The role of tree planting in Watershed Restoration Floodplain restoration along with the control of

upland pollution and stable stream channels are the critical elements to restore our watersheds

Tree planting connects citizens to the environment Without floodplain restoration, our streams are not

capable of supporting a diverse aquatic ecosystem Idea of a green ribbon throughout our urban

environment

Trees have direct benefit on water pollution Conversion of each acre of floodplain area back to

forest provides substantial water quality improvement:

Sediment loss is reduced from 0.7 tons per year to 0.05 (93% reduction)

Phosphorus is reduced from 0.7 lbs/year to 0.3 lbs per year (57% reduction)

Storm water converted to ground water is increased by 300% (infiltration)

Woody Debris provided to the creek is the foundation of the aquatic ecosystem Aquatic insects called ‘shredders’ use the woody

debris contributed by trees as an energy source Other insects and fish eat the shredders Woody debris also provides in-stream structure

Downstream of tree trunks deep water pools form - giving a haven to cool water loving fish

Root wads on stream banks provide habitat for aquatic insects and hiding places for juvenile fish

Trees promote ground water recharge Roots encourage infiltration of rain (reducing

runoff) Infiltration supplies streams with water during dry

weather

Trees anchor the sediment Impacts from erosion of the land surface and

stream channel are among the greatest challenges to the restoration of water quality in Mecklenburg

Tree canopy slows rainfall reducing the erosive force of storms

Roots anchor the soil and provide secondary porosity (pathways) for infiltration of storm water

Sunset Beach, NC

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Connecting Citizens to the Environment Tree planting is likely the most pro-active

initiative the average citizen can do to improve the environment

Young people love to plant trees and watch them grow

Many (my children included) have planted trees at their homes

Creek ReLeaf has trained thousands of future arborists! Without re-forestation of our floodplains we will

not achieve supporting aquatic ecosystems