The Pudding River Watershed Council worked with landowners to plant 3,000 trees in the watershed area during 2018. The cedar, pine, fir and willow seedlings were donated by Weyerhaeuser and PRT USA.
The watershed council is a nonprofit organization focused on improving water quality and wildlife habitat around the area including Silverton and Mount Angel.
In the spring the council received the seedlings and with empty plastic pots donated by Agri-Plas and the help of Kraemer’s Nursery and K J Farms, they were nurtured over the summer. Then the council distributed free, one-gallon potted trees to community groups, individuals, and the cities of Silverton and Molalla.
Trees stabilize soil near streams, help filter runoff, provide shelter for song birds and provide shade on hot days. The seedling project is one example of how the watershed council serves the community. By receiving and coordinating donations and grant funding it enables residents and volunteers to improve the land.
The value of trees goes beyond just the physical benefits, according to a council representative, who noted that the community’s excitement about planting the trees was evidence that there is plenty of interest in taking care of this very special place.
