By: Lauren McGrath, Director of Watershed Protection Program
From October 17 through October 20, 400 trees were planted in the Darby Creek watershed. This project is possible through a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The funding, provided through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, enabled the installation of 400 trees and shrubs at Inveraray HOA in Villanova (Radnor Township) over four days. Over 50 volunteers joined Watershed and Stewardship staff to plant 39 species of native trees and shrubs across two acres of land along Abrahams Run, a tributary to the Darby Creek.
This planting effort engaged with new volunteers and a new community – who were all interested in learning more about the importance of healthy waterways and the impact of the restoration of the riparian area. It was a very exciting opportunity to share more about the vibrant life that calls Darby Creek home and to celebrate the newly documented population of freshwater mussels that live nearby!
The impact of these native trees and shrubs on the watershed will be multifaceted. The diverse array of species will provide an immediate visual interest in the landscape, with new colors and textures arriving with each season. For many of these plants, the flowers will turn to fruit in the fall, providing critical food for migratory birds and the falling leaves will provide shelter and nourishment for the life in the stream over the winter months. Each plant will also provide wildlife habitat from the canopy to the roots, giving the banks of Abrahams Run structure and stability against future storms.
