FritzFlohrReynolds: Invasive Wisteria sinensis vines beginning to strangle native canopy trees. In the background is a large impassible thicket where trees have already been felled.
FritzFlohrReynolds: At the confluence with Field Lark Branch, the "Great Falls" of the Accotink, just outside of park property, an area badly damaged by a sloppy road widening project. A single Ionactis linariifolia is threatened by encroaching Wisteria vines.
FritzFlohrReynolds: The small strip of floodplain forest on the west bank of the Accotink is not as badly impacted by Wisteria as the larger floodplain forest on the east bank, slightly upstream, but it will be soon.
FritzFlohrReynolds: 2. The powerline cut which crosses the Accotink at this point is on FCPA land and it contains many native meadow species.
FritzFlohrReynolds: This steep slope is extremely biodiverse. Wisteria is beginning to appear in the lower section along the creek though.
FritzFlohrReynolds: 3. The powerline cut which crosses the Accotink at this point is on FCPA land and it contains many native meadow species.
FritzFlohrReynolds: 1. The powerline cut which crosses the Accotink at this point is on FCPA land and it contains many native meadow species.
FritzFlohrReynolds: Many thanks to Friends of Accotink Creek, and the many people who attended this event, designed to raise awareness about the plight of this very special place.
FritzFlohrReynolds: This headland at the south end of the gorge is the most diverse Oak Health forest I've seen, with lots of flowering forbs and grasses in the understory, like this Aureolaria virginica. Unfortunately, Wisteria is invading fast. Urgent attention required.