As a member of the Falls of the James Group (FoJG) of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, I met a lot of other nature lovers and gardeners this morning working to help the Chesapeake Bay Foundation plant trees at Bryan Park in Richmond, VA. It was a very worthwhile experience for me, and it was a pleasure meeting several other like-minded volunteers who probably believed that they also were helping to make a difference in regional environmental quality. I certainly did!
Signs like the above helped direct volunteers to the tree planting event at Bryan Park.
Fortunately, the recently planted young trees also will serve a purpose as they grow other than simply producing oxygen. Collectively, the trees are part of a riparian buffer that helps to promote water quality and reduce the amount of pollution being washed into streams, rivers, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. Some examples of the tree and shrub varieties planted were: Mockernut Hickory, Common Elderberry, Willow Oak and Common Persimmon.
Above is a small section of where trees were planted. Notice blue tags on young trees.
The primary leader present at the event, Libby Norris, is the Virginia Watershed Restoration Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Richmond office. In total she said about 100 trees were being planted. Thankfully, an auger was used to dig holes on the day before planting, so that volunteers simply had to plant the trees and fill up these holes with soil. Virginia Grassroots Coordinator Aimee Bushman also was there and helped organize the volunteers and had everyone sign volunteer information forms.
Above is a Virginia Historical Marker that describes how Joseph Bryan Park, or Bryan Park, got started.
In addition, many of the 13 volunteers also were members of the Riverine Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. One of the members of that group told me that in order to maintain certification status, every member completes 40 hours annually in approved volunteer projects.
**********************************************************
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the Richmond area that also provides an excellent park system nearby? Call me today, and let's explore your options!
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment