Restoration & Protection
Photo by Dana Baker
Riparian Restoration
Over the years, the Friends’ have been involved in a number of riparian and stream bank restoration projects. This will continue to be a significant area of focus as we identify interested landowners and obtain funding or donations for plant materials. All of our planting projects have relied on enthusiastic and energetic volunteer labor. If you are landowner, who is interested in restoring your streamside property, please contact us.
Project in photo: Despite overcast skies and rain, over 75 volunteers spent two days planting 215 trees and shrubs along the banks of the Winooski River. Their hard work added 18 feet of forested riparian buffer along 1100 linear feet of stream bank on the Green Mountain Curlies, Inc. horse farm just north of Marshfield Village. The species planted are commonly found in floodplains and riparian zones in Vermont. The trees included red and silver maple, green and white ash, eastern cottonwood, black willow and American elm. There were several species of dogwood shrubs planted as well as speckled alder.
Photographer Unknown
River Clean Ups
The Friends’ have organized river clean ups for many years and will continue to do so. We can offer advice and some logistical support for groups that would like to organize their own clean ups. Please contact us.
In 2006, the Friends, partnered with the City of Barre, the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and Spaulding High School, conducted a major clean up of the Stevens and Jail Branch. Over 7 tons of material was removed from the rivers.
In 2005, 80 volunteers including many students from Montpelier and Spaulding High Schools, removed 80 tires and 2.5 tons of trash from the Winooski River and Stevens Branch.
Photo by Ann Smith
Water Quality Monitoring
The Friends have lead or supported various water quality monitoring projects over the years.
Stormwater Outfall Monitoring
In 2006, the Friends tested over 80 outfalls in the City of Barre for a number of pollutants including E. coli. We worked with the City to correct several problems that immediately eliminated the flow of some pollutants into the river. The full report is available for review.
Stream Water Quality Monitoring
Volunteer water quality monitoring plays an important role in educating the public about water quality issues and promoting stewardship of water resources. Volunteer monitoring can go beyond education to identify specific problems, measure progress toward water quality improvements and shape public policy. Data collected by volunteers may be used by local and state government for decision-making and enforcement. Currently the Friends are working with volunteers in the Headwaters area (above the confluence with the Kingsbury Branch) and in the around Barre/Montpelier in the North Branch and mainstem.