Introduction to Guilford Woods

Abstract

The Woods and its Creek occupy about 15 acres to the west of Guilford Drive and south of Campus Drive. At this time, approximately 13 acres are owned by the University and 4.5 acres by a commercial Company. Smaller parts are owned by four places of worship and some private houses that back onto the main area of Woods. Most of these have some woodland similar to the UMD area. The Woods have diverse forest habitats that support high biodiversity. About 172 species have been found so far, but the entire biodiversity is not known. The current lists include birds (e.g., pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks), mammals (e.g., bats, raccoons, deer, foxes), reptiles and amphibians, many insects and arthropods, shrubs and herbaceous plants, many fungi, and at least 26 species of native trees. The Creek has aquatic insects and other small invertebrates typical of the “flashy” flow of urban waterways. A recent survey discovered a species of small carnivorous worm in the Creek that is new to science. Some of the larger “specimen” trees are mapped on a 2019 Natural Resource Inventory. Few species are invasive aliens. Simple management can control some more troublesome aliens such as English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle and Wisteria, although lesser celandine remains a problem. The Woods provide many important benefits including education, research opportunities, and recreation.