staff and volunteers, along with help from AmeriCorps Cape Cod, have cleared the majority of the shorefront of invasive plants. Most plants were removed by muscle power and then burned on-site. The result is a something that will be noticed by visitors to the 6-acre coastal property–the new and improved vista!
In addition to removing the invasive species, the effort was also made to identify and protect the native trees and shrubs, including the signature mature black cherry trees. And, once the removal is complete, the plan includes planting several native grassland and meadow species at the newly cleared site.
BCT will continue work at the site through the spring and hopes to have it completed by summer. Upon completion – BCT will mow regularly to keep invasives from returning. Future plans may include simple amenities such as benches and picnic tables.
P.S. Want to help us? BCT is always looking for more volunteers to help us steward our 100+ properties throughout town–there is a property near you!. Contact BCT’s Jon Bruce at jon@brewsterconservationtrust.org