Going Native along the Canal

Earlier this fall, volunteers gathered for what has become an annual tradition along the Canal – the Friends of the Manayunk Canal “Trunks for the Yunk” Tree Planting Party. This year’s party focused on a steeply graded section along the Canal Towpath between Green Lane and Leverington Avenue. About 15 volunteers showed up to get down and dirty, planting almost 100 plants. Mother Nature even cooperated by holding off on raining until everything was in the ground and ready to be watered!

“Trunks for the Yunk” focuses on removing invasive species of plants and planting native species. Native plants are important to provide habitat for animals. The plantings also catch and absorb rainwater before it goes into the Canal and River, helping create a healthier watershed. On the plant list this time around were fothergilla, witchhazel, viburnum, hydrangea Annabelle, and moss phlox.

The event was a cooperative effort of the Friends of the Manayunk Canal (www.manayunkcanal.org) and the Schuylkill Project. Afterwards, the Manayunk Brewery thanked the volunteers for all their hard work with complimentary appetizers and drink specials, also an annual tradition!