Calling All Tree Enthusiasts . . .

Most of the stock we will be planting is currently 2-3' in height;
all are hardwoods native to the immediate vacinity

Well, I'm finding ourselves in a predicament that I was really hoping we could avoid: yesterday, over 1,000 trees were delivered to the marsh three days before we expected them, and now a major rain/wind event is predicted for this upcoming weekend (when a decent number of volunteers were on-deck to help with the planting effort).

Candidly, we are in a bit of a bind.

Bare root seedlings do best if transplanted quickly -- in a matter of days -- and while still dormant. The early delivery is going to make the "quickly" part of this equation difficult. This project was choreographed to begin Friday, not Tuesday, and days matter with this type of work. The evolving (deteriorating) weather forecast and the availability of volunteers (impacted by weather) also introduces complications. The good news is, considering the forecast next week (highs in the upper 40s to low 50s), we should be okay on the dormancy front.

So how can you help? If you live in the vicinity, you may be able to assist in two ways:

(a) If you have access to tree planting hand tools (specifically dibble bars or hoedads), we may be able to utilize them for the next week or so if we can align volunteer availability with suitable weather, and

(b) if you have interest and availability during the work week to assist with on-the-ground tree planting, we could likely use your help. If you have interest in contributing either way, please Contact Us.

If you want more background on this specific project within the broader context of our woodland restoration efforts on the site, see my post from a couple weeks back. As always, thanks for the interest and support.

P.S. 4/19/18 UPDATE -- This past weekend's major storm (3"+ of rain and sustained and strong NE winds) put us further behind the eight ball. For those still interested in hands-on volunteering, we will likely host people this coming Monday (4/23) and Tuesday (4/24). All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age unless accompanied by a guardian. No experience is necessary, and the work does NOT involve any heavy lifting -- just repeated bending, if you are actually planting trees.

We may be able to host some people this weekend (4/21 & 4/22) if we continue to dry out. We will need to continue next week (4/23-27) as weather allows, but rain is once again in the forecast for mid-next week. The marsh is approximately 1 hour east of Toledo and 1 hour west of Cleveland. Come for a couple hours or come for the day. We will give marsh tours for those interested at the end of each work day. Please Contact Us if you have interest and time to help out. Thanks!