Volunteers braved Saturday’s snowstorm to plant over 120 trees and shrubs in Abington’s Roychester Park. L to R, Maren Pope, Cathy Gauthier, Michelle Washington, Michele Kaczalek.
Abington, October 29, 2011 – More than 25 volunteers braved the stormy weather on Saturday to plant over 120 trees and shrubs in Abington’s Roychester Park. Dedicated volunteers, such as Paul Gennaro of Boyscout Troop 72, donned rain gear, snow pants and winter boots to carry on despite the challenging weather. Community volunteers, including Abington Senior High School student Tyler Hasse, planted trees along the banks of the Sandy Run creek in the park. Volunteers John Sorrentino and Tina Carlson kept in good spirits despite getting cold, wet, and thoroughly muddy.
The planting was organized by the Abington Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) with assistance from the Abington Township Parks and Recreation Department and funding from a TreeVitalize grant. The project added over 90 new trees to the multi-state “Plant One Million” tree-planting campaign. The Roychester Community House and Boyscout Troop 72 provided an indoor place to warm up. “We were impressed by the number of volunteers who came to help despite the weather conditions,” remarked Sue Myerov, EAC member.
In addition to making the park more beautiful, the trees actually have an important job to do. One student asked, “Why are we planting here?” Jennifer Sherwood, EAC Chairperson, explained, “Roychester Park is vital because it is one of the places where the Sandy Run creek begins. Planting trees in the headwaters area helps reduce flooding, reduce erosion, reduce pollution, and
improve water quality downstream.” The Sandy Run creek is a significant part of the Wissahickon Watershed. This watershed is the area of land that is drained by the Wissahickon Creek and the streams that are connected to the Wissahickon Creek. This type of stream-side planting is an effective, low-cost way to clean stormwater, known as a stormwater “Best Management Practice” (BMP).
Stormwater is the water that flows off of our yards, fields and streets every time it rains or snows. The volunteers saw first-hand how quickly the stormwater flooded the street on Saturday.
Additionally, all of the trees and shrubs planted are those that grow naturally in Pennsylvania, known as native species. Native species are important in restoring naturally healthy communities and ecosystems. Native species provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trees will help restore the park to a more natural state, while helping to clean the water. Park neighbor Jane Straub commented, “I think it will be wonderful for the community.” All of this makes it a beautiful place for a “walk in the park,“ even on a snowy day.
Stream-side tree plantings, like this one at Roychester Park, can help reduce flooding and erosion while keeping pollution out of the water.
More information is available from the Abington Environmental Advisory Council (EAC): Facebook: Abington.EAC , website: www.eac-abington.org, email: [email protected] . Further information from TreeVitalize is available at www.treevitalize.net.
