After I wasn't able to join any of the Connecticut River Conservancy Tree Planting Teams during the last year, I was motivated to participate in 2024. With that in mind, I got permission (from work) to help out a group in Lyme this morning. Before departing, though, I teleworked for several hours. At 0830, I left my condo and drove (via NH-10) all the way to Lyme and located the volunteer meeting location (off Orford Road). When the planned time (0900) came and went, I spent time on the phone, trying to find out where the tree planting team had moved. Another volunteer (Scott) showed up shortly after me. Next, the actual property owner (Dave) arrived and told us he didn't know where the tree team was. Eventually (0920), I heard back from the CRC coordinator (located in Massachusetts) and learned that the team was working at a location closer to the Connecticut River since they'd already finished planting the area where I was waiting. Realizing that the site was the same place where I'd volunteered to plant saplings in 2022, I headed west on a nearby "cut-off" road. Scott wasn't a local so he followed me to River Road. From there, we drove south towards the Lyme-Thetford bridge, By 1000, we finally located the team from the NorthWoods Stewardship Center (from the NEK). Fritz (team lead) apologized for the confusion and, when I noted that this was a place we'd already planted, explained that a recent CRC survey of the area had determined the survival rate was only 30%. End result: we had to replant the section. Like last time, digging was hard work - but soon the Riparian Zone was filled with many new trees. Most of the ones I planted were Silver Maples. Afterwards (1200), I drove home (via River Road) and (at 1230) resumed teleworking for the rest of the afternoon. Glad I was able to be part of the tree planting - hoping that the second time’s a charm for this lot in Lyme!
