PEC’s Plantings for the Piedmont program is gearing up for a very busy October, with four different volunteer opportunities to add nearly 700 native trees and shrubs to properties in Loudoun and Rappahannock counties. Dozens more projects are planned throughout the Piedmont where thousands of trees will be planted by contractors. These native riparian buffers and upland tree plantings will protect not only the streams and waterways along which they are planted, but also the countless miles of downstream ecosystems.
Volunteer activities include tree planting, which involves scalping (removing grass with a hoe), digging holes, planting, and pounding wooden stakes.
Chancellor’s Rock in Rappahannock County
Friday, Oct. 10
Flint Hill, VA
Rappahannock River Watershed
Volunteers are needed to help plant 275 native trees in support of this working farm’s commitment to enhance the riparian buffers growing between pastureland and tributaries to the Rappahannock River, which ultimately flows into the Chesapeake Bay. There will be two shifts, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Courts of St. Francis in Loudoun County
Saturday, Oct. 25
Purcellville, VA
Potomac River Watershed
Volunteers needed to help plant 75 native trees and shrubs in support of this residential community’s commitment to conserve and protect the waterways that flow through Purcellville, into the Potomac River and on to the Chesapeake Bay. There will be one morning shift between 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Ecovillage in Loudoun County
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Lovettsville, VA
Potomac River Watershed
Join PEC and Friends of the Rappahannock staff to help plant 220 native trees and shrubs to enhance the “common land” stewarded by this rural community just a few miles from the Potomac River. There will be two shifts, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Rappahannock County Park
Friday, Nov. 14
Little Washington, VA
Rappahannock River Watershed
Join PEC, Friends of the Rappahannock, and Rappahannock County Park Recreational Facilities Authority to help plant 150 native trees and shrubs to enhance the riparian buffer along the Rush River. There will be one morning shift, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.