Ellicott Creek RestoreCorps Live Stake Planting Event

Saturday, April 9, 2022 11:00 AM EDT to 1:00 PM EDT

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for our Ellicott Creek RestoreCorps Event, a single-day planting effort at Ellicott Creek Park!

This event improves the health of our shoreline through installation of dormant live stakes along Ellicott Creek! During this event, volunteers will be installing dormant live stakes along the shoreline of Ellicott Creek in Ellicott Creek Park.  Dormant live stakes (stakes) are cut branches from native plants that can grow into full sized trees and shrubs if they are installed properly.  As these plants grow, they will help reduce erosion, absorb excess nutrients, filter stormwater, and provide important habitat for birds and pollinators.  All these ecological services are incredibly important for maintaining the health and vitality of our waterways in Western New York. 

Volunteers will be working in groups of two to complete the day’s work.  Each group will be utilizing masonry hammers and hand tools to install 2-foot-long stakes along the shoreline.  Our goal is to install 155 stakes during this event which means our volunteers should be prepared to install approximately 10 stakes each within the 2-hour event duration.  We will be working right along the shoreline, so dress appropriately with waterproof boots as muddy conditions will be likely.  Volunteers should be able to walk on un-event ground and be able to kneel and bend as needed to accomplish the planting tasks.  If time and energy levels permit, a small group can also help with some stewardship tasks within a Waterkeeper shoreline restoration site after the stakes are installed.  This will include removing some invasive tree/shrub species from meadow areas using hand tools, such as loppers and/or hand pruners. 

We will start the day off with a planting demonstration and then split into 2 groups to plant dormant live stakes in different areas of the park.  We will initially convene in the parking lot off Ellicott Creek Road near the intersection with Niagara Falls Boulevard (near the kayak launch).  After a planting demonstration, half of the group will remain at the planting site near the kayak launch and the other half will walk to a shoreline restoration site located within the main park approximately 300 yards away. Please refer to the map below or click the link to view the meeting location for this event. 

(https://goo.gl/maps/Zr5MvYYrKDW1dV6a7) 

If you have any difficulties with the link, please reach out to Robert Coady (rcoady@bnwaterkeeper.org)

Click the registration button below to reserve your spot!

2546 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Safety Information 

BNW recognizes that the pandemic is still prevalent, and we appreciate and encourage volunteers to respect the health and safety of our staff and other event participants. Safety is our #1 priority with this and any event we host. All volunteers are expected to review and follow the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Guidance and Regulations related to COVID-19 and the Center for Disease Control Guidelines.

Below are measures to follow that will encourage the safety of our staff, volunteers, and attendees during all in-person events for 2022.

Before you go:

• If you or anyone in your household tested positive for COVID-19 or you have been exposed or in contact with someone who has tested positive within 5 days of the event, do not attend any Waterkeeper function or tour.

During the event:

• All volunteers and tour participants are expected to follow New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Guidance and Regulations related to COVID-19.

• Hand sanitizer will be provided. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible after the event.

By participating in any event with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper you acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk of exposure or infection that may accompany the activities you intend to perform. I release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from injury, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense of any kind related to COVID-19 that I may experience or incur in connection with my participation in volunteer or tour events/activities. I attest that I will not attend any in-person event hosted by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper unless I meet the safety measures listed above.

If you have any additional questions contact Robert Coady at rcoady@bnwaterkeeper.org or 716-852-7483 X19.

See you at the event!