The Magnificent Woodland

We are now entering the seventh year of my woodland restoration project. My property is just over ten acres, with about three acres dedicated to lawn and ornamental gardens. The remaining seven acres consist of woodland, much of which falls within the Chesapeake Bay's "resource protected area" (RPA).

When we first arrived, I didn’t worry about dead trees—they’re an important part of nature’s renewal process. A thriving forest features living trees that are part of a complex ecosystem along with understory shrubs and groundcover. Natural succession means saplings will eventually replace aging trees. For years, my approach to the RPA was one of benign neglect, letting nature protect the stream.

However, around ten years ago, I saw signs that something was going wrong. Invasive insects, rampant vines, and a dramatic increase in deer and other wildlife started to damage the woodland. Deer favor native plants, eating young tree saplings while leaving invasive species like autumn olive untouched. As gaps appeared in the canopy, invasive vines and shrubs moved in instead of young native trees.

The woodland before Wetland Studies and Solutions began work in this section

Woodlands play a crucial role in ecological balance. The tree canopy—made up of leaves, branches, and bark—acts as a shield during storms, intercepting and slowing rainfall. A mature tree can hold over 100 gallons of water during a single rain event, and this slows water flow. By catching raindrops before they hit the ground, vegetation reduces erosion and keeps soil from clogging up with particles. Water intercepted by trees either drips down or runs along trunks, reaching the ground slowly and helping prevent rapid surges that can overload storm drains.

Trees and natural plants transform soil, making it more absorbent. Their deep root systems create channels for water to soak in rather than collecting on the surface. As roots grow and decay, they contribute organic material, binding soil into stable aggregates and enhancing its ability to store water—even where soils are compacted by urban activity. Fallen leaves and decaying plant matter form a spongy layer that further traps water, allowing it to filter gently into the earth.

Plants and trees also act as pumps, returning water to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. Roots draw moisture from the earth, which is then released as vapor through leaf pores, while water caught on surfaces evaporates directly back into the air. This ongoing cycle clears space in the soil, so it’s ready to absorb rain again.

Finally, stems, stalks, and leaves slow water movement over the land. Dense growth like tall grass and shrubs creates friction, lowering water speed. Riparian buffers—like my woodland along Chestnut Lick—help slow floodwaters and reduce erosion, preventing bank collapse and minimizing downstream flooding.

credit Steve Ward

Last summer we came to the conclusion that the money and time that has been poured into the woodland was worth it. However, we also realized that this project will never end.