Forest Restoration and Protection

The Potomac Watershed Partnership works with landowners in a variety of ways to protect and restore forestlands. These activities range from tree plantings at schools to invasive specie removal, to educating river users about ways they impact vegetation and wildlife. The George Washington – Jefferson National Forests, for example, is working to start an “Adopt a Watershed” program which will allow residents to have direct “ownership” over the protection of these nationally significant forests and watershed lands.

Recently, the Potomac Watershed Partnership also orchestrated a tree planting and streamside-buffering project at Churchville Elementary School, which is adjacent to Whiskey Creek, a tributary of the Middle River, which eventually empties into the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The school invited teachers and parents to purchase trees in the name of students or entire classes. Students were then able to plant their own trees along the stream and will be able to monitor the trees’ growth and health over time.

During the planting effort, students were taught about the importance of trees and buffer zones as a means to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. They received technical training as well, learning about how to use tree tubes and mats to protect roots during planting. Specific trees and shrubs were also chosen to attract birds and butterflies to the area, such as Norway spruce, dogwoods, and crabapple trees.

A volunteer plants a tree as part of a streamside buffer on Smith Creek near Mauzy, VA.