Riparian Shrub Care
Description
Join us on Saturday, March 28, from 12–3 PM to learn how native shrubs and trees help repair and protect local stream banks, helping to create important habitat for native species and improve our watershed. WLC’s Stewardship Manager, Melissa Peterson, will guide participants through proper planting and care as well as strategies for reducing deer pressure and improving plant longevity. Open to all ages, this workshop blends hands-on habitat restoration with educational activities. Please bring gloves, tick protection, and closed-toe shoes. Waterproof shoes are encouraged.
During the event we will focus on two activities.
- Maintaining existing shrubs at our DEC supported, Trees for Tribs planting
- Planting of around 100 new willow stakes, as part of a low-cost test to reduce erosion. (We will return to this plot next year to see how the new plantings fare!)
About Melissa Peterson
Melissa is passionate about environmental conservation and protecting open space and has experience working on ecologically and sustainably focused projects which strive to support people and nature. Melissa was raised in Oregon, taught science as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia, worked in community reforestation for the Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti, and later settled in New York to raise her family. She most recently worked for the Orange County Audubon Society and has also assisted the Orange County Land Trust. Melissa is an avid plant enthusiast, bird watcher, and naturalist. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Linfield College and a Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University. She is also a Master Gardener and holds a Permaculture Design Certificate.
