TOWNE SALUTE
Richard Hergenroeder, Diane Hill, Stacy Allen Tree Troopers, Watershed Stewards Academy
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By Lisa A. Lewis
erhaps “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,
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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.
