Restoring the Allen Brook in Williston, VT

The Allen Brook in Williston, VT with newly planted trees forming a riparian buffer

This year, the Intervale Conservation Nursery is planting over 15,000 natives trees and shrubs along rivers and streams across Vermont to improve water quality. Yesterday, we planted about an acre of native trees and shrubs along the Allen Brook in Williston, VT with the help of approximately 40 students from Williston Central School and Trudel Consulting and Engineers. The site is on the back side of the new Finney Crossing development. The planting project was a collaboration between the Intervale Conservation Nursery, Friends of the Winooski River, and the Town of Williston.

Why restore the Allen Brook? The Allen Brook in Williston is on the Vermont 303(d) List of Impaired Waters for both E. coli and storm water. Much of the Allen Brook is surrounded by development, a significant source of nonpoint source pollution. In past seasons, the Intervale Conservation Nursery and partners have planted trees on 14 acres along the Allen Brook, including hundreds of trees planted by volunteers and students as part of a community planting project. This year, we will be planting three acres of native trees and shrubs along the Allen Brook, and will follow up with site stewardship to ensure long-term project success.

We love native trees and clean water!