Plants of the Rockfish Valley

Trees

James River Buffer Program Tree Planting

The James River AssociationVirginia Department of Forestry and Chesapeake Bay Foundation are partnering to plant 1,377 acres of trees along streams and rivers in the Middle and Upper James watersheds. Recently,  they worked with the Rockfish Valley Foundation to create a stream buffer along the Rockfish using native shrubs and trees. A full summary of the project by Deya Ramsden can be found below, and more information on the initiative as a whole can be found HERE.

Project summary for publicity.docx

 

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. As of October 2018, it is now found in 35 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. EAB recently caused the death of the ash tree at RVF on the corner of Glenthorne and Rt. 151, and had to be removed by VDOT.

Functions of Trees

Want to learn more about the function and importance of trees in the environment of Virginia? Check out this fantastic informational sheet by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation which dives into how trees prevent runoff, help the atmosphere, improve soil quality, filter water, and more. 

Trees fact sheet