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Villages of Urbana
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| The Challenge |
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| The PWP Solution |
 The homeowners association (HOA) of the Villages of Urbana contacted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forest Service for technical assistance in managing their natural areas, as well as advice on tree planting, native landscape materials, and street tree management. Staff from the Forest Service and Wildlife Division met with several members of the HOA and the management company to discuss management, objectives, possibilities, and financial support available to help the association to implement projects.
A Forest Stewardship Plan was prepared on the existing woodland on the property by staff funded by the Potomac Watershed Partnership. A thorough woodland exam determined that the main problem was invasive, exotic vegetation, due to the amount of damage being done to the forest and wetland ecology. Opportunities to augment riparian forest buffers and corridors were also addressed. Current conditions and management options to achieve the objectives were spelled out in the management plan. |
| Looking Ahead |
Most projects will require a significant amount of capital because of the management constraints, and the HOA may seek federal and state grant money. The DNR and other local organizations remain committed to helping the Villages of Urbana manage their land for the benefit of the watershed and its citizens. |
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The Villages of Urbana is a large high-density development on the I-270 corridor. Construction on this property has been ongoing since 1999, with more building planned for the future. Before development the land use was mainly agricultural, and so much of the ecosystem shows signs of past and present disturbance. Invasive vegetation such as multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, and oriental bittersweet has degraded much of the natural area.