Thanks to New York State’s DEC, Cornell University and three nurseries, 330 trees will help control the erosion of this riparian floodplain.
I was astonished to learn that the trees from one of the nurseries, RPM, were seeds one year ago.
Hudson River Estuary Program is the official name of this partnership. At the tree planting, coordinator Kevin Grieser briefly explained how the trees are nurtured to this level so quickly. He just sent me additional information on the program and the RPM method.
Kevin is amazing. He not only answers his email, but he personally delivers the trees, stakes, guards, tools and lunch for the event. As if that’s not enough, he digs the holes ahead of time. By the time volunteers arrive, filling the holes with native trees and shrubs becomes a family-friendly activity. Kevin has been doing this all over the Hudson Valley.
I am so glad I caught wind of this program from Simon Gruber of the Orange County Water Authority. Now I feel like I fulfilled my promise to Wangari Maathai.
Maathai is right. Planting trees builds a sense of community. On this blustery gray Saturday, I met people who keep moving forward, one tree at a time, to restore what has been destroyed when and where they can.
Now that’s affirming. The fact that this is an example of government working effectively is just icing on the cake.
You weren’t kidding when you said ‘nature’. As someone who can kill a silk plant, I admire you.
Passing through on Yvonne’s blog chain. Enjoyed your site.
http://mizging.blogspot.com
Ginger Simpson
Comment by Ginger Simpson — November 7, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
I have to admit, I’m a much better at foraging than gardening - and grateful for Nature’s blessings.
Comment by jj_murphy — November 12, 2007 @ 4:18 pm