Save Our Trees Uses Discarded Xmas Trees to Protect Community Forest
Sunday, January 11, 2026 found the Save Our Trees’ team (along with folks from the community and representatives from BGE) in the neighborhood forest at Blackwalnut Cove trying out a new technique to restore the forest from the ravages of the heavy deer population there.
Research has determined that rings of discarded Christmas trees can protect an area from deer, which are loath to cross over the spiny branches of the trees and so go elsewhere to browse. The hope is that native plant seeds within the circle will sprout and grow so that over time the forest develops an understory protected from deer. Additionally, the tree brush provides habitat and protection for small woodland species.
If you and your community might be interested in trying out this technique, please get in touch with Save Our Trees and we will assist you during the next winter season.
SOT and the Germantown/ Homewood Community Remove Invasive Vines
Save Our Trees teamed up with the Germantown/ Homewood Community in Annapolis at the headwaters of College Creek on Saturday 11/8/25 for a second event this year. 22 volunteers saved 74 trees and maintained 29, for a total of 103. Thank you to all who volunteered!
Students Learn about Invasive Vines and Help Remove Them
On November 9, 2025, SOT joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Student Leadership Program to talk to the students about the effect of invasive vines on our tree canopy and to work with them removing ivy and other invasive plants in the woods at the CBF.
Susan Wheatley Presented the SOT Story to a Packed House at Ignite Annapolis 2025
On October 21, Save Our Trees (SOT) co-founder Susan Wheatley presented the SOT story to a packed house attending the 2025 Ignite Annapolis event at Maryland Hall. Clad in forest-appropriate attire, she spread the word about invasive vines to those beyond the environmental community.
Volunteers Saved and Maintained 180 Trees!
We had a very successful event with the West Annapolis Civic Association at Rowe Boulevard and Melvin Avenue, on Saturday October 25.
Save Our Trees is honored to be recognized by the City Council of Annapolis!
The Annapolis City Council presented this Citation to Save Our Trees on behalf of the residents of the City of Annapolis in recognition of our outstanding commitment to protecting and restoring the natural beauty of public parks and open spaces.
Recognition Ceremony for Annapolis High School Students
Save Our Trees held a recognition ceremony for Annapolis High School (AHS) students on May 5, 2025 at the school. Along with staff from AHS, local government officials and non-profits, SOT lauded the students for removing invasive vines and plants from two areas in Quiet Waters Park over the past two years and replanting these areas with native understory plants.
Art students also created a permanent sign that explains the effort and the importance of native plants, while photography students documented the efforts. These two areas are now dubbed “forest oases,” which will make park visitors aware of what a forest unencumbered by invasive plants should look like. Save Our Trees hopes that the student and teacher efforts will inspire park visitors to replicate these efforts in their own yards.
Invasive Removal with Northeast High School Students at Fort Smallwood Park
Join us for an Invasive Plant Removal Project
Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena, MD
Thursday, April 17th, 2025 , 9AM-12PM
Help us remove invasive plants harming the native trees in the park.
Let’s work together to make a difference!
Bring sturdy shoes, water bottle, and a positive attitude.
For more information contact: [email protected]
This is not an AACPS-sponsored event.
Midshipmen Remove Invasive Vines at St. Luke’s
Midshipmen recently joined Save Our Trees at St. Luke’s restoration project in Eastport to remove invasive vines from the trees at this site, which filters stormwater from 27 acres.
Women from GW Clear Invasive Plants at DNR
Women from a service sorority at George Washington University made the trek from DC to help Save Our Trees clear invasive plants from the Tawes Garden at DNR and in the woods along the border of the DNR building. They loved the SOT bookmarks!
Invasive Vines Removed along B&A Trail
On February 2, 2025, 16 volunteers removed invasive vines from 64 trees today on the B&A Trail between McKinsey and Robinson roads!
Thanks to our volunteers and thanks to our co-sponsoring organizations, Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails, Save Our Trees and Olde Severna Park Improvement Association.
Read more in 2024 News and our News Archive.