Woodlawn Cemetery

Beaver Brook runs through Woodlawn Cemetery between George St. and Beaver St. and is bordered by an extensive wetland in much of the cemetery. Unfortunately, large sections of Japanese knotweed and purple loosestrife have infiltrated this wetland. Efforts are underway to control these invasive plant species populations.

The area along the banks of a stream is known as the riparian zone and includes species of plants that tolerate, or even require, very moist soils and flooding. These wetland trees, shrubs and other plants help to stabilize the banks of the stream to reduce erosion, help to keep the brook cool through shading, provide food and shelter for animals, and provide nutrients back to both aquatic and riparian habitats. Plantings can also be aesthetically pleasing.

We're using native plants grown right in New England for our restoration efforts. Native vegetation, the kinds of plants that grew in New Hampshire before settlers arrived, are adapted to New England's unique climate and soils.

 Replanting the riparian area along Beaver Brook in Woodlawn Cemetery includes:

Type of Vegetation

Use

Shade trees like sycamore, silver maple and white oak.

Shades and cools the brook for cold-water fish species and provides food and shelter for birds and other animals.

Berry bushes like highbush blueberry, chokeberry, elderberry and winterberry.

Provides some shade and food and shelter for birds and other animals.

 

Contact Eric Swope for more information.