Spring Tree Planting Season for 2023 

The UTRCA forestry crew had another busy but successful tree planting season with 37, 544 trees planted and distributed. About 55 landowners took advantage of the UTRCA planting services to create windbreaks, buffers along water courses, and forests in the watershed. In addition to the crew’s efforts, another 150 landowners planted on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on their property. The weather this spring was not always cooperative, making for interesting planting conditions. The crew began the week after Easter, which turned out to be very warm, and the staff became concerned when the buds on the large hardwoods began to break. Fortunately, the following week brought cooler temperatures. Both the trees and planters were happier and most of the hand planting sites were completed by the end of the month. Rain came the first week of May making it difficult for the machine planter to access the planting sites. However, once the ground dried out, it was full steam ahead and the trees went in quickly. We are now hoping for a wetter forecast to give the trees a good start in their new home.

UTRCA forestry staff will soon start site visits to begin lining up sites for the 2024 spring tree planting season. We look forward to connecting with new landowners as well as continuing to work with those from the past. Those interested in carrying out a project on their property for 2024 are encouraged to reach out soon to arrange a site visit. Grants are available for seedling projects and are anticipated to be upwards of 90% in 2024 thanks to our funding partners. If you are interested, please complete this: contact form.

Contact: Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technician