West Virginia Project CommuniTree

Eastern Panhandle Chapter

February 26, 2009

Ranson, WV

Welcome! WV Division of Forestry

Jennifer Hammer, Urban Forestry Tech. Specialist Herb Peddicord, Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Forester WV Conservation Agency

Carla Hardy, Watershed Program Specialist Hardy County Parks Commission

Anthony Rao, Director Moorefield Tree Board

Bob Clark, Member

Welcome!

Introduction to CommuniTree Program Goals CommuniTree Focus Potomac Valley Chapter/Baker Park Flowing Springs Park Board/Chapter Formation Who Benefits and How?

Introduction

WV Project CommuniTree Founded in 2008 Potomac Valley Chapter

Hampshire Hardy Grant

Initiated from partnership between local watershed group, county park system, and state government

Introduction

Combined several small grants that shared a common goal

Evolved into a full-scale community project involving a network of volunteers, civic organizations, private businesses and youth

Resulted in a public education event featuring hands-on environmental training

Introduction

Established stakeholder ownership in a community park

Regional results Educational awareness Environmental improvements Promoting volunteerism

Introduction

Mission: To promote urban tree planting and environmental education through volunteerism on a regional scale

Goals

Helping communities design, implement and maintain tree planting projects that enhance quality of life

Goals

Increase urban tree canopy cover

Goals

Educating stakeholders on proper tree selection and care

Goals

Foster an increased awareness of local water quality issues

Goals

Connecting communities and volunteers with resources to make positive changes in their urban landscape

Goals

Engaging citizens in the process of making priority decisions within their respective communities

Goals

Promoting the development of long-term tree care programs within participating communities

CommuniTree Focus

Tree Planting Species selection Proper planting techniques “Right Tree, Right Place” concept Proper tree care practices Long-term tree care

CommuniTree Focus

Watershed/Riparian Issues Local and Bay water quality benefits Storm water management Buffer zone establishment

CommuniTree Focus

Wildlife Recreation Aesthetics Invasive Species Awareness

Potomac Valley Chapter

Formed in 2008 Hampshire Hardy Grant

Baker Park hosted first

project Beautification, watershed

enhancement

Before picture

challenges

Logistics

Site prep Tree delivery Planting materials Tools Event coordination

Event Coordination

Rallying volunteers Seeking Sponsors

Donations Door Prizes

PR Radio News Flyers

Food T-shirts Registration

Potomac Valley Chapter

Partners: WV Division of Forestry WV Conservation Agency Hardy County Parks Commission Potomac Valley Conservation District Moorefield Tree Board Petersburg Tree Board Romney Tree Board Wardensville Tree Board

Potomac Valley Chapter

Partners (cont): Baker Run Conservation Society WV Division of Highways Baker Ruritans Corridor H Rentals May’s Tree Farm Terra Flora Landscaping Reading Landscaping V103

Eastern Panhandle Project CommuniTree Flowing Springs Park, Ranson, WV 2009 Project Lead organizations: Ranson City Parks,

Ranson Planning Commission Jimmy Pierson, Ranson Parks and Rec Sara Kleckner, Planning Director

Focusing on riparian buffer establishment, site restoration, environmental education

Flowing Springs Park

Flowing Springs Park

Project goal focuses on naturalization and environmental enhancement

Low maintenance Trails and interpretive signs Wildlife viewing areas Protection of natural springs

Flowing Springs Park

Issues Construction debris/past use Stormwater runoff Lack of riparian buffer Invasive species Future development Accessibility

Flowing Springs Park

Positives Greenspace Wildlife Urban oasis Alternative park environment Educational opportunities Significant water source

Current Activities

Assessments Vegetation Soils Water quality Wildlife

DOH Recreational Trails Program Grant Chesapeake Bay CommuniTree Funding

Vegetation Assessments

Honey locust Crabapple Black walnut Hackberry Ailanthus Black willow Cedar Osage orange Sycamore White Oak Multiflora rose Barberry Bush honeysuckle Autumn olive

Soils Assessments

Flowing Springs Park

Fall Project Ideas Environmental field day

Tree planting Water quality assessment Bio-survey Wildlife assessment Clean-up

Workshop

How It Works

Volunteer Based Regional Scale

Multi-county State and local

government Tree boards Watershed groups Environmental groups

Civic organizations Youth groups Schools Non-profits Business sponsors

Eastern Panhandle Chapter

2009 Project – Flowing Springs Park Board Formation

10 to 12 members Representatives from all three counties

Board will: Assist with grants/funding Direct project scope and planning Plan fall event

Eastern Panhandle Chapter

Member Duties Liaison with local community/county Guidance Expertise Assessments Planning Implementation Participate in fall event

Who Benefits and How?

Tree boards – education and training Watershed groups – improve local water quality,

training Non-profits – education, outreach Civic groups – community involvement Residents – improved quality of life, recreation

opportunities Local government – infrastructure improvements Next generation – appreciation for environment,

community involvement/volunteerism

Eastern Panhandle Chapter

Panel Discussion

Board Sign-Up