Join The Piedmont Environmental Council and Clermont Farm Foundation on Earth Day - Wednesday, April 22! Volunteers will be needed for two shifts, one from 9am - 12pm and the other from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, to help conduct maintenance activities to support native trees and shrubs along Dog Run to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat as part of Plantings for the Piedmont!
Volunteer activities include replanting dead trees, which involves scalping (removing grass with a hoe), digging holes, planting, and pounding wooden stakes. This year we are also looking for help completing maintenance tasks such as picking up trash, replacing bird nets, straightening tubes and stakes, and more. This is a family-friendly event, and volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome! Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather, we will reschedule the day’s planting. We will provide all of the necessary tools for planting, extra water, and snacks (no lunch will be provided - please pack your own if staying for both shifts). Volunteers are encouraged to wear boots or closed-toe shoes and clothing that they’re comfortable getting dirty. Please bring bottled water, sunscreen, and bug spray if needed. Terrain is mostly flat, with a short walk to the planting site. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your shift begins, as we will be conducting a brief training and walking to the site together!
All participants must sign the Volunteer Waiver.
To continue your celebration of Earth Day, consider making a day of it! Volunteers are welcome to explore Clermont Farm's historic grounds. In addition, the Shenandoah River is not more than three miles away, where Dog Run joins the waters that flow on to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the riverside you are helping to protect while walking the trails at Cools Springs, a conservation area stewarded by Shenandoah University. Other local attractions include Bear's Den Overlook, downtown Berryville, and Blandy Arboretum.
