Planting for the Future

A senior year project turned into a hands-on learning experience for Jack Johnston, A.J. Hice and Chris Taylor. The Carlisle School students recently spent their mornings planting streamside tree buffers along Jordan Creek. A total of 28 trees and shrubs were planted along an impaired section of the creek to help stop pollutant run-off from entering the stream and the nearby Smith River.

The three students approached Brian Williams of the Dan River Basin Association to inquire about a possible senior project. They wanted to do something positive for the environment with a meaningful project that would satisfy the 40 hours of work required. Williams quickly suggested streamside buffer planting.

First the seniors had to learn what buffer areas are all about and why they are important to water quality along the Smith River. Williams gave them a presentation on buffer planting and how it helps to prevent erosion and reduce water contamination by trapping excess pollutants, including nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizer, as well as storm-water run-off, sediments and other pollutants.

The Dan River Basin Association recently received a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to plant 10 acres along impaired waterways in the Dan River Basin watershed. This includes the Smith River and its tributaries that feed the river. Williams provided trees and other vegetation through funding from DCR, as well as selection of an appropriate site for planting and supervision on the project. The students had to be willing to provide the labor and sweat needed to get the job accomplished.

“I didn’t realize that planting trees involved this much planning and hard work,” said A.J. Hice. “We really learned a lot of buffer plants and how they help the environment,” added Jack Johnston.

Fieldale Park was chosen as one of the sites in need of streamside vegetation. Although erosion had been controlled by large rock piles known as “rip-rap,” the plants would further help stabilize the bank and add a root system to filter run-off from adjacent ball fields and roads above the site.

Henry County Parks and Recreation Director Roger Adams agreed to the project, and the seniors began laying out the site on Thursday. By Friday they had 2300 square feet of pollution control in the ground.

Tress and shrubs were provided at a discount and delivered by C.D. Prilliman of Prilliman’s Landscape Dimensions of Ridgeway. The three students moved rocks and dug holes in the rip-rap area to plant dogwoods, jasmine and willows. Sycamore, alders and willow were also planted along the stream in the bare dirt areas for stabilization.

The water quality improvement grant from DCR is provided to help implement pollution projects such as this one. The goal is to increase the water quality of the basin’s rivers by filtering run-off before it makes it to the streams.

The students will make follow-up visits throughout the summer to water the plants and check for damage, making sure each tree gets a good start. An education initiative by the Dan River Basin Association is using these demonstration areas to help educate the public on the importance of streamside buffers.

Along with the DCR grant funding, CONTECH Storm Water Solutions of Portland, Oregon has funded the development of signs to accompany the projects. These will be installed in areas frequented by the public. Brochures are also being used teach the benefits of a healthy streamside buffer and the importance of trees and vegetation in pollution control along our local waterways.
Articles and photos by Brian Williams