Perhaps “only God can make a tree,” but people can definitely plant them. And that is exactly what Richard Hergenroeder, Diane Hill, and Stacy Allen are doing. As part of Replant Anne Arundel, a signature program of the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA), they plant native, resilient tress in communities throughout Anne Arundel County. Aptly called Tree Troopers, they are united in a common cause—generously volunteering their time and energy to tree restoration. And their efforts are definitely making an impact.
At the time of writing, Tree Troopers has planted 2,270 trees across 38 communities. Seventy-seven Tree Troopers currently participate in Replant Anne Arundel, which was launched in 2020. Partnerships with Anne Arundel County, the Helena Foundation, and the Chaney Foundation make the program possible. In addition, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay provides volunteers with the training necessary to undertake tree planting initiatives in their communities.
“Rich, Diane, and Stacy are outstanding Tree Troopers who help make our projects possible,” says Rob Pavlik, restoration technician, WSA. “They communicate with HOAs, homeowners, and other members of their communities, organize projects, find ways to get the community involved, plant the trees with community members, and help facilitate the growth of the newly planted trees with maintenance plans and watering routines. The dedication that Tree Troopers show to their communities (and to their trees) is a testament to their character as individuals and an inspiration to future cohorts of Tree Trooper trainees.”
Indeed, Hergenroeder, Hill, and Allen are committed to serving their communities. And although their decision to become Tree Troopers was ultimately influenced by their personal life experiences, each of them has an inspiring story to tell.
The Tree Guy
When Hergenroeder was seeking opportunities to protect the environment, his search led to WSA, which provided him with the skills he needed. WSA taught him how to identify resilient trees and shrubs that will survive for the next 30 years and soil types where they would thrive. He also learned how to plant trees to correct depth, how to mulch, and how to water the trees during their first few years.
Since Hergenroeder’s 45-year career as an environmental engineer was focused on industrial and commercial projects, becoming a Tree Trooper gave him a sense of returning to his youth. He enjoyed planting trees for the Boy Scouts and maintaining parks for the Department of the Interior’s Youth Conservation Corps. And he derived a great sense of satisfaction from digging and planting.
“It’s rewarding for me to watch the trees that I have planted grow,” says Hergenroeder, who lives in Pasadena. “You don’t just plant a tree and walk away from it. You take care of it. Planting trees is also a great way to plant a seed in people’s minds and raise awareness. Since I love to plant trees, I’m known as “the tree guy’ at church, and that is an unexpected pleasure.”
Connecting with Nature
Hill’s love of nature and her involvement in the University of Maryland Extension’s Maryland Master Naturalist Program sparked her interest in WSA. She wanted to find ways to experience and enjoy nature, and WSA was the perfect fit. As a Tree Trooper, she connects with her community in a meaningful way, spends time outdoors, and sees the tangible results of planting trees. Hill credits the program with teaching her about site evaluation, proper tree planting techniques, and correct placement of trees. Being a Tree Trooper also offers her the opportunity to meet like-minded people who are making a difference.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to plant trees and watch them grow,” says Hill, a stay-at-home mom who lives with her husband and two children in Crofton. “I enjoy being involved in the community and working with other people who truly appreciate nature. It’s also inspiring to see my kids develop an interest in the environment while learning about the importance of planting trees. I definitely encourage people to become Tree Troopers. It’s such a great opportunity, and I’d love to see more people get involved.”
A Sense of Community
Allen, who holds a degree in environmental science, wanted to pursue her interests in watershed protection and reforestation, but she was unable to commit to onsite classes at WSA. However, when the pandemic hit, training became virtual, which made it possible for her to participate. Becoming a Tree Trooper appealed to Allen because of her passion for reforestation. The loss of forests is a critical issue that must be addressed, and planting trees enables her to make an impact in the community by participating in a worthwhile effort that greatly benefits the environment.
“Being a Tree Trooper allows me to build a community, engage with others, share my concerns, and work with my neighbors,” says Allen, a special education teacher in Calvert County who lives with her two children in Holland Point. “Community support is so important because it provides a network and helps us realize that we don’t have to do this alone. We can make a difference by working together. And we are not just planting trees for us; we are paying it forward. We are planting trees for future generations.”
The actions of dedicated volunteers, such as Hergenroeder, Hill, and Allen, help protect the environment, and, hopefully, ensure a healthier planet. WSA can provide the tools necessary to instruct and guide prospective Tree Troopers on their journey to stewardship.
“WSA was founded to create capacity for environmental change within communities across Anne Arundel County,” says Suzanne Etgen, executive director, WSA. “Tree Troopers connect their communities with actions that are simple, but incredibly effective. Planting trees is one of the most impactful actions that we can take to improve communities, combat climate change, and increase the health of local waterways.”
For more information about Tree Troopers, Replant Anne Arundel, and WSA, visit aawsa.org.
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