Tree Army

"First Landing is facing a crisis related to the destruction of the park's natural forested area due to prohibited off-trail use and the creation of cut-throughs, short-cuts, and unofficial trails.

Trails are specially designed to minimize impacts and erosion. Trails are routed to avoid particularly delicate natural areas. When hikers go "off-trail", ride bikes on hike-only trails, or create cut throughs, it can cause safety issues, damage the ecosystem, and cause other people to get disoriented." -Staci Martin
(excerpt from article posted HERE)


On Saturday, April 24th, volunteers from all ages came out to Virginia Beach to join the First Landing State Park Tree Army. Their mission was to plant new trees in the unofficial trails. By the time I heard about the event they had more than enough help so I contacted the volunteer coordinator and asked if I could volunteer to document the event. Photos of the event were needed for the American Forest Grant that aided in funding for supplies.


Despite the gloomy sky and intermittent rain showers, we all marched on to complete the mission.





In addition to planting new trees, the army also had to cover up the unofficial trails with branches, leaves and other plants to hinder people from hiking or riding through them again.

Dibbles were provided to aid in digging holes for the saplings.



After planting the saplings, blue painted popsicle sticks were placed next to them to prevent accidental harm.

It was awesome seeing over a hundred plus volunteers, especially the youth, come out on a Saturday morning to help rebuild our park.

According to the park guide I hiked along with, this one day event only covered maybe a third of the unofficial trails and they're hoping for another opportunity in the Fall. Also, they will need help watering the new trees that have been planted.

Volunteer opportunities are available at First Landing State Park. Click ===> HERE for more info.