A part of our landscape master plan, increasing the
forested area near the front entrance will improve both the aesthetic and
ecological value of this area.
Important native tree species were planted by the students,
including several types of oak, cherry, tulip poplar, sassafras, redbud, red
maple, sweetgum.
Why natives? These native plant species provide important habitat and food
for organisms. Invasive and non-native species do not offer these important
benefits as they are not adapted for this area. Our native organisms, from bees
to bears, are not adapted to utilize them either.
The Arboretum plans to continue to plant native trees in developing
this community forest. The expanded and improved forest will increase wildlife
habitat, provide pollen and nectar for pollinators, increase carbon
sequestration, reduce runoff and mowing, improve water quality, and involve
citizens in tree planting and watershed improvement.
The trees planted in the community forest are now part of
our Arboretum collection, placed in our collections database, and will receive
care from our staff for years to come! And the trees in the community forest
will also give back to their community…
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As learning and teaching tools in our onsite
PreK-12 and Public programs
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Serve as an example of what trees to plant in your
yard
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Nesting birds to raise their young (and
squirrels, bees, moths, chipmunks…..)
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By providing shade to weary visitors
These third grade students joined many other community
members in this forest restoration effort. Volunteers from the Virginia Master
Naturalists, Tour de Trees; several public and private schools who visit the
Arboretum for hands-on field investigations are other groups that gave their
time and effort to this truly community driven project.
Growing in the shadow of the mature forest, these young seedlings will soon provide habitat for Blandy's inhabitants.
