Volunteer For The Wild: Tree Planting!

Join us for a day of tree planting FOR THE WILD!

Conservancy staff invite volunteers to assist with planting and protecting 500 trees on Saturday, May 4*, in an area that was previously used for row crops and is vulnerable to erosion. Participation in this activity offers volunteers an opportunity to visit, plant beneficial trees, protect the planted trees from invasive weeds, and learn about the recently conserved property and future plans for its restoration.

Since acquisition of 1,600 acres in the Lower Kickapoo River Valley, the team at Mississippi Valley Conservancy has been working with partners to develop the property management plan and obtain grants for specific projects. Much of the evolving plan includes actions to protect the river’s water quality and restore habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. The May 4 tree planting is the first of many of these activities. The tree species to be planted include a mix of red oak, white oak, bur oak, swamp white oak, hackberry, and cherry – all native species in the Driftless Area. Further work to control invasive plants in the vicinity will help the seedlings thrive.

The planting site is about a quarter-mile uphill hike from the road on a cleared trail. Tools, tree saplings, snacks, and water will be available at the work site. Volunteers will receive training and work in groups of three to perform the essential steps of the tree planting process.

PLEASE SIGN UP by end of day April 30, 2024, so we know how much equipment to bring. Sign-up form is below.

Directions and details will be emailed to all registered participants several days before the tree planting. With any questions, contact Payton Lott at [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 6. 

This event is one of the Conservancy’s 2024 “For the Wild” volunteer activities to restore wildlife habitats in the Driftless Area. 

*The rain date for this event will be Saturday, May 18