On October 19th, 2013 the
Elks Run Watershed Group (ERWG) had its inaugural project –
a WV Project CommuniTree planting along the Route 9 Bike
Path. Together, over 50 volunteers helped plant 24 flowering
trees – redbuds, flowering dogwoods, and serviceberries – to
beautify the trail, provide habitat and food for birds and
other wildlife, and reduce stormwater runoff pollution.
Volunteers included members and family
of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Girl Scouts, local
homeowners, Izaak Walton League, local farmers, and business
owners. All of the volunteers, young and old, participated
in planting the trees and had a great time! Project Leader
and ERWG President Beth Brent says “my 16 year old son
seemed surprised by how easy and FUN it was to plant trees.”
This project served as a catalyst for
the newly-formed ERWG to increase community involvement in
critical watershed issues. The Downstream Project, a
non-profit organization that helps other environmental
groups spread their message through visual arts and
technology, filmed parts of the tree planting for the ERWG.
They also created flyers and are assisting the ERWG in
developing a new website.