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Western Virginia Land Trust, Hollins University students plant trees at Camp Easter Seals

NEW CASTLE—Volunteers from the Western Virginia Land Trust and Hollins University, along with Camp Easter Seals staff and campers, planted more than 200 trees along Craig Creek at Camp Easter Seals near New Castle on Saturday.

The camp, which provides services to children and adults with disabilities, has nearly half a mile of frontage along Craig Creek, a James River and Chesapeake Bay tributary. Prior to the tree planting, camp staff fenced off the creek to keep the camp’s horses out. On Saturday, volunteers planted black walnut trees between the creek and the fenceline to help control erosion along the streambanks. The trees will also help filter out nutrients before they enter the water, and will shade the water to keep temperatures cool for fish in the summer. In addition, camp staff will install a remote watering system to provide water for the horses in their pasture.

“This was a great way to help improve water quality along Craig Creek,” said Western Virginia Land Trust Project Manager David Perry. “Every little bit of creek that we can protect helps make the water cleaner for Virginians all the way to Cape Charles. Easter Seals Virginia has shown a commitment to being good stewards of the land.”

“This was a wonderful opportunity for Easter Seals clients and staff to work with other organizations,” said Tara Hazelbaker, President/CEO for Easter Seals Virginia. “We are thankful for everyone who contributed their time and resources to help in our conservation efforts. The project not only improves the stability of our shoreline but also gives us a great example to share with our campers and visitors of how everyone can play their part in preserving the land.”

Virginia Cooperative Extension provided the trees for the project. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries provided funding for the fencing and remote watering system.

The Western Virginia Land Trust, which coordinated the effort, is a non-profit organization based in Roanoke whose mission is “promoting the conservation of western Virginia’s natural resources—farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes.” For more information, call 985-0000 or visit www.westernvirginialandtrust.org. Easter Seals Virginia provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more information, call 777-7325 or visit va.easterseals.com.