Enhancing the Marl Creek Trail Riparian Buffer

Volunteer Opportunity

Saturday, March 5, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

McCormick Farm, 128 Cyrus McCormick Circle, Raphine, VA 24472

Planting trees and maintaining the Marl Creek Trail at McCormick Farm (Shenandoah Valley Agriculture Research and Extension Center) in Raphine, has been an annual project since our chapter began. Working with Retired USFS Forester (and the trail’s designer) Charlie Huppuch, we are restoring many native trees, shrubs, and perennial species to the riparian buffer trail.

On Saturday, March 5th, we will meet Charlie at the trailhead, right across from the mill, ready to plant bare root tree seedlings along the trail. Tools provided, but bring your own special spade, if you like. We may also be doing a little trail maintenance. You can earn an hour of HMN CE in addition to the volunteer opportunity this activity offers.

Wear gloves and boots, dress for the weather, and bring your water bottle. 
HMN contact is Sandy Greene at greenes104@aol.com or 540-487-1224. Sign up on Better Impact or by calling Sandy. Also call Sandy if you plan to help but the weather ends up being sketchy that day. 

The 2/3 mile Marl Creek Trail is free and open to the public every day. Beginning at the historic mill and passing by the millpond and along the stream, it is popular with birders, hikers, and travelers. Come walk it yourself!  

Directions
Take the Raphine – Steele’s Tavern exit off I-81 on the border between Augusta and Rockbridge Counties. It’s less than a mile to McCormick Farm, with plenty of parking and restrooms open in the log cabin from April to October.

– Sandy Greene, Cohort I

Photo at top shows HMNs Peggy Plass, Cyane Lowden, Ann Murray, and Tom Engle, with Caroline Fitzgerald, Student Society of American Forester’s representative, Forester Charlie Huppuch, and Extension Forester Adam Downing, on 3/12/2021. They planted 50 native trees along the Marl Creek Trail. Photo by Sandy Greene.