West Virginia Project CommuniTree Eastern Panhandle Chapter February 26, 2009 Ranson, WV

Welcome! WV Division of Forestry Jennifer Hammer, Urban Forestry Tech. Specialist Herb Peddicord, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forester WV Conservation Agency Carla Hardy, Watershed Program Specialist Hardy County Parks Commission Anthony Rao, Director Moorefield Tree Board Bob Clark, Member

Welcome! Introduction to CommuniTree Program Goals CommuniTree Focus Potomac Valley Chapter/Baker Park Flowing Springs Park Board/Chapter Formation Who Benefits and How?

Introduction WV Project CommuniTree Founded in 2008 Potomac Valley Chapter Hampshire Hardy Grant Initiated from partnership between local watershed group, county park system, and state government

Introduction Combined several small grants that shared a common goal Evolved into a full-scale community project involving a network of volunteers, civic organizations, private businesses and youth Resulted in a public education event featuring hands-on environmental training

Introduction Established stakeholder ownership in a community park Regional results Educational awareness Environmental improvements Promoting volunteerism

Introduction Mission: To promote urban tree planting and environmental education through volunteerism on a regional scale

Goals Helping communities design, implement and maintain tree planting projects that enhance quality of life

Goals Increase urban tree canopy cover

Goals Educating stakeholders on proper tree selection and care

Goals Foster an increased awareness of local water quality issues

Goals Connecting communities and volunteers with resources to make positive changes in their urban landscape

Goals Engaging citizens in the process of making priority decisions within their respective communities

Goals Promoting the development of long-term tree care programs within participating communities

CommuniTree Focus Tree Planting Species selection Proper planting techniques Right Tree, Right Place concept Proper tree care practices Long-term tree care

CommuniTree Focus Watershed/Riparian Issues Local and Bay water quality benefits Storm water management Buffer zone establishment

CommuniTree Focus Wildlife Recreation Aesthetics Invasive Species Awareness

Potomac Valley Chapter Formed in 2008 Hampshire Hardy Grant Baker Park hosted first project Beautification, watershed enhancement

Before picture challenges

Logistics Site prep Tree delivery Planting materials Tools Event coordination

Event Coordination Rallying volunteers Seeking Sponsors Donations Door Prizes PR Radio News Flyers Food T-shirts Registration

Potomac Valley Chapter Partners: WV Division of Forestry WV Conservation Agency Hardy County Parks Commission Potomac Valley Conservation District Moorefield Tree Board Petersburg Tree Board Romney Tree Board Wardensville Tree Board

Potomac Valley Chapter Partners (cont): Baker Run Conservation Society WV Division of Highways Baker Ruritans Corridor H Rentals Mays Tree Farm Terra Flora Landscaping Reading Landscaping V103

Eastern Panhandle Project CommuniTree Flowing Springs Park, Ranson, WV 2009 Project Lead organizations: Ranson City Parks, Ranson Planning Commission Jimmy Pierson, Ranson Parks and Rec Sara Kleckner, Planning Director Focusing on riparian buffer establishment, site restoration, environmental education

Flowing Springs Park

Project goal focuses on naturalization and environmental enhancement Low maintenance Trails and interpretive signs Wildlife viewing areas Protection of natural springs

Flowing Springs Park Issues Construction debris/past use Stormwater runoff Lack of riparian buffer Invasive species Future development Accessibility

Flowing Springs Park Positives Greenspace Wildlife Urban oasis Alternative park environment Educational opportunities Significant water source

Current Activities Assessments Vegetation Soils Water quality Wildlife DOH Recreational Trails Program Grant Chesapeake Bay CommuniTree Funding

Vegetation Assessments Honey locust Crabapple Black walnut Hackberry Ailanthus Black willow Cedar Osage orange Sycamore White Oak Multiflora rose Barberry Bush honeysuckle Autumn olive

Soils Assessments

Flowing Springs Park Fall Project Ideas Environmental field day Tree planting Water quality assessment Bio-survey Wildlife assessment Clean-up Workshop

How It Works Volunteer Based Regional Scale Multi-county State and local government Tree boards Watershed groups Environmental groups Civic organizations Youth groups Schools Non-profits Business sponsors

Eastern Panhandle Chapter 2009 Project – Flowing Springs Park Board Formation 10 to 12 members Representatives from all three counties Board will: Assist with grants/funding Direct project scope and planning Plan fall event

Eastern Panhandle Chapter Member Duties Liaison with local community/county Guidance Expertise Assessments Planning Implementation Participate in fall event

Who Benefits and How? Tree boards – education and training Watershed groups – improve local water quality, training Non-profits – education, outreach Civic groups – community involvement Residents – improved quality of life, recreation opportunities Local government – infrastructure improvements Next generation – appreciation for environment, community involvement/volunteerism

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