GARDEN - Boxerwood

The garden

The Boxerwood Education Association (BEA), manages the Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden as part of its mission: to educate and inspire people of all ages to be environmentally responsible stewards of the earth. In 2019, Boxerwood acquired and donated to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources a preservation and open-space easement on its Nature Center and Woodland Garden. This easement protects in perpetuity the 15.46 acres of Boxerwood property and allows the BEA to continue promoting environmental stewardship.

Boxerwood pursues its mission and manages the property through the following major strategies:

Protect the local and regional watersheds to which we belong, from Woods Creek to the Chesapeake.
Ensure a resilient and healthy biotic community (flora and fauna) on our property.
Implement pollution elimination strategies to protect our land, air, and water.
Promote human-nature connections through inspirational and recreational activities outdoors.
Facilitate stewardship actions in our local communities that pursue the same strategies above.

Learn more about our stewardship initiatives

Five Ecosystems at Boxerwood

pioneer forest

The Pioneer Forest

A wonderful area to view forest succession: the quick growth of pioneer species like quick-growing grasses, weeds, followed by steady advance of slower growing plants. This is the location of the Fairy Forest.

wetlands

The Wetland

Dr. Munger had the Old Pond built in the early 50’s before building his home. When built, the pond was deep enough for swimming. There was even a pier for diving. However, its location at the confluence of two ravines made the pond the inevitable recipient of silt, erosion, and anything else riding the waters on their way downhill. Over time, the pond has gone from 8 - 10 feet deep to less than 2 feet in most areas. It also receives and filters a high level of nitrates from the golf course next door.

The new pond if for runoff. Its water level is always fluctuating based on the weather. It can go from being completely dry during a drought to overflowing in a relatively short period of time. We presume the turtles and frogs that live here have learned to adjust.

field

The Field

Grasses, wildflowers, and other herbaceous material make this area attractive to birds, small mammals, and deer. The small mammals make it attractive to owls and hawks.

hedgerow

Hedgerow

A transition zone between open field and forest. Sun loving trees and shrubs form a dense edge habitat preferred by many birds and small mammals. The hedgerow is a natural cover & travel corridor for wildlife.

established woods

Established Woods

Here, you will find several layers of plant material. A higher canopy of mature trees, such as our Great Oak. Under that, you’ll find small to medium trees & shrubs, such as dogwoods, redbuds, and Japanese maples. Among and below the middle story, you’ll find even smaller trees, shrubs, and herbaceous materials.