Chilly and drizzly conditions did not deter volunteers from enjoying a community tree planting event at River Run on Saturday, February 25. About 40 volunteers shouldered the effort to plant 46 trees in two berm areas, one along Dembridge Drive and the other along River Crossing Blvd.
The new trees include cherry, black gum, live oak, southern magnolia, and nuttall oaks. The project, like all of DLC’s TreesDavidson events, was made possible by strong support from the community and DLC donors, and volunteers.
The volunteers, many of whom are River Run residents, made light of the work given the auguring and site preparation generously provided by Cortes Landscape Service. Other participating volunteers included a strong contingent of Davidson K-8 7th graders, members of the Hough High Environmental Club, and students from the Community School of Davidson.
This community event was organized in partnership with the River Run Property Owners Association (POA) and was led by the Davidson Lands Conservancy’s TreesDavidson program, an urban forestry initiative to engage the community in planting and caring for trees. Urban forestry is one of DLC’s four conservation pillars, the others being land conservation, greenways and trails, and wildlife habitat.
Helping to lead the event were DLC’s volunteer TreeMasters Don Morris, Brian Frierson (with Bartlett Tree Experts), and Gordon Clark (TreesDavidson co-leader and DLC Board member). TreeMasters are trained volunteers who help coordinate events and work with tree planting volunteers to ensure trees are planted correctly and safely.
The project was possible because of the DLC’s partnership with the River Run POA. Mickey Pettus, POA President, commented
“The River Run POA Board of Directors is resolved to support the efforts of the Davidson Land Conservancy by the conservation and replenishing of common property”.
This project, like nearly everything DLC does, involved community partners who built upon and advance productive and fun collaborations.
