The Friends of the Winooski River: Blog

The Friends of the Winooski River recently teamed up with a pack of cub scouts to protect a critical stretch of river bank adjacent to the Long Trail through Camel’s Hump State Park. Riverside trees and shrubs are nature’s best way to keep our water clean, minimize flood damage, and provide the varied habitats our plants and wildlife need to thrive. This spring alone, over 200 volunteers helped Friends of the Winooski River plant almost 4,000 trees and shrubs to restore these natural buffers at nine sites around central Vermont.

“As a parent, I am always looking for ways to help my kids feel connected to their community and the natural environment, and to emphasize the importance of a conservation ethic,” said Gretchen Alexander, a cub scout mom. “Planting trees on the Winooski River helped my son understand that every person has a role to play and a responsibility in caring for the environment.”

Gretchen Alexander and Henry Swisher, photo by Shawn White

Natural buffers along streams reduce erosion, because the roots of larger plants hold onto soil much better than grass roots can. This prevents soil from washing downstream, carrying phosphorus to Lake Champlain, where it can cause algae blooms. Buffers also serve as a natural filter for rain running over the land, and reduce the amount of E. coli going into rivers. A river with a wide buffer of trees and shrubs is cleaner and healthier, two of the top goals of Friends of the Winooski River.

Another important goal of river restoration work is climate resilience. Climate change is causing bigger, more frequent storms, with costly damage to our land, homes, and businesses. Rivers with resilient natural buffers are less susceptible to storm damage. We need to reduce flooding to reduce expense and harm to our properties, including public property, and valuable outdoor recreation resources, such as the Long Trail, which runs right next to the Winooski River in Camel’s Hump State Park.

Mike Debonis, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Club, said that GMC appreciates the tree planting, because “after the work that went into relocating the Trail to bring hikers along the Winooski, we’re glad to have a buffer there to prevent erosion and flooding from damaging the Trail.” 

In addition to making the Winooski watershed clean, healthy, and resilient, planting trees and shrubs enhances habitat for all of Vermont’s wildlife, birds, and fish. It’s also a really fun way to spend a day, according to Cub Scout Henry Swisher. “Planting trees was fun! I liked being outside near the river, and it made me feel good to know that I was helping keep the river healthy,” Henry said. “I can’t wait to come visit the trees and watch them grow bigger!”

Henry’s enthusiasm is typical of FWR’s volunteer crews. The Jericho/Underhill Pack 620 Den 6 cub scouts were the smallest members of a big turnout of volunteers from Cabot Creamery, National Life Group, Ben & Jerry’s, Green Mountain Valley School, Twinfield School, Earthwalk, Northfield Democrats, Norwich University cadets, Northfield Middle/High School, and numerous individuals. This work was funded by Cabot Creamery, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Patagonia, and Vermont Community Foundation.

Visit Friends of the Winooski River’s web site to learn more about our river restoration work, let us know about areas of the watershed that need help, or sign up to volunteer.