The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is offering free native trees and shrubs to watershed and community groups throughout South Central Pennsylvania through its “Trees for Streams” Program.

Applications must be received no later than March 15. The trees and shrubs will be distributed through Octoraro Native Plant Nursery.

“The Trees for Streams program has been a big success, allowing CBF to provide the expertise and trees to more than 100 groups during the last four years,” said Dave Wise, CBF PA Water Restoration Scientist. “Streamside buffers are essential for healthy streams and waterways.”

Streamside buffer planting projects improve water quality, stabilize banks, reduce soil erosion, and provide healthy habitat for fish and other wildlife.

“Trees for Streams” is supported by both State and Federal funding, specifically through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener grant program, as well as through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant program. This year 17,000 trees and shrubs will be available.

In September 2004, the Stroud Water Research Center released a technical journal article, “Riparian Deforestation, Stream Narrowing, and Loss of Stream Ecosystem Services,” which found that streamside, particularly forested, buffers are the single most important step we can take in protecting and enhancing the quality of Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers.

CBF is now offering a general summary of that report, titled “Forested Buffers: the Key to Clean Streams” through its Harrisburg office.

In addition to offering free trees and plants, CBF also helps pay for protective tree tubes to improve plant survival. Tree tubes help guard seedlings from damage by deer and small rodents.

Groups must order a minimum of 200 trees and shrubs to be picked up at the Octoraro Native Plant Nursery in Lancaster County.

Streams must be in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to be eligible for the program. Buffers 35 feet or wider (per side) are preferred. Training is available for inexperienced groups. Supply is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

For an application and more information, visit the “Trees for Streams” Program website or contact Cathy Hiebert at 717-234-5550 or send email to: chiebert@cbf.org.

2/3/2006