Volunteers assist Mother Nature's work

Originally Published 3/6/2015

While the Clean Water Nashville Overflow Abatement Program involves a tremendous amount of construction activity to improve water quality, an important contribution from Mother Nature is on the way thanks to efforts of numerous local environmental groups.

The Tennessee Environmental Council is spearheading a major project in February to plant 50,000 trees across Tennessee, including thousands in Davidson County. On March 14, volunteers representing Mill Creek, Richland Creek and Whites Creek watershed alliances and Cumberland River Compact will plant bare root seedlings of Virginia pine, pin oak, Shumard oak, red bud, American plum and other varieties near the waterlines of area streams and creeks.

The addition of trees is a green solution to improve local water quality. Trees help reduce pollution by filtering stormwater runoff before it reaches waterways. Keeping rivers and streams clean improves downstream water quality and ensures a safe water supply.

Other supporting partners in 50K Tree Day are Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee Department of Agriculture.