Root for Your River
In 2011, the Connecticut River watershed was impacted by three separate weather events: tornadoes in June; Tropical Storm Irene and its associated flooding in August; and an historic snow storm in October.
Each of these weather events had one thing in common: significant tree loss across the Connecticut River watershed.
To address the widespread tree loss, the Connecticut River Watershed Council partnered with New England Public Radio (WFCR & WNNZ) for a special campaign designed to help with replanting efforts throughout the Connecticut River watershed.
Working together, CRWC and New England Public Radio mobilized organizations and volunteers to plant up to 2,600 trees throughout the Connecticut River Valley. A group of generous donors came together to help fund this special campaign. For each contribution made in support of New England Public Radio during the station’s winter on-air fund drive (February 24 - March 3), a tree was planted in our region.
Why Trees are Important
In addition to being oxygen-producers, trees provide a range of other important benefits to rivers, people and animals in our watershed, including:
Slowing rainwater runoff, reducing flooding, erosion, pollution and recharging aquifers.
Providing important habitat for all kinds of animals, including those that fly, swim and crawl.
Keeping our rivers cool, helping fish and other river life. They do the same thing for our cities and homes.
Capturing carbon dioxide, locking it away in its roots, leaves and wood.
Improving water quality, as well as absorbing and filtering pollution from our soil and air.
Creating beautiful places, providing spots to gather, reflect, and enjoy nature.
This project brought together a diverse consortium of people, including: New England Public Radio supporters; local and regional agencies; nonprofit conservation groups; nurseries, garden clubs, and plant organizations; individual homeowners and businesses; and volunteer clubs.
Thank you to all our partners and supporters:
Project Supporters:
Tarnow Garden Center, Chicopee, MA and Enfield, CT
New England Environmental, Inc.
Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse of Ludlow, MA
Hadley Garden Center of Amherst, MA
New England Wild Flower Society's Nasami Farm
Project Partners:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Silvio O. Conte Refuge
Rotary Club of Springfield, Massachusetts
City of Middletown Urban Forestry Commission (CT)
Deerfield River Watershed Association (VT and MA)
Hampden Hampshire Conservation District
____________
Photo credit (above): Tree artwork by Mercer, a Marlboro Elementary School student as part of a Hogback Tree Study, a project of River of Words in the Connecticut River Watershed, a partnership to connect kids to their natural environment using poetry and art. Special thanks to Marlboro Elementary School.
Image Credits at Right - Illustrations: Bill Singleton; Photos: Elisabeth Cianciola, David Deen, ©Chris Hardie, ©Al Braden www.albradenphoto.com, River Music drawn by Tom Dudley - Greenfield Recorder, CRWC Staff.
Visit
