This
WV Project CommuniTree event, organized by the City of
Ranson, involved the planting of 286 native trees of various
species. 100 were provided by a WV Project CommuniTree tree
kit with a wide mix of shade, flowering, and evergreen
trees. The additional 186 trees were donated to the Ranson
City Nursery for this project, including 137 trees donated
by individuals and organizations and 49 bare root birch and
red oak seedlings provided in 2010 by the WV Division of
Forestry through the Mountaineer Treeways Program.
The trees were planted along both sides
of the Route 9 paved bicycle trail within the corporate
boundary of the City of Ranson. This spring 2014 planting
extends upon initial CommuniTree planting of 157 trees in
fall 2013 along both sides of the Trail. The goal of the
project is to enhance the environmental, aesthetic, and
public use functions of the Trail corridor through community
based partnerships for tree planting and maintenance.
The activities during the planting week
of April 7 continued the legacy of cooperation from 2013
thanks to the combined support of the WV Project CommuniTree
Program, the City of Ranson, neighbors and organizational
volunteers and a large group of Harpers Ferry Job Corps
students (41), and staff from the Harpers Ferry Job Corps.
56 people contributed on project day – about the same as in
fall 2013. Like last year, the weather was sunny and mild
during preparations, planting, and follow-up maintenance
immediately after planting (watering, staking, etc.).
A note from the Project Leader, Bill
Gregg:
“The enthusiasm, support, and
professionalism of our CommuniTree Liaison, Chesapeake Bay
Watershed Forester Herb Peddicord, and particularly his
effectiveness this year in coordinating with the WV Division
of Highways, were once again mainstays in keeping our
project on schedule.”