SOLV in Vernonia

In celebration of Earth Day, Vernonia schools held their own SOLV day.  SOLV is the acronym for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism.  Kids from kindergarten to high school participated at the event which took place just a short walk from the school, in a newly developed wetland site.  The site is being developed as mitigation for the brand new school Vernonia students will be attending next year.

After a brief introduction from some experts on tool safety and non-native plants, students got to work.  High school students from the forestry club paired up with younger students as they planted trees and removed invasive, non native plants from the area.  Trash was also picked up along the trail that will soon surround the wetland and connect with the Banks to Vernonia trail.

By the end of the day, scotch broom was piled high in many areas.  The students also planted well over a couple hundred native plants and trees including cedar, spruce, native rose, snowberry, and cottonwood. 
All in all, the students, especially the younger ones were very excited to get their hands muddy while planting trees and pulling weeds.  For years to come now, the students will be able to visit this site and remember the time spent out there.

Submitted by Donna Allard