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  What is Growing Native? Think of it as a widespread, volunteer-led environmental scavenger hunt—fun for you, but critical to the health of the watershed around you. This panorama was taken at Lockhouse 8 near the Potomac River at the 2001 Growing Native event. On October 12th, 2002 thousands of volunteers throughout the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay region will search the grounds of parks, schools, churches, backyards, and other locations—collecting native tree seeds that will then be used to replenish depleted reserves for local tree planting projects. The program evolved out of a need for native hardwood seedlings to support this region’s expanding reforestation efforts. Maryland and Virginia state nurseries are experiencing a shortage of native seed due to the ever-increasing demand for trees, particularly for ecological restoration projects. To replenish the supply of native seeds and ensure diversity in the tree stock, Growing Native was created to organize an event that collects a large number of seeds produced in the local region. The seeds collected are donated to state nurseries where they are planted and ready to transplant in approximately 2 years. The majority of these tree seedlings will be used to create diverse and healthy streamside forests, which are the key to maintaining and improving water quality and providing wildlife habitat. Panorama taken October 20, 2001 |
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