Forest Planting
Since 2008, the Planning Department has initiated major reforestation projects in Montgomery County stream valley parks to improve water quality and habitat. Funded by developer contributions to our Forest Conservation Fund, the replanting projects have created close to 10 acres with new forests.
Watch the tree-planting project clip from Growing Right cable show:
Tree Conservation in Montgomery County
Reddy Branch Stream Valley Park, Brookeville
Volunteers helped environmental planners plant hundreds of trees.This 3.5-acre planting encompasses more than 700 trees; 3.5 more acres of planting is planned for 2010-2011. Located in the watershed of the Patuxent Reservoirs, where stream water quality is particularly important, Reddy Branch’s reforestation project was aided by two volunteer groups, Sandy Spring Friends School and the Izaak Walton League.
Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase
In fall 2008, environmental planners oversaw a planting of 500 trees on 2.5 acres along Beach Drive in Chevy Chase. After extensive work to control invasive weeds in the stream valley by the Department of Parks, the tree-planting project got underway. In this area, it included site preparation, plant material and installation, and deer protection. A Weed Warrior volunteer group, specializing in invasive control, helps maintain the site.
Watts Branch Stream Valley Park
A 5.5-acre site within Watts Branch Stream Valley Park was planted in spring 2010. This floodplain area along the main stem of Watts Branch, just upstream from the Potomac Filtration Plant Intake, has been affected by mowing and animals grazing. More than 1,000 trees were planted in the field to jumpstart its return to a natural setting.
Montgomery County Planning Department