Three Hours and 340 Native Trees Planted
Thirty-five volunteers planted 340 native trees in three hours for a riparian buffer planting in partnership with the Willowsford Conservancy.
Photo by Kim Strader
Riparian buffers are instrumental in slowing rainwater runoff and filtering pollutants before they enter local streams and waterways. Pollutants can include things like fertilizer, pesticides, motor oil, eroded soil from construction sites and bacteria from septic tanks and animal waste. These pollutants cause algae growth, reduce oxygen levels and block sunlight making it difficult for plants and macro invertebrates to survive and putting our drinking water at risk.
The October 8 planting will protect a pond that flows into, and is located approximately 600 feet from, Bull Run stream. The volunteers planted a mix of the following species: Red Maple, Pin Oak, Sycamore, Tulip Poplar, Redbud and Swamp White Oak. Tree tubes were installed to protect the trees from deer browse.
The planting was made possible through funding from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund which supports environmental education and restoration projects for the Bay and its tributaries. Money for this fund comes from the purchase of Virginia Chesapeake Bay car license plates — $15 is contributed with each plate sold.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy thanks everyone who came out to help with the tree planting in the Willowsford Community in Aldie.
Photo by Kim Strader
