We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer now or in the future, please fill out the form below under "Volunteer" and we will contact you when an opportunity arises. At the Office Manager's discretion, memberships may be awarded to anyone who volunteers with the HRAA.
Conservation, Education & Community Interaction since 1977
TREES PLEASE!!
Let's learn about some native trees!
Forested Wetlands
For forested wetlands, trees provide a multitude of benefits. Their overhanging limbs provide lots of shade for fish that prefer cooler water as well as protection from predatory birds over head. Trees growing close to the banks prevent the erosion of terrestrial habitat necessary for the functioning of the wetland as well.
Often times, excess nutrients from natural, agricultural, and urban sources (lawns) will flow into wetlands. Though this may seem beneficial, too many nitrates and phosphates will cause plant matter and algae to grow uncontrollably. The bacteria that consumes and breaks down all of the dead organic material uses the dissolved oxygen in the water, suffocating species such as fish that rely on it to breath. This area in a wetland with decreased dissolved oxygen is commonly referred to as a “Dead Zone”.