UNION TOWNSHIP — About 30 volunteers planted 300 potted trees at Todds Fork Preserve along North Nelson Avenue near Wilmington.
Oak, maple, sycamore, persimmon, dogwood, redbud, and American plum were among the many varieties of native trees and shrubs planted, said a spokesperson.
Cardinal Land Conservancy Inc. (formerly Clinton County Open Lands Inc.) organized the tree-planting effort at its 220-acre Todds Fork Preserve. Cardinal Land Conservancy is an accredited land trust serving Clinton County and six other counties in southwest Ohio.
On Nov. 16, the volunteers planted the trees on the nature preserve, including staking and wire cages.
Participants included Wilmington College students performing community service, Richard Hiatt who is a key volunteer at Todds Fork, Ohio Valley Forestry fellowship volunteers, neighbors of the preserve, and Cardinal members, including Laura Curliss, a founding member of Clinton County Open Lands.
“It was a joy to see so many people come out to replant a native forest, especially at a time when the planet needs more trees,” said Curliss.
The Todds Fork Preserve is open for group visits and projects by appointment while restoration activities are underway. Cardinal Land Conservancy will organize another tree planting there in the spring.
To sign up for the spring planting or to learn more about preserving farmland and natural areas, please contact Cardinal Land Conservancy through its Facebook page, its website cardinallandconservancy.org or by calling the office at 513-752-2828.
Curliss added, “We thank the county commissioners, township trustees, the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, the family who loved the land and preserved it, Leadership Clinton who supported a land trust for Clinton County, the Clinton County Community Foundation, and all our members and supporters who made the Todds Fork Preserve possible.”
