How do Trees effect the Chesapeake Bay?
The Bay and the land that make up it’s watershed are expected to receive $50 million in funds from the federal government this fall; which means more help for tree planting too!
So how exactly do trees effect the Chesapeake Bay?
It’s no new find that trees in Maryland effect the Chesapeake Bay because our state as well as parts of 5 others (DE, NY, PA, VA, WV) and DC make up what is called the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This means that more than 100,000 streams or rivers flow into the bay from these areas and that their trees have a direct connection with these waterways which eventually connect back to the bay.
A big tree within the Chesapeake Bay watershed can eliminate 5,000 gallons of storm water runoff (which can contain pesticides, gasoline and other pollution) that would normally flow into the streams and rivers that flow back to the Chesapeake Bay.
Of course trees planted directly along the bank of the Chesapeake Bay or one of its tributaries have an even more important role. They protect the soil from eroding with their roots as well as the protect with their leaves, by softening the rain and allowing smaller plants to grow – creating even more protection from erosion! The trees’ roots filter the rainwater and their leaves filter dust, smoke and pollen. They can also offer shelter to fish within roots that are along the banks.
Sources:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.trails02nov02,0,5378720.story
http://weblogs.marylandweather.com/2009/05/pretty_view_of_the_chesapeake.html
http://www.hometownglenburnie.com/news/mdgazette/2009/04/15-13/Ask+a+scientist.html
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/wshed.htm