Stroud Water Research Center celebrated National Volunteer Week on a beautiful spring afternoon by planting six acres (approximately 261,360 square feet) adjacent to an intermittent swale and tributary of White Clay Creek at the Brandywine Polo Club in Chester County.
Volunteers from Exelon Generation, one of the monetary supporters of the planting, were joined by volunteers from Barclaycard U.S., Brandywine Polo Club, Dansko, First Resource Bank, Upland Country Day School, Wild Birds Unlimited of Hockessin, and local community members to plant more than 1,500 trees and shelters.
“At Exelon Generation, we know that being strong environmental stewards helps drive a more sustainable future,” said John Barnes, senior vice president of Exelon Generation and president of Exelon Power. “Our team is proud to deliver on that promise today with our activities at the Stroud Water Research Center.”
An intermittent stream is one that ceases to flow in very dry periods but still provides a lot of water on an annual basis to the main creek.
Stroud Center scientists have learned that these streams have great impacts on the health of our freshwater systems, and years of research show that planting trees along intermittent streams helps keep pollutants from getting into them and jeopardizing the quality of water in the main stream.
This planting will help protect White Clay Creek, a primary source of drinking water for Newark, Delaware. Twelve different species of native plants and shrubs were chosen for this site. Choosing native species for forested buffers is important for providing food for birds and mammals.
“When it comes to providing a sustainable source of clean fresh water for both humans and wildlife, each tree counts in a watershed. If you want to help, plant a native species of tree in your backyard,” says Bern Sweeney, Ph.D., distinguished research scientist emeritus of the Stroud Center. “The support and commitment of companies like Exelon Generation and Wild Birds Unlimited of Hockessin is vital to our ability to install these plantings. We are grateful for their support and enthusiasm to spend the day planting trees for the health of our streams.”
Funding for this project was provided by Exelon Generation, Wild Birds Unlimited of Hockessin, and TreeVitalize. Refreshments were provided to volunteers by Landhope Farms and Herr Foods.
See the progress of the trees throughout the summer by attending a Brandywine Polo Club match, held every Sunday afternoon between June and September.
To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, research projects, and Stroud Center events, visit the Stroud Water Research Center website.
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