Wilton Farm Tree Inventory: A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability

Members of H.E.A.R.T. joined students from Henrico County Public Schools’ (HCPS) Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability and environmental professionals to create a tree inventory at the site of the future Environmental Education Living Building at Wilton Farm. This data will give students and county staff a better understanding of the natural resources of the site and how to preserve them. In addition, this information will be used in the planning and construction of the Living Building.

Students used Virginia Native Tree guides and GIS technology to identify, tag and map tree species. They learned about the importance of biodiversity, forest management and the negative impact that invasive species can have on wildlife living on the property.

The event was a great way to get students out in the field and enjoy the environment. They can take this experience back to the classroom with a better understanding of the habitat in their own backyard. 

“Students were really troopers today,” said Eric Beyers, HCPS education specialist for environmental literacy. “They understand the importance of getting this inventory, which is awesome. They went at it and did a fantastic job.”

This collaboration by Henrico County, HCPS, Capital Trees and Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District will help foster a passion for conservation and will give students a better understanding of place-based conservation and how sustainable landscapes are created.