Volunteers are set to begin planting 10,000 trees Thursday to help complete a massive reforestation project on a former surface mine in Knott County. Michael French is the director of operations for the nonprofit Green Forests Work. He said they began site preparations last fall on land heavily compacted by bulldozers and heavy equipment.
“We worked with a contractor to rip everything up with a large bulldozer that has these ripping shanks on the back of it, and it loosens the soil up. It allows rainwater to infiltrate into the soil. It allows tree roots to extend easily in all directions.”
French said thus far, about 166,000 native trees have been planted on about 250 acres – and the end result will be good for flora, fauna and people.
“It could buffer flash flooding events, but it's going to provide habitat for all of the animals that use this area, from neotropical migratory song birds to bobcats, deer, turkey, amphibians and reptiles as well.”
French said other benefits include cleaner air and climate change mitigation through better carbon storage. He said they’re also sowing the area with native warm season grass and wildflowers, which will benefit pollinators. Partners include the University of Kentucky, Berea College and Suntory Global Spirits.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
