Presquile National Wildlife Refuge’s Tree Planting Project

[Defenders of Wildlife]

Two years ago, the Service, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, James River Association, and the Audubon Society joined with hundreds of volunteers from local businesses, area universities, and families from Chesterfield County and the City of Richmond for an ambitious tree planting project on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,300 acre island on the James River.

 

Over 3,200 native trees and shrubs were planted, solely through volunteer labor, to improve habitat for birds and other species, as well as to create wildlife corridors. The trees also helped stabilize the banks along the James River and shade out invasive grasses. To date, over 80% of those trees have survived and are thriving.

 

To celebrate those successful efforts at the Wildlife Refuge, several International Migratory Bird Day events are scheduled during the week of May 12th.