our conservation partners (do) grow on trees

by Trevor George

A note from our editor:

 After three great years blogging from the land, Mountains + Molehills is publishing its last blog today. We encourage you to like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram where we’ll continue to share stories of stewarding our protected landscapes.

At last, the clouds parted ways and I saw a pure blue sky for the first time in too long. Clear water was running strong in Bidwell Creek at Live Oaks Ranch and the ground was still wet from the many rainstorms this season. It was the perfect day to plant some trees with our friends at Sonoma Clean Power!
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Over a year ago, Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) approached the Land Trust about beginning a partnership to plant trees throughout the county. They’re working to reduce the impacts of climate change and planting trees is a great way to accomplish that. We often plants trees on our preserves at locations that can benefit ecologically from the addition of native species. With those mutual goals, SCP began supporting some of our key planting projects in acknowledgment of their EverGreen subscription service.

A Sonoma Clean Power staffer takes on the toughest job of the day: digging holes in the rocky creekside soil.

A Sonoma Clean Power staffer finishes planting a coast live oak tree. Next, he installs protective caging to help the new plant thrive.

​Not only is Sonoma Clean Power helping to fund some key planting projects, but they sent their staff out to help us on the land, too! In early March, the Land Trust and SCP came together to plant riparian trees and shrubs along Bidwell Creek. It was part of a greater restoration effort to reestablish a healthy riparian corridor along a several hundred-foot stretch of the creek. Working together, we planted coast live oak trees and blue elderberry shrubs. These plants will sequester carbon as they grow to provide shade, stability for the banks, food and shelter for wildlife, and a source of woody debris for habitat in the creek. Thankfully, this rainy winter has provided the new plants with excellent conditions in which to grow.

​​The crew worked hard, digging through tough rocky soils and forming protective cages by hand. The constant sound of the creek as it flowed was a potent reminder of how our work impacts our community downstream throughout the Russian River watershed. Lastly, it was a great way to soak up the sun we had all been waiting for! I’m looking forward to continuing our work together toward a clean and healthy environment.

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​Trevor is one of the Land Trust's stewardship project managers. He oversees the activities on our Russian River Watershed preserves in the northern part of Sonoma County. Trevor loves the rugged, wild terrain of this region and enjoys experiencing it while struggling up hills on a bike or chasing his crazy dog.

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