Tree Planting at J Team Dairy

Join PEC, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Maola Milk for a volunteer tree planting on Wednesday, April 5 at the J Team Dairy in Orange County. Volunteers are needed for two shifts, one from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the other from 1:30 – 4 p.m., to help plant 450 native trees and shrubs along a tributary of Potato Run to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat as part of our Headwater Stream Initiative!

Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094aaea62ba6fb6-tree9#/

J Team Dairy was established in Culpeper, Virginia in 2002 by the Elgin family. They milk 220 cows focusing on strong herd genetics and high milk quality. The family farms 175 acres growing crops including corn, rye, and triticale. J Team Dairy is a member of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA), proud producers of Maola Local Dairies products.

The Elgin Family approaches dairy farming with a focus on animal care and sustainability. In addition to the upcoming tree planting, the farm is working closely with MDVA, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and other environmental organizations to construct a bedded pack barn to reduce runoff to local streams and keep cows cool, clean, and dry. The farm also utilizes cover crop practices to keep soil and nutrients on the farm and out of local streams.

Volunteer activities include tree planting, which involves scalping (removing grass with a hoe), digging holes, planting, and pounding wooden stakes. If you sign up for an afternoon shift, an additional activity might include quality control checks of the planted areas. This is a family-friendly event, and volunteers of all ages are welcome! Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

We are also looking for a few volunteers for prep work on Tuesday, April 4, such as measuring and pounding wooden stakes to mark planting locations, organizing tree planting supplies, and scalping. This role is intended for volunteers with prior tree-planting experience. Must be 18 or older.

Location: J Team Dairy
3464 Oak Ridge Rd
Culpeper, VA 22701