Rooted in Change: Northern Vermont Tree Plantings for Future Flood Resilience

Tree planting matters!

Why do we plant trees? 

• Improved water quality via water filtration and erosion control.
• Enhanced flood protection by slowing down water and capturing debris during floods.
• High quality habitat for insects that fish and birds eat.
• Shade that cools water temperatures, a benefit for fish and people.
• Completes a wildlife corridor along the river where animals can travel safely  

We enhanced or planted a riparian buffer at six different sites in Northern Vermont. Also known as a stream buffer or streamside management zone, this is a vegetated area alongside a stream, river, lake, or wetland that protects water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Our approach to conservation gives rivers space to flow freely on undeveloped land, giving nature the freedom of time and space to bring back healthy rivers. Over time, protected rivers rediscover lost bends and curves, and the waters slow so that land can hold more water during times of droughts and floods.

Restoration at a paddler’s campsite on the Missisquoi River

Planning the project:

We planted in Wolcott, North Ferrisburgh, and Fairfax where the sites are being accessed and used by the river as floodplain, but needed more of a planted buffer zone. Instead of the area being mowed all the way to the edge of the river there will now be a buffer of vegetated zones. We planted at a density of 400 stems per acre and created 50-100 foot buffers at these sites. 

We also planted in North Montgomery, on a strip of land between a cultivated and heavily fertilized field, and the river. This planting will provide a filter which will help to capture nutrients before they enter the water. 

In Richford, we conserved a small area of land that is used as a paddler’s portage, keeping paddlers safe from rapids that go through the town. The site is also used as a paddler’s campsite. Registration is required. The site has seen a lot of local use, which was impacting the ecological benefits of the site. Through working with the locals, the site will be restored to meet it’s original purpose. 

Tree species selected: Some of the trees we planted were American Elm, Bur Oak, White Spruce, Red Osier Dogwood, Elderberry, Nannyberry, Chokecherry, Silver Maple, Arrowwood Viburnum, Wild Black Cherry, Shrub Willow, and Staghorn Sumac.
These species were chosen based on site conditions and what was thriving nearby. We chose species that are native, and would establish quickly. 

Ben from the VT CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) digging a hole.

UVM Students observing the erosion along the bank.

All of the trees getting loaded into the truck to find new homes along the river bank.

Planting Day:

Landowners at Leatherneck Landing, a new portage trail, campsite, and picnic area at the heart of Vermont’s first officially designated Wild and Scenic River. The Missisquoi River in Richford.

Phil and Ben from CREP, Meghan, local Regional Planner.

Our Tips on Planting for Success:

• • Timing! We planted in mid-April, which is ideal for bare-root plants, and just before the rains! 
  • Chose plants that were minimum of 3’ tall so they can compete better against grasses, etc.
  • Created plant lists based on specific site criteria. 
  • Bought plant stock from local nurseries using native genetics.
  • Ensured plants were planted correctly by providing an introduction and demo at each site.
  • Mulched most of the trees: to maintain moisture, suppress competition, and increase organic matter.
  • We added vole protection for target species.
  • We are documenting and maintaining the trees through photos and site visits for years to come. 

Remy, Northern Conservation Manager for Vermont River Conservancy.

Celebrating Success: We couldn’t have done this without you!

Over 800 trees were planted at these northern Vermont sites! This is such a great success and we are so grateful to all the volunteers and school groups that came out to help! A special thanks to the Laraway School students and staff for joining us for a morning of planting! 

We couldn’t have done it without all of you!

These streams will be protected, planted, shaded, and more resilient for future flooding. These northern Vermont work days were a total blast!

Bare root trees in their buckets ready to be planted.

Get Involved!

There will be more tree planting next year! Sign up to be a volunteer to hear about these events!

Sign up to be a Site Steward! We have conserved sites all over Vermont where you could be the “eyes and ears” for the site- helping VRC steward these sites to the best of our ability! Email Amanda if you are interested!

We have 6 months of River Tours celebrating our 30th year anniversary happening right now! Check out the events here.