This past weekend, we planted 500 trees in the wetlands on our property. About 25% of the property is wetlands and we are required to restore them in order to build homes on the remaining 3/4 of the land. Wetlands restoration involves, among other things, riding the land of invasive species (like the dreaded blackberry) and planting native species. The restoration will be monitored by a consultant for the next 10 years. Basically, someone will come and count plants every so often to make sure the wetlands are being properly restored. 
The actual planting of 500 trees took us much less time than we expected. That said, there were 10 of out there working hard for 5 hours. We planted all sorts of different trees & bushes: aspens, snowberry, dogwood, roses, the list goes on. I can't say that the trees even look like trees - they are basically these tiny little sticks with roots. But, they will grow! Right now, it looks a bit like some sort of art project. I'm curious to see what it will look like 10 years from now.
I love the idea of visiting planted trees/shrubs decades later. A nice legacy. And you're right, it does look like an art installation. It reminds me of a project I did while in grad school. Imagine hundreds of hand held windmills (the kind the kids use) in a grid in the ground. It was amazing. I love that kind of stuff - looks wonderful!
ReplyDelete