This week in the Bennington Banner, Keith Whitcomb Jr. interviewed Greg Peters of the National Forest Foundation about an exciting opportunity to help fund a reforestation project on the banks of the Battenkill.  The National Forest Foundation has entered Odwalla’s “Plant a Tree” contest in hopes of winning a $10,000 grant for the Green Mountain National Forest.  The funding would go toward planting trees between 4 and 5 feet high on the west side of the Battenkill that suffered erosion during Hurricane Irene.  These larger trees will help to stabilize the affected areas and trap sediments from being deposited into the river.

During the months of April and May, people can log onto www.odwalla.com/plantatree and vote for the project of their choice. The ten organizations that receive the most votes will receive a $10,000 grant.

The article states the Green Mountain reforestation project will cost more than the $10,000 and the U.S. Forest Service has limited funds for reforestation projects, most having gone to repair roads damaged by Irene. More funding is being sought.

To read the full article, click here.

Note: When you go to vote for this project, it is on the second page listed in the “Boston Area”.  Just a little confusing.