The Intervale Center’s Conservation Nursery
Growing Native Trees & Shrubs
for Riparian Conservation
The Intervale Conservation Nursery (ICN) grows native riparian trees and shrubs for conservation projects statewide. Our plants are grown from seeds or cuttings, collected by our staff, from native wild populations in Vermont. |
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Before the Conservation Nursery, bareroot trees and shrubs were available in large quantities only from nurseries west of the Mississippi River. While these plants were the correct Species, their genotypes originated from western plant populations. There is serious concern that plants from milder West Coast climates lack the hardiness to survive in Vermont, and that the non-native genetic material is compromising Vermont’s plant communities. The Intervale Conservation Nursery was developed in 2002 to address these concerns and offer a local alternative to purchasing riparian vegetation from out of state. In addition, ICN offers a planting service. We have experienced planting crews that can maximize the effectiveness of your conservation project. |
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Stable Rivers — Stable Economy
Restoring native forested buffers is critical to fostering a healthy ecosystem and a stable economy.
Called the arteries and veins of our landscape, rivers and streams hold many attractions for Vermont's residents, tourists and wildlife communities. But a river's stability and the wildlife corridor it provides depends on the deep rooted vegetation and woodlands that buffer its banks. Riparian or stream side vegetation binds the soil, creating a stable bank that is resistant to erosion and capable of filtering sediments and pollutants before they reach the water.
Historically neglected, riparian buffers went unprotected as towns cleared and built roads, farmers grew crops and loggers cut to the edge of riverbanks, all at great environmental and economic cost to Vermont. From 1995-1998, flood damage alone resulted in $57 million in public and private land losses. Stream side woodlands protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, reduce flood damage and agricultural land loss, and offer privacy, shade and improved recreational opportunities.
The demand for riparian trees and shrubs in the State has grown exponentially in recent years, as conservation and restoration projects have expanded. Riparian conservation efforts in Vermont annually require 100,000 to 150,000 native trees and shrubs. The Intervale Conservation Nursery has expanded in order to offer native species with local genotypes. This year we have more bareroot trees than ever before, over 40,000!
Collaboration
The Intervale Conservation Nursery is collaborating with public and private non-profit agencies and hundreds of volunteers to develop a statewide network that is contributing to seed and cutting collections, education and outreach and nursery operations. Agencies include the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, US Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and US Forest Service, Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Forests & Parks, The Nature Conservancy, University of Vermont's Watershed Alliance, Vermont Family Forests, and numerous other watershed groups.
Contact
Mike Ingalls, Nursery Manager
Placing orders, general inquires, technical assistance
mike@intervale.org or (802) 660-0440 x114
Lynn Wolfe, Assistant Nursery Manager
Volunteer inquiries, internships, workshops
lynn@intervale.org or (802) 660-0440 x104