Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford County)--Rutherford County Stormwater, City of Murfreesboro, and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) are gearing up for the 12th Annual "FREE Trees for Streams" event which places free trees in the hands of property owners near streams.
Representatives from Rutherford County, City of Murfreesboro, and MTSU will distribute the trees and shrubs and recommend planting them along stream banks (also known as riparian areas). Species include: Bald Cypress, Button Bush, Elderberry, Indigo Bush, Paw Paw, Persimmon, Redbud, Red Mulberry, and Staghorn Sumac.
"These native trees and shrubs are beneficial and thrive in these environments," said Sheila Huffmire, Rutherford County Assistant Engineer.
Property, Stream and Wildlife Benefits
Riparian buffers are important for preventing erosion, stabilizing soil, reducing water temperatures and providing important habitat for fish, beneficial insects, and other wildlife. They also protect property from flooding and erosion. Naturally growing trees, shrubs and deep-rooted grasses stabilize a stream bank, provide wildlife habitat, and reduce water temperature. Plants take up excess water and filter trash, and act as buffers protecting streams from chemical pollution. The native flowering plants are critical to pollinators, which are essential to many of the foods we eat.