It was a brisk morning in late January as I stood with a Fauquier County landowner. We leaned against a fence at the end of the site visit, discussing the coming tree planting projects at her property, when she said, “I want you to know that we’re a team. Whether it’s today as we’re standing here, tomorrow, or the next day, we’re in this together.”
I smiled and thanked her, but felt my throat tighten with emotion. I hadn’t known how badly I needed to hear that.
As the spring season of tree planting and restoration efforts approached, the normal nerves that come with these complex projects were heightened by an air of uncertainty about the future of the federal grant that funds our Plantings for the Piedmont programs. Along with our team of partners, we crossed our fingers that we would be able to continue our important work helping landowners protect streams and drinking water through tree plantings.
Since 2021, Plantings for the Piedmont has directly restored about 79 acres of riparian buffers and 3 acres of upland forest in the Rappahannock and Potomac watersheds by planting about 24,000 trees. Riparian buffers are the vegetated areas along rivers, streams, creeks and other waterways, and they are effective and efficient means of protecting water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These buffers stabilize stream banks, reducing erosion and flooding, as well as filter pollutants and provide shade that keeps water temperatures cooler for aquatic organisms to thrive. With healthy riparian buffers, we can ensure the water we drink is clean and will be available for future generations.
And as the Fauquier landowner put it, it is a team effort. Supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we work in collaboration with Friends of the Rappahannock, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and other state and federal agencies. And, of course, the landowners, whose patience while we collaborate on planting plans and navigate the web of supporting organizations and changing timelines illustrates their commitment to good stewardship.
As this spring 2025 season began to take shape, the tenuous funding landscape faded into the background. In its place, I was reminded again of the importance of our work.
Connectivity amplifies the impact of restoration efforts, and this season we installed planting projects on two different properties that both have frontage on Cromwell’s Run, an impaired stream in Fauquier County. The landowners of these properties don’t know each other, but through Plantings for the Piedmont, they are connected to a network of restoration across the watershed.
George Callaghan, a Fauquier County landowner whose property abuts Cedar Run, said he reflected on the importance of doing good for others even if he wouldn’t ultimately see the tangible rewards. Cedar Run flows to the Occoquan and then Potomac rivers — major drinking water sources for residents of Northern Virginia — and the 1,400 native trees across 7 acres of riparian buffer we planted together in March will benefit all those downstream.
“It felt important to become a good steward to the land, even though I probably won’t see the trees fully grown. But I hope my kids will enjoy the shade and beautiful walks,” he said.
George’s comment serves as a point of optimism in uncertain times, and an important reminder that all those engaging in this program and other conservation efforts are linked, collectively working to conserve and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont. We’re a team, whether or not you know your teammates. We’re all in this together today, and tomorrow, and the next day.
This article appeared in the 2025 Summer edition of The Piedmont Environmental Council’s member newsletter, The Piedmont View. If you’d like to become a PEC member or renew your membership, please visit pecva.org/join.