Earth Day tradition bringing new trees to Mill Creek MetroParks
When driving through Mill Creek MetroParks, you may notice white tubes sticking out of the ground. Inside each tube is a growing tree, which was planted for Earth day.
Around 25 volunteers First Energy helped plant 400 donated trees. There were a variety of trees and shrubs planted, including american holly, maple, red buds and lowering dogwood.
“This was a continuation of a partnership that we’ve had with first energy for 5 years now,” said Nick Derico, natural resources manager for Mill Creek MetroParks. “[This is the] first time we actually got to plant in Mill Creek Park proper. Just because we’ve been working on this naturalization of the Bears Den Meadow.”
In that timespan, over 1,500 trees were planted in Mill Creek MetroParks, and over 5,000 trees were planted across the valley. This includes the Collier Preserve, Youngstown State Legacy Forest and the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
“Part of that initiative started with partnering with the Mill Creek MetroParks to plant trees in areas that needed fresh trees due to deforestation, and loss of trees over the years due to storms, or just getting cut down,” said Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for First Energy.
The tubes around the trees protect the trees from wildlife, promote growth by attracting heat and serve as markers for park crews.
The tubes will remain around the growing trees for around five years. Derico said without the tubes, the trees would likely be gone within days.
“They protect the tree from browsing from herbivores like deer, rabbits, things of that sort. You know, inside here, the trees are really small. They’re only 12 to 18 inches so they’re going to need some protection, some time to grow,” said Derico. “In high numbers, deer can affect forest generation and we are seeing that a lot throughout the MetroParks. So, these are all native species that would be pretty preferable to deer.”
Mill Creek MetroParks was established over 100 years ago, making some of the trees over a century old. This has also led to a need for new trees.
“We do have a very mature canopy with not a lot of regeneration coming up behind it. And so, anything that we can do to help that along is a good thing,” said Derico.
First Energy planted over 100,000 trees within its six state service area. In the valley, volunteers are also planting pollinators in downtown Youngstown, and helping clean waterways in other communities.
“Electricity is the lifeblood of our communities, but trees play a crucial role in a healthy environment. So, our employees are donating their time to plant these trees that are donated by First Energy because we aren’t just employees that live in these communities, we are also residents,” said Sibirkus.
Read the original article at WFMJ.