Volunteers planted 250 native trees at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Dec. 5 as part of an effort to restore habitat along the Santa Ana River.
The project, organized by Trout Unlimited and the Arbor Day Foundation with support from industrial gas company Linde, replaced invasive species with native cottonwoods, sycamores and willows. The trees will create a riparian buffer designed to improve biodiversity and enhance the ecological health of the area.
Over time, the trees will shade the river to keep water temperatures cool for wildlife, stabilize soil to reduce erosion and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff. The project is also expected to help mitigate climate change-driven flooding impacts along the Santa Ana floodplain.
"Tree planting is one of the simplest, yet one of the most impactful ways we can all help make rivers cleaner, colder, and healthier homes for a wide range of wildlife," said Sean Sieler, national engagement coordinator at Trout Unlimited. "As these trees grow, their contributions to the ecological health of the Santa Ana floodplain will be significant."
Local volunteers, including employees from Linde, participated in the planting event.
"At Linde, sustainability is about more than business—it's about caring for the communities where we live and work," said Michelle Fox, associate director of safety, health and environment for Linde's West Region Operations. "Planting native trees helps restore local ecosystems, protect natural resources, and create greener spaces for future generations."
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