PEC and PA American Water host streamside tree planting

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Pennsylvania American Water Company conducted a streamside tree planting project at the Pennsylvania American Water Company Property along Hillside Road, Trucksville on Nov. 5

PEC, Pennsylvania American Water Company staff and over 25 volunteers planted 20 bare root trees along Huntsville Creek. This planting was an implementation project of the Wyoming Valley Rivers Conservation Plan that was prepared by PEC in 2008. The tree planting was made possible by funding provided by the Pennsylvania American Water Company and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The tree planting project was conducted along the banks of the Huntsville Creek as it flows through the Pennsylvania American Water Company property. The purpose of the tree planting is to help reduce stream bank erosion, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat.

PAWC_planting_2Students from Wilkes University and Penn State Lehman Campus, employees of Unison Engine Components and staff from the Pennsylvania American Water Company and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council worked despite the rainy conditions to plant 20 native trees along the banks of the stream. The volunteers received a brief presentation regarding the importance of planting native species of trees and their positive impact on stream bank stabilization and reduction of stream bank erosion, as well as, the water quality improvements made by the planting from Mr. Bernie Dincher a Master Arborist of Dincher and Dincher Tree Surgeons. Mr. Dincher also instructed the volunteers regarding proper tree planting techniques.

The trees were purchased through the Penn State Cooperative Extension Bare Root Tree Program, food donations for the volunteers were graciously donated by Newell Fuel Service, Rte. 309, Dallas and the Lands at Hillside Farms donated two wheel barrels.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council would like to thank everyone involved in this very worthwhile project.

For more information please contact the Pennsylvania Environmental Council at 570-718-6507.