Developing Sustainable Practices
Wood helped build our cities and drive American prosperity. But its unrestricted harvesting has led to serious environmental issues. Today, scientists, gardeners, and forestry professionals are developing sustainable practices that allow us to harness the benefits of dead wood in an environmentally friendly way.
Letting Dead Wood Lie
Recently, forest managers have acknowledged the importance of having a mix of logs and standing dead trees, or snags, in a forest to promote new growth.
Dead wood helps store carbon from the atmosphere, reducing harmful greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.
Hügelkultur
Used for centuries in Germany and Eastern Europe, Hügelkultur is a gardening and farming technique in which dead wood is layered with soil and compost to create a raised garden bed. These spaces between the logs help retain water. As the wood decomposes, it releases heat and nutrients, creating an ideal microenvironment for plant growth.
Biochar
Biochar is a highly porous charcoal-like substance made by burning wood and other organic materials with little to no oxygen. When added to soil, biochar helps store carbon from the atmosphere and boosts fertility by retaining water and nutrients.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 38° 53.504′ N, 77° 1.728′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is at the intersection of Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 1/50) and 12th Street Northwest on Constitution Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20229, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Log Called Home (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Our Meadow! (within shouting distance of this marker); "Garden for Victory!" (within shouting distance of this marker); Chioggia Beets (within shouting distance of this marker); Green Glaze Collards (within shouting distance of this marker); "Better Food, Better Health and Better Cities" (within shouting distance of this marker); We Need You! (within shouting distance of this marker); "For Country, for Community!" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
