Henrico’s Reforestation Program is Underway!  

Attention all tree huggers! Henrico County has just become greener!  

On March 15, the HEART crew, Capital Trees, Virginia Department of Forestry, and a group of earth-loving volunteers came together to plant 15 trees by the pump track at Deep Run Park. Efforts continued the following day when the crew moved to Dorey Park to plant 25 trees by the horse ring and bathhouse.   

Due to the power and strength of the Henrico community, many hands turned this task into light work. A variety of volunteers including several school-age students came out to help make their community a greener place. That’s not all! A couple of homeschooled environmental stewards from Caroline County made the trip to join in and make a difference. The more the merrier!   

These efforts are part of a reforestation program aiming to plant native trees in Henrico County parks and schools with areas of limited tree coverage. Dozens of trees ranging in height from 8 to 10 feet, including Eastern Redbud, River Birch, American Yellowwood, Common Hackberry and Chestnut Oak, are now finding permanent homes in local greenspaces. Through this collaboration with the nonprofit Capital Trees and the Virginia DOF, Henrico County residents can expect an increased habitat for wildlife, more shade in our parks and schoolyards, better air quality and a stronger climate-resilient community!   

Feeling like you missed out on an opportunity to get involved? Don’t worry! This program is far from over, and there is always work to be done. More plantings are planned for the fall, so keep an eye on Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team’s website for upcoming volunteer events. In the meantime, read more about the reforestation program and other efforts by the HEART committee to make Henrico County a cleaner and greener community. And while you are online, don’t forget to sign up for the HEART newsletter. As always, Choose To Reuse!