The high-traffic Normanstone Run Mini-Oasis can be found at the intersection of Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Located next to Rock Creek, this site acts as the last buffer before stormwater enters the waterway.
This site needs invasive plant removal and major replanting efforts to restore the forest understory and help stop stormwater before it can get to Rock Creek.
Fun Fact
This site has been in our restoration roster since 2017. A portion of this site is the area of the Rock Creek Conservancy, NPS-ROCR, and Casey Tree’s Centennial Challenge Cost Share Project. For this project, Rock Creek Conservancy donated funds that were matched by the National Park Service for large-scale invasive plant removal contracting that was completed in 2018.
Size: 8.5 acres
Status: Currently restoring this site.
Primary issue: Invasive plant removal and understory restoration
Site Details
This site is bordered by Rock Creek Park Drive and the Italian Embassy to the West, the Normanstone Tributary to the North, Dumbarton Oaks Run to the South, and Rock Creek to the East. Two trails transect the site, which is popular for hikers, runners, and dog walkers.
The site features a large collection of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants but is overtaken by non-native invasive plants.
Upcoming Work
Tree Maintenance: The site requires weeding, mulching, fencing, and care of planted trees and other native shrubs to ensure their success in this mini-oasis.
Invasive Plant Removal: Conservancy volunteers will support the continued removal of invasive vines including porcelain berry, English ivy, and Oriental bittersweet with the goal of reducing groundcover and removing the vines from trees.
Planting Natives: This site is in need of 150 - 200 native shrubs. Shrub plantings increase native biodiversity and habitat for local wildlife in addition to controlling stormwater runoff as the last buffer before Rock Creek.
Recent Restoration Efforts
Tree Planting with Casey Trees - As a part of the Centennial Challenge, a portion of this site was planted with native tree species to support the overall health of the forest.
Bush Honey Suckle Removal - Targeted bush honeysuckle removal completed by Conservancy volunteers in 2016 and 2017.