As native riparian planting is increasingly being adopted as a strategy for regional climate, biodiversity, and flood resilience, Friends of the Mad River (FMR) is growing to meet this need.
In an effort funded by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and hosted at Lareau Farm, this spring, FMR will be launching a community-based native plant nursery to grow locally-sourced, genetically-diverse native ecotype plants for use in watershed restoration projects. As traditional nurseries often lack ecological diversity among species, genotypes, and stock types, FMR’s Mad River Restoration Nursery will fill a critical gap in local restoration capacity and ecological impact, explained Luke Foley, education and outreach manager for Friends of the Mad River.
To expand planting efforts, FMR will now also be helping private landowners restore riparian buffers up and down the Mad River and its tributaries, from Warren to Moretown. “These zones are critical for overall ecosystem and community health–providing wildlife habitat, storm and flood resiliency, and keeping our water clean,” Foley added.
FMR staff are available to help identify the best trees and shrubs that will thrive in various landscapes, and provide the resources and funding to get native plants in the ground.
“It’s through partnerships with people like you that help make it happen,” he pointed out.
FMR is looking for contractors to build a garden sink, propagation work tables, and create a wooden sign for the nursery. To lend a hand, get in touch with Restoration Nursery coordinator Michelle Krieg at
Anyone interested in planting natives along their streambank, can get in touch with Watershed project coordinator Julie Frost at
“Just give us a shout and we’ll come out!” Foley said.
To stay informed about upcoming stewardship events and volunteer opportunities, please head to https://www.friendsofthemadriver.org/volunteer.html.
