One simple way to improve your stormwater footprint is to plant a tree. Trees absorb water and hold soil in place while also providing food and shelter for wildlife.
How you can help keep Lake Champlain clean:
Plant a Tree
We recommend planting native trees that help to support healthy, diverse ecosystems in Vermont. Before you pick a tree species and location, read this wonderful resource and double-check that your selected tree isn’t on this list of invasive species. Below are a few of our favorite tree species and resources. If you plant a tree, consider snapping a photo and tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.
Some of Our Favorite Species
- Serviceberry, Amelanchier laevis A lovely small tree that blooms in early spring and produces delicious, edible fruit in June, which attracts Cedar Waxwings and American Robins.
- Red Osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea A round shaped shrub that has red branches with clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring. This hardy shrub produces berries that attract eastern bluebirds.
- Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana Blooms very late in the fall, providing an important food source for pollinators (and birds who feed upon those pollinators).
- Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum A fast growing shade tree that should be planted with enough space for the root system. Provides habitat and food for wildlife (Orioles like to nest in the tree tops).
For More Information
- The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District hosts an annual tree sale each spring and sells bare-root trees for about $10/stem. Your purchase helps to support their conservation efforts throughout the year. Visit http://winooskinrcd.org/trees-and-trout-sale/
- The Intervale Conservation Nursery, located in Burlington, is a wonderful source of locally grown trees and arboreal knowledge. They grow trees for ecological restoration projects throughout the state but also sell to individuals. https://www.intervale.org/intervale-conservation-nursery