Work rooted in the future: conserving the Willowemoc

By planting 250 trees

By Manor Ink Staff

On a sunny Sunday morning, April 12, the banks of the Willowemoc in Roscoe came alive – not with anglers casting lines, but with neighbors, families and conservationists planting the future.

More than 45 volunteers gathered along Cottage Street to place 250 native trees into the soil. The effort marked the culmination of a multi-year shoreline restoration project led by Trout Unlimited and its local partners.

“It’s about more than just planting trees,” said Jesse Vadala, who organized the project. “We’re restoring the health of the river system in a way that benefits both the environment and the community.”

The newly planted Red Osier Dogwoods and Silky Willows will help stabilize the riverbank. Their roots will help hold soil in place, reduce erosion and slow the movement of water during storms – key steps in addressing the persistent flooding that has affected the Riverside Park area.

The planting also represents a strategic push against invasive species, particularly Japanese knotweed, which has long threatened native ecosystems along the Willowemoc. By establishing hardy native plants, organizers hope to tip the balance back in favor of the river’s natural biodiversity.

The work is part of a broader effort to restore what conservationists call “riparian corridors” – the vegetated areas alongside rivers and streams that are essential to healthy waterways. Trees and shrubs provide shade that cools water temperatures during summer months, while their root systems help filter sediment and runoff. Both are vital for sustaining the trout populations that make the Beaverkill a legendary destination for anglers.

Support for the project came from a wide range of local and regional partners, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, and leaders from the Town of Rockland. Supervisor Rob Eggleton and Planning Board Chair Jennifer Grossman were among those lending support, alongside Laura Colangelo of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.

Volunteers from the Beamoc Chapter of Trout Unlimited turned out in force – fittingly, the same weekend the chapter celebrated its official relaunch.

The scene along the river reflected something deeper than a single day’s work. Children dug holes alongside longtime residents. Experienced conservationists worked shoulder-to-shoulder with first-time volunteers. Each tree planted represented both an immediate act of stewardship and a long-term investment in the health of the Willowemoc.