News of Madison Valley

Fifteen members of the advertising firm VML donned old clothes and gloves to take on the Harrison Ridge Greenbelt. The firm is committed to volunteer events as a team-building experience.

When forest stewards Cathy Nunneley and Trina Wherry handed out tools and explained the task at hand several members looked somewhat aghast. The area we intended to work on was a slope thick with thorny blackberries, spider webs and other entanglements. This work was a far cry from their usual day of sit down computer tasks. However, fueled onward with coffee generously donated by Starbucks, they plunged right into it.

It was amusing for Cathy and Trina to hear the banter of colleagues that had never seen each other outside of the office. It was fun! “Sure beats being trapped inside on a sunny day!” exclaimed one worker.

The group cleared about 800 sq. ft. of invasive plants. They then covered the land with burlap and chips. This 3-hour event accomplished what Cathy and Trina are able to do in two years!! The area is now ready for the planting native species to expedite the way to a future healthy urban forest.

Much gratitude to VML for choosing our reforestation site.