On April 21 several Darby partners will begin recreating 80 acres of floodplain forest along Big Darby near Harrisburg. The restored forest will help reduce erosion, promote infiltration of storm water, and provide wildlife habitat.

The ambitious project is a joint effort of The Nature Conservancy, Metro Parks, the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The property was purchased by The Nature Conservancy, then sold to Metro Parks. FSWCD and NRCS hold conservation easements.

The tree planting will fulfill a pledge by The Nature Conservancy to plant trees in the name of supporters of the proposed Little Darby Wildlife Refuge. In all, 19,000 trees will be planted.

DCA members are encouraged to help with the planting. For more information please contact Ross Lebold of The Nature Conservancy at 614-717-2770 by the first week of April.