When a dam is removed, floodplain restoration begins! Planting native trees and shrubs along the bank reduces erosion and promotes biodiversity. In May, join some of VNRC’s dam removal partners for two opportunities to plant trees at removal sites:

May 5, Northfield

Friends of the Winooski River is planting 800 trees along Bull Run, a tributary of the Winooski where the Camp Wihakowi Dam was removed last year. Help out on May 5 from 9am-5pm. Contact Shawn White (shawn@winooskiriver.org) to sign up, and she’ll provide directions. 

May 21 and 22, Colchester

The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (NCRD) is organizing a tree planting effort at the site of the former Mill Pond Dam on Indian Brook in Colchester. Find a sign-up form to get involved on May 21 or 22.

Take a morning shift, an afternoon shift, or stay for the whole day. Participants are required to wear masks and sturdy shoes and encouraged to bring their own water, a lunch and garden gloves. Please dress for inclement weather.

Winooski NRCD will provide shovels, freshly washed work gloves for those who don’t have their own, and hand sanitizer. Morning and afternoon shifts will begin with a mandatory safety talk.

The week before the event they will send out reminders, waiver forms, health and safety information regarding latest Covid-19 guidelines, and further location details and parking logistics. Learn more about the Winooski NRCD at: winooskinrcd.org.

Photo credit: Friends of the Winooski River