A 2019 Roots for Rivers Grant will allow the Sourland Conservancy to plan 1,500 native trees and shrubs in the Sourland region.
The Sourland Conservancy was recently awarded a $17,544.80 Roots for Rivers Grant from the Nature Conservancy and the Watershed Institute. The Sourland Conservancy will partner with the Mercer County Park Commission and the Americorps NJ Watershed Program to plant 1,500 native trees and shrubs in the Moore’s Creek floodplain near Pleasant Valley Road at the foot of Baldpate Mountain.
Volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs in the six-acre fallow field: river birch, red maple, pawpaw, dogwood, bayberry, spicebush, winterberry holly, blueberry, witch hazel and more.
“This restoration project will provide critical stream buffers to help protect water quality of Sourland streams, prevent flooding and provide quality habitat for insects, fish, birds and other native animals,” Caroline Katmann, Sourland Conservancy executive director, said in a statement.
Throughout much of the state, floodplains have been deforested and left without trees. Native tree and shrubs planted along previously deforested stream banks and adjacent land help to protect and enhance water resources from land-use impacts in the watershed.
Several planting dates are planned to accommodate volunteers’ availability: April 24, 25, 26 and 27. Morning and afternoon shifts will be offered. To participate in a volunteer session, register at www.tiny.cc/RootsForRivers. To learn more about the project, visit sourland.org.
The Roots for Rivers Reforestation Grant and Technical Assistance Program is funded by the Nature Conservancy in partnership with the Watershed Institute and Sustainable Jersey. This program is part of The Nature Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to plant 100,000 trees in New Jersey by 2020.
