Planting Memorial Trees and Celebration Trees in West Virginia
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and the iconic Appalachian Mountains. Planting a tree here is a meaningful way to celebrate life’s milestones, honor loved ones, and contribute to the preservation of West Virginia’s natural beauty and ecological health. West Virginia’s forests cover nearly 80% of the state, making them a vital part of the local ecosystem and economy. These forests help regulate the climate, protect watersheds, and provide habitats for an array of wildlife. Tree planting in West Virginia supports reforestation efforts, combats the effects of deforestation, and enhances the state’s biodiversity.
Which Trees Grow in Monongahela National Forest?
The Monongahela National Forest is one of West Virginia’s most renowned natural treasures. Spanning nearly one million acres, it is a diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of native tree species. Some of the most common trees found here include:
Red Spruce (Picea rubens): A keystone species for the forest’s high-elevation ecosystems, providing critical habitat for native wildlife.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Known for its brilliant fall colors and contribution to the local maple syrup industry.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina): A valuable hardwood species that thrives in West Virginia’s forests.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera): West Virginia’s state tree, known for its tall, straight trunk and distinctive tulip-shaped flowers.
White Oak (Quercus alba): A foundational species that supports wildlife and is prized for its timber.
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): A shade-tolerant tree that plays a vital role in streamside ecosystems.
American Elm (Ulmus americana): Disease-resistant varieties thrive in urban areas, providing shade and improving air quality.
All of these native species play a key role in preserving the health of West Virginia’s rivers and streams. That includes some that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Forests in West Virginia are also homes for native wildlife, including black bears, wild turkeys, and salamanders.
Why Plant Trees in West Virginia
When you plant a tree in West Virginia, your contribution supports active reforestation and conservation projects in the state. These projects are designed to restore degraded lands, improve wildlife habitats, and ensure a sustainable future for West Virginia’s forests.
Legacy Coal Mine Reforestation
The Central Appalachian Region is no stranger to surface coal mining. Many of these areas have been reclaimed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. However, reforestation efforts were not an enforced part of this plan. As a result, many of the former surface mine areas in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia are now heavily populated with grass and shrubs at a density that won’t allow natural tree regeneration.
This project aims to give the trees a hand by reestablishing once-prevalent forest habitats to the region. This includes planting species such as red spruce, upland oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine. As these trees grow, they will provide habitat for small mammals and birds, including at-risk species like the northern goshawk and the West Virginia northern flying squirrel. The nearby headwaters of Shavers Fork and New River will also see the benefits of this planting, including reduced sedimentation, increased oxygen, and cooler waters for the region’s aquatic life.
Join us in preserving the Mountain State’s natural heritage. Plant a tree in West Virginia in memory of a loved one today and make a lasting impact on one of the most beautiful and biodiverse regions in the country.