Student Participation and Volunteers Needed!
Tennessee Environmental Council to plant 5,000 trees

On Saturday February 4, 2012 Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) is partnering with Middle Tennessee communities to make a 'tree'mendous impact in our area by planting 5000 trees in various Middle Tennessee locations. This tree planting effort will target stream side zones alongside creeks and stream in urban areas, typically waters identified on a list of polluted streams (303d list) by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Planting trees along these streams greatly improves the health of the waters by increasing natural vegetation to decrease erosion and shading the water cooling it and making it more hospitable to fish and other aquatic life.

Murfreesboro Location Details:
Where: Kroger parking lot corner of Lascassas Pike / East.Rutherford Blvd
When : Saturday February 4, 2012
8:30 am - 9:00am Volunteer Registration
9:00 am - 2:00pm Tree Planting
Why: Planting trees will help protect the streambank & water quality,
& will provide habitat and canopy along Little & Big Creeks,
& the tributary to Bushman Creek

Volunteers (individuals or groups) are needed! Interested parties contact TEC directly: Mike Lorrain (TEC project manager) at 615-225-7294 or mlorrain1912@hotmail.com. Volunteers should dress appropriate for the weather and bring rain gear gloves, work boots, shovels and drinking water/snacks. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

If your organization or class offers public service and needs projects or required hours, please contact us to discuss ways to achieve them through local stream protection efforts.

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WATER QUALITY TIP: Don't litter! Everything that is thrown on the ground (bottles, gum and gum wrappers, cups, bags) can be carried into the river by the storm sewers. And remember: cigarette butts are litter! If you ever want to see the cumulative effect of people tossing a cigarette butt here or a pop bottle there, take a walk along the river after a rain storm. You'll see how much litter makes its way to the river from our streets and sidewalks.

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Tips for spring planting:

TIP #1: Apply only the amount of fertilizer necessary for your turf type. Contact your nearest UT Extension Office for recommended fertilizer application rates. Avoid over-applying fertilizers.	Tip #2: Use less-toxic ways of controlling weeds. Hand pull or dig weeds rather than using herbicides.
Tip #3 : Start composting your yard and garden waste. The waste decomposes into organic matter that can be used again in your garden and improve soil. For more information about composting, visit howtocompost.org	Tip #4: Leave lawn clippings on your lawn. Studies have shown that clippings can add substantial amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium back into the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer.

For more tips, visit www.tennesseewaterworks.com