Trees for Streams Monitoring and Maintenance Days

Help Us Keep Orleans County Green

Those tiny trees planted along our rivers and streams? They're doing some seriously important work. They help filter runoff, stabilize eroding banks, improve wildlife habitat, and protect the water we all depend on. But young riparian buffers need care in their first few years to survive and thrive. And that's where you come in.

Join the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District for a hands-on day in the field helping monitor and maintain our newest Trees for Streams plantings. You'll work alongside OCNRCD staff to locate young trees, assess survival rates, manage competing vegetation, and learn firsthand how riparian buffers improve water quality and strengthen streambanks.

Whether you're passionate about conservation, curious about restoration work, or just looking for a meaningful way to spend a day outside, these volunteer days are a chance to make a visible, lasting impact right here in Orleans County.

2026 Volunteer Dates

📍 Brighton Brook, Irasburg

Wednesday, June 10
🕓 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Black River, Craftsbury Town Forest

Wednesday, June 17
🕓 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Tributary to Cass Brook, Craftsbury

Wednesday, June 24
🕓 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Detailed location information and directions will be provided upon RSVP.

What You’ll Be Doing

Locating and assessing newly planted trees
Helping manage competing vegetation around plantings
Learning how riparian buffers protect waterways and reduce erosion
Supporting long-term conservation success in Orleans County
Spending a satisfying day outdoors with fellow conservation-minded volunteers

No prior experience is necessary. Just a willingness to get your hands dirty and help out.

What We Provide

✔ Lunch
✔ Tools and equipment
✔ Guidance from OCNRCD staff
✔ A rewarding day in the field

We recommend participants bring:

Sunscreen
Bug spray
Sun hat
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sturdy footwear
Water bottle

Why This Work Matters

Riparian buffers are one of the most effective tools we have for improving water quality and building climate resilience across working landscapes. Monitoring and maintenance are critical during the first few years after planting, helping ensure these restoration projects succeed for decades to come.

Every tree checked, cleared, and protected helps strengthen the future health of our rivers, farms, and communities.