Church of the Holy Comforter | October 17, 2022
Native Tree Planting
Native Tree Planting
Native Tree Planting
Native Tree Planting
On October 10, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Men’s Group spent a productive morning planting 17 native shrubs and trees. We are mindful to acknowledge this land’s first humans, the Manahoac people. Planting these trees brings us another significant step toward restoring our little corner of this fragile Earth, our island home. These plants are critical pieces of the food web; they will sustain local fauna and enhance biodiversity — critical to human (and all) life. These, together with those planted last year, are now available for sponsorship. Here’s how it works:
  • Walk (carefully) around the grove and choose a plant. Don’t let size mislead you! The tiniest plant we installed should grow to become one of the largest: The Willow Oak, which can grow to 120 feet and support mammals, birds, and hundreds of species of butterflies and moths. Discuss with Margaret Bain, Chris Jones, or Kerry Glipin if you'd like more information about a specific plant. Then let Margaret know which plant you chose.

  • Donate $50 (or what you will) HERE (Choose "Creation Care - Tree" from the Fund dropdown menu), or drop off a check to the Church Office with “Creation Care - Tree” in the memo line.

  • If you wish, you may acquire and place a small stone plaque near your plant. While some of these plants may live for centuries, others are not so long-lived — therefore we will need to keep the stones small enough for relocation if necessary. Questions? Please contact Margaret Bain.
All are welcomed and encouraged to visit the grove at the end of the parking lot and enjoy our new neighbors. If you approach slowly and quietly, you may see deer, hawks, and other birds and mammals. Please give them plenty of space!
To help with your choice of plant, here is a list:
Planted in fall 2021:
  • American Hazelnut (2)
  • American Buttonbush (2)
  • Silky Dogwood (2)
  • Elderberry
  • Redbud (3))
  • Eastern Red Cedar
  • Arrowwood Viburnum (2)
  • American Holly
  • Pawpaw (already sponsored)
  • White oak
Planted in October 2022:
  • Winterberry (2)
  • Black Locust (2)
  • Red Bud (3)
  • Gray Dogwood (2)
  • Red Chokeberry (2)
  • Willow Oak
  • Silky Willow
  • American Elm (2)
  • Western Serviceberry
  • Elderberry