FLOW GROWS…TREES!

FLOW GROWS…TREES!

by David Poole

Most know FLOW as a river cleanup and water quality monitoring organization, and yes, FLOW does all of that. However, many are not aware that FLOW supports three tree nurseries and typically grows 2,000 to 3,000 trees every year, starting with newly propagated trees known as “whips”. The whips are potted, nurtured, and become viable saplings within the first growing season. In the Fall, they are given away to residents or businesses within the lower Olentangy River watershed.*

FLOW has been looking after the river since 1997. It conducts extensive water-quality sampling and analysis with the help of the Ohio State University chemistry department. The water quality of the river and some of its tributaries is made available to the public as “Report Cards” most years. FLOW also organizes river cleanups throughout the spring, summer, and fall to help keep the river beautiful.

FLOW began growing trees around 2015 when it became clear that trees were highly beneficial and money was available through grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Trees provide benefits to the river, water quality, and wildlife. Among the ecological services provided by trees are stabilizing bank soil, providing shade that reduces water temperature, and improving ecosystem quality for microorganisms, macroinvertebrates, and wildlife.

Bank erosion results in too many soil particles entering the water. The clay particles create turbidity, the brownish/tan color often seen after rainfall events. Eroded soils can contain excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, mostly from fertilizers. While some turbidity is normal and beneficial, too much prevents light from entering the water column, which is needed for many organisms to grow and provide a base for the food chain. The Olentangy river and its tributaries have areas where large bank erosion is occurring. Techniques have been developed to help stabilize these areas. These include the use of both woody debris and live tree plantings. Woody debris also provides habitat for wildlife.

Trees play an integral role in reducing climate heating, which is a result of man’s influence on the atmosphere. Trees absorb CO2 and sequester (store) it in the woody limbs, trunks and roots through photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is the principal enemy in the war against rising global temperatures. It is theorized that trees could offset about 20% or more of the current CO2 releases. This would require planting many more trees wherever the land could support them. This is taking place all over the world, with work being done by many organizations such as FLOW.

The work FLOW does growing trees is all done by volunteers. The knowledge and skills required to successfully grow thousands of trees are provided by many talented individuals, including some former professional nurserymen. 100’s of volunteers provide the labor to make this a growing venture. Along the way, volunteers also learn how trees are grown from the whip stage to saplings to caliper-sized trees.

In summary, FLOW grows trees to improve water quality, habitat for wildlife, and, perhaps most importantly, help in the fight against climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2.

*FLOW’s 2026 tree giveaway is starting soon! Click image or scan QR code to register for your own new tree or shrub!