On Saturday April 27, 35 volunteers planted 80 trees on a one-acre plot next to Prisoner’s Pond. The planting on Verona’s Hilltop Reservation marked the successful first phase of a five-year five-acre forest regeneration project.
For the past year, volunteers worked under the direction of the Hilltop Conservancy to clear the parcel of invasive plant species. Leading up to Saturday’s planting, 80 holes were excavated and prepared. Native tree species planted were Silver Maple, Black Gum, Red Maple, Pin Oak, Basswood, and Tulip Poplar. Trunk guards were installed on the new trees to protect them against deer. Once the trees establish themselves, they will provide a canopy under which smaller native trees, shrubs and ground cover can grow in turn providing a healthy habitat for many different animals.
The Hilltop Conservancy will begin clearing the next acre of land with regular monthly working groups on the second Monday of the month from May-September from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For details about the project or working sessions, visit Hilltopconservancy.org.
