Green Team Update

Seedlings of Change.

Driving around the Virginia highways and byways this week, you might have noticed trees bursting with white buds that have an unpleasant smell. You might have them lining your driveway or home garden. These trees, the Bradford Pear, were first planted in the 1900s to breed fungal resistance into fruit bearing pear trees in the United States. In the 1950s, they were seen for their ornamental qualities and became the trees of choice for landscapers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Fast forward to today, these trees serve as a pungent reminder that invasive species can run unchecked in our ecosystems. As Doug Tallamy says "[invasive plants] are ecological tumors" that cause failure in the ecosystem's ability to function. Although the intent of introducing the Bradford Pear Tree was originally believed to have ecological beneficial, the impact from these invasive species is the loss of habitats for the native flora and fauna and the food webs that they support. The question becomes, How can we make a positive impact on our ecosystem today for generations to come?

The good news is that there is substantial evidence that we can bring biodiversity back into our ecosystems by a small, deliberate steps. The first is to plant keystones species which form a backbone to our local ecosystem by providing food that feeds insects. Here's where we need your help. The Saint James' Green Team is testing a pilot program called "Seedlings for Change."

HOW IT WORKS:

We are asking parishioners to give a Keystone tree, namely the White Oak or the Red Maple, a home on your properties. Our team will get a seedling from the Department of Forestry's seedling program. We will come to your house and plant the tree for you. You will be given a pamphlet that tells you how to care for your new seedling. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Together, we can make a difference!

Flora Duvall fwallace@mail.umw.edu