Volunteers Plant Seedlings, Improve Water Quality in Hillsborough

Nearly 70 people planted 405 tree seedlings Sunday at Gold Park, helping to improve Hillsborough’s waterways.

“The number of volunteers far exceeded my expectations,” said Orange County Stormwater Resource Officer Terry Hackett, who coordinated the March 7 event for the Town of Hillsborough and Orange County’s stormwater programs. “I’m certain the nice weather helped. We even had a couple of people that came to the park to play decide to help plant.”

Sixty-seven area residents helped plant the seedlings, which will help restore and enhance stream buffers that were disturbed during the construction of the park last year. A mix of native tree seedlings grown in the state’s Piedmont region were selected to complement trees currently growing at the park, which opened last April.

“Utilizing local volunteers is a great way for people to develop ownership of local resources,” Hackett said. “By planting seedlings, local citizens are investing in their future.”

Hackett, a local Boy Scout leader, often asks local scout units to volunteer. Several units participated in this event, with representation from Boy Scout troops 438, 449, 467 and 821; Cub Scout packs 467 and 821; and Girl Scout Troop 810. Hillsborough Tree Board members and other local residents also came out to plant.

Stream buffers are protected and typically require approval to disturb. The buffers help:

• Moderate stream temperature.
• Provide wildlife food and habitat.
• Control erosion.
• Reduce flooding.
• Filter pollutants from stormwater runoff.