Maryland: Strengthening White Oak Conservation Efforts

In Maryland, work has focused on; targeted outreach to landowners to create management plans favoring upland oak establishment, white oak tree giveaways and 4 acres of white oak intensive planting were completed. Additionally, training three foresters to use the US Forest Service’s SILVAH software to improve chances for oak establishment during their work with forest landowners.  Over 300 acres of white oak focused upland oak management plans have been created.  Staff are creating a demonstration area for white oak underplanting and management to enhance white oak regeneration establishment.  The area will include interpretive signage along trails. In coordination with the University of Kentucky, a white oak progeny test was established at Maryland DNR’s John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Preston, Maryland.  The test is supported by volunteers from the Maryland Master Naturalist program who measure the 600 trees planted, and will monitor tree growth and production for the next 15 years.