Vol. 38, No. 187
April 28, 2008

 For more information contact Alison Boyer, Watershed Assessment Section, Division of Water Resources, 302-739-9939 or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

 Photos of event available by contracting DNREC Public Affairs Office, 302-739-9902.

Tree Planting Event Protects Banks of Dover’s Silver Lake

(Dover, Del.) More than 50 volunteers joined with DNREC environmental scientists and city officials to plant 45 trees along the banks of Dover’s Silver Lake on Saturday, April 26. The project, part of a two-year restoration plan, will help reduce pollution and protect the banks of the St. Jones River.

Saturday’s event was the first phase of the St. Jones River Buffer Project at Silver Lake Park that will ultimately include a planted buffer of native shrubs and flowering plants along the lake’s banks. The buffer will not only beautify the area but will help reduce stormwater run-off, erosion, sediment and excess nutrients from entering the lake.

 “We were pleased that so many people, of all ages, took part in our planting event,” said Alison Boyer, project coordinator with DNREC’s Division of Water Resources. “Volunteers were enthusiastic and committed to the project that will ultimately help improve water quality, so that people can continue to enjoy recreational activities at Silver Lake.”

 The St. Jones Tributary Action Team, comprised of concerned citizen volunteers, business owners and scientists, recommended the restoration project as part of the pollution control strategy developed by the team.  The City of Dover received grants from DNREC’s Delaware Coastal and Nonpoint Source Pollution Programs for the trees planted in phase one of the buffer project.  NRG Energy donated breakfast and lunch for the event and also assisted with the planting.  Afterwards, Bill Grow, on behalf of NRG Energy, donated $5,000 for more trees and plants for the buffer project

 For more information on the project, contact Alison Boyer, 739-9939. To learn more about efforts underway by the St. Jones Tributary Team to reduce pollution in the watershed, contact Lyle Jones, program administrator, 739-9939 or visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on “Division of Water Resources” and then “Watershed Assessment.”