In an effort to create a visual buffer between a working quarry
and the community of Aromas, nearly 50 young people planted 100
majestic redwoods Saturday as part of a reforestation project.
In an effort to create a visual buffer between a working quarry and the community of Aromas, nearly 50 young people planted 100 majestic redwoods Saturday as part of a reforestation project.
Under the direction of redwood project leader Elizabeth Silverbird, the Aromas 4-H group, Aromas Boy Scout Troop 504 and Cub Scout Troop 516, teamed with Graniterock to plant the redwoods along Old Chittenden Road and enhance the scenic corridor along Highway 129 in western San Benito County.
“Everybody pitched in,” Silverbird said. “We had about 45 people out there and we even had some of the Webelos (Scouts) helping.”
As part of Graniterock’s newly initiated program of annual redwood reforestation around its A.R. Wilson Quarry, the company’s goal is to enhance a visual buffer between the quarry and Aromas by planting the redwoods.
“People tell me it will take a long time for the trees to mature, but the quarry has been here for over 100 years and we’ll be here for at least another 200 years,” said Graniterock’s Jim West.
Organizers said the redwood project will help teach children about forestry, agricultural cultivation and how to run a project.
“They are learning something valuable while making a better community and we couldn’t do it with out them,” Silverbird said.
Resident Richard Saxe, who spearheaded the group, said they planted a variety of redwoods, some that he had raised from cuttings.
“This is just the beginning of a long-term project,” Saxe said. “We hope to plant around 1,200 to 1,500 trees along the Pajaro River to Rogge Lane.”
Jan Hodges, organizer for the boy scouts, said when they were asked to help, the scouts didn’t need any service hours or merit badges.
“They just did it because they were asked,” Hodges said. “But can you imagine the thrill of it, that some day they will drive by that area and say, ‘Hey‚ I helped plant those trees.'”
Hodges said the children were out early mixing dirt with compost and fertilizer to refill the holes that were dug a week ago by California Conservation Corp.
“A lot of them thought it was pretty hot and a lot of hard work. They did toil, but they had a good time,” she said. “Kids are resilient.”
Silverbird has been working with Saxe to plant the redwoods.
“When the opportunity arose, we thought that we needed more trees for the air we breathe. The redwoods create a great oxygen source and make the air cleaner,” she said.
The project also teaches children how to work with others as a team.
“They learn about God, their duty to their community and their neighbors,” Hodges said.
Most of the trees stood 4-feet high and to help keep the trees dying, Saxe said a drip irrigation system was installed.
“We have a few runts in there, but the kids are going to maintain the drip system,” he said.
Saxe said Graniterock has been working with the group for the past couple of years.
“This will be so good for the ecosystem, Graniterock and the community. We do appreciate their support,” he said.
West said the redwood planting project was not part of Graniterock’s redwood replacement program required for its State Timber Harvest or Timber Conversion Permits the company has applied for.
Silverbird said the group is also willing to plant redwoods anywhere in the area.
“All they have to do is call us,” she said.
For more information about the redwood project call Elizabeth Silverbird at 726-3863 or Richard Saxe at 726-3609.
