Nature Done Wright

    Bergen SWAN, the non-profit
environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Upper Hackensack
River watershed, is seeking adult and student volunteers to assist with
“Planting in the Park,” a two-day installation of a natural buffer
around the central pond at Pascack Brook County Park in Westwood – Emerson Road between Old Hook and Rivervale
Roads.

   The
planting will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16, 2010,
from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts on both days.

Details follow.

   Natural buffers around waterways
help to protect water quality by filtering pollutants, increasing biodiversity,
and decreasing Canada goose populations.   

While learning about the benefits
of watershed buffers and how to plant like an expert, volunteers and
land management professionals will help to create a beautiful, colorful,
and ecological addition to the landscape. Teams of volunteers will assist
with ground preparation, planting, mulching, and staking of 60 native
trees – Phase 1 of the project.  Phase 2, to be accomplished
over the coming year, will involve filling in a 10,000 square foot area
with hundreds of native shrubs, grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. 

Likening the large-scale project
to “a barn raising for environmentalists,” SWAN Co-Director Mark
Becker explains, “The project brings together the talent and resources
of numerous businesses and individuals for whom clean water and beautiful
and healthy communities are paramount concerns.”   

    The planting plan was designed
by Rutgers Water Resources Landscape Architect, Jeremiah Bergstrom. 
Co-sponsors include Bergen County Parks Department, Rutgers Water Resources
Program, United Water NJ, and Pascack Sustainability Group.

    Students
from area colleges and high schools will assist, along with participants
from the Rutgers Master Gardeners program.  DeJoseph Brothers Landscaping
of Hillsdale and R&S Landscaping of Midland Park have offered expertise
and manpower. 

    The project has also been made possible by generous
donations from Ken’s Tree Service of Northvale, Hartman Excavating
of Hillsdale, and Tree Land Nursery of Paramus. 

   To register, to help with the
planting, to become a project “Team Leader,” or for additional information,
individuals or teachers should contact Bergen SWAN at 201-666-1877 (voice)
or bergenswan@sprynet.com (email—subject “Planting”).   

Volunteers must pre-register
ASAP, no later than Wednesday, May 12.  A registration form
and further details are available at the Bergen SWAN website, www.bergenswan.org. 

   All volunteers will be provided
with full training, breakfast and/or lunch, plus free water bottles
and other appreciation gifts.