The existence of trees in shoreline locations plays a critical role in river and stream ecology. In addition to promoting diversity of land and aquatic plants and animals, this type of vegetation also helps improve the quality of waterways by reducing temperatures, and by filtering out pesticides and other chemicals that may otherwise come into contact with the water.
Trees also promote the restoration of edge habitats, prevent erosion along embankments, and contribute to establishing a healthy and stable ecosystem for wildlife.
In addition to these benefits, the existence of this type of vegetation reduces the silting of lakes and watercourses, and reduces the risk of destructive flooding due to snowmelt and free-thaw cycles.
The following 25 communities have been selected through the Trees by the Shore program as planting locations for the 2009 season. Check back often to see the status of planting activity across the country. Planting begins in April 2009.