Trick or Tree-t at Assawoman Wildlife Area Oct. 20
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays and the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife are coming together for a Halloween-themed tree-planting event to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Participants can stop by to plant trees and add to a beautiful forested area at Sassafras Landing, then hang out to explore why forests are so important, and celebrate Halloween. Attendees can bring their own paper milk cartons and learn how to turn them into festive owl-shaped bird feeders. Guests who get decked out in their best costumes may compete in the costume contest, and stop by the photo booth to take some spooky selfies. At each Trick or Tree-t activity station, attendees can make crafts, learn and pick up candy as they go. To RSVP to planners for this free event, go to treet.eventbrite.com.
Why are they planting trees? From 1992 to 2012, the Inland Bays watershed has lost 14 square miles of its important forested areas. This causes problems for wildlife such as native birds, foxes and turtles that depend on forests, and it also negatively affects the water quality of creeks, rivers and bays.
“When we replace forests with homes, roads, businesses or parking lots, we are creating more impervious surfaces for rainwater to pick up pollutants and wash them into our waterways,” said Victoria Spice, CIB restoration project manager. “But if we allow forests to grow and thrive, they can help reduce stormwater runoff and can even absorb and filter the rain, allowing it to enter our groundwater, where much of our drinking water comes from.”
This a chance for community members to give back to the beautiful lands and waters of southeastern Delaware in a fun and festive way.
The planting will take place in the Assawoman Wildlife Area at Sassafras Landing Road. This is an all-ages event with activities geared toward families with preschool through elementary-aged children. Tools will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own shovels, spades and gloves if possible. This is a rain-or-shine event so it is important to dress for the weather. Follow the event signage for free parking.
