Volunteer Opp: Floodplain Tree Planting
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Group: The Nature Conservancy
When: Saturday, May 12, 10 am-12:30 pm
Where: Monadnock Regional Middle High School, Swanzey, NH
Cost: Free (registration required)
Details: We need YOU to volunteer for nature!
With a bucolic view of Mount Monadnock, the Ballou Farm in Swanzey includes 1,500 feet of frontage on the Ashuelot River and 13 acres of low floodplains and river oxbow, offering habitat for turtles, other reptiles, amphibians and other species–including the endangered dwarf wedge mussel–to live and reproduce. Through a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Monadnock Conservancy, this 28-acre property is now protected by a conservation easement.
Next up, we’re working together to launch the state’s largest-ever floodplain forest restoration project here, making the habitat less prone to erosion and better able to buffer against catastrophic flooding. The first step is planting more than 100 trees, including disease-tolerant American elms here–and we need your help! Join us for a morning of easy, earth-friendly activity. No experience is necessary. We will provide tools and instruction. This event is appropriate for all ages with youth welcome if accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian. Connect with nature and make a difference by signing up to volunteer today!
EVENT OVERVIEW:
- WHO: 40 community volunteers like you!
- WHAT: We’ll be planting 100 trees at the Ballou Farm to kickoff New Hampshire’s largest floodplain forest restoration project to date.
- WHEN: Saturday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- WHERE: We will meet at Monadnock Regional Middle High School, 580 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey, NH 03446. Parking is limited at the restoration site, so we will shuttle via 12-passenger van.
- HOW to volunteer: Sign up at: naturegroupie.org
Be Prepared: Download our volunteer waiver today and bring it with you to the event!
What to expect: Be prepared to work outside in potentially wet conditions. Please wear sturdy boots and dress appropriately for the weather. Long sleeves and pants are encouraged to protect from bugs and thorny vegetation. Please bring work gloves, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray (if desired). We will provide the necessary tools for planting, as well as water and snacks.
Rain Date: Should we encounter inclement weather, the rain date for this event will be Saturday, June 2. We will send an email and make an announcement here and on our Facebook page should we need to reschedule.
