Tree Planting | Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership

NATIVE TREE AND SHRUB PLANTINGS

leaves from a tree come out the top of a tree tube

A very happy seedling emerging from the top of a 5' tall shelter.

Protecting large, mature trees to make sure they live long, healthy lives is critical. Their long-term environmental benefits are hard to immediately replace. But it's also important to plant new seedlings, as native plants struggle to naturally regenerate in areas where they face competition from invasive species.

With the help of contractors and volunteers, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance has planted more than 1800 native trees and shrubs in public land within the urban corridor of the Rivanna River. The shelters that they are in keep them protected from various dangers, including but not limited to deer (eating, and rubbing), as well as machinery (mowers).

The tops of the taller shelters are covered with a net to protect birds and other wildlife from getting stuck inside. When the trees have grown to the top of the shelters, this netting is removed. The shelters themselves will also be removed when the trees are large enough to fill the tube. This can take as little as 5 years, depending on how fast the trees grow.

The trees are cared for by staff and volunteers. This includes cutting down other plants that may be growing in or around the trees, picking up fallen tubes or stakes, removing nets, and counting dead seedlings. These dead seedlings are later replaced with a round of replanting, which is why you will see several instances of plantings listed in the species lists below.