HARRISON — Volunteers are needed to plant 1,800 trees and shrubs in Moon Valley.

The Western Foothills Land Trust purchased the 14-acre retired sand pit, known as Moon Valley, in 2013 with financial support from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program. The trust is now attempting to restore the land to its natural vegetation.

Volunteers are being asked to meet Friday, June 6, at the Moon Valley Conservation Area, located off Plains Road about two-tenths of a mile south of Route 117 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Trust has partnered with Boyle Associates, an environmental consulting firm, to restore the retired sand pit parcel that was last used as a sand pit in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

Some work has already begun on site, including earthwork by R. J. Grondin and Sons, and soil enhancement using mill plume from Jay. Specific grass seeding with straw mulch is being used on the wetlands. Dassler said once the plantings are established, a walking/nature trail will be created.

The Moon Valley parcel, one of the many Maine gravel pits identified by environmentalists as posing threats to nearby waterways, includes 390 feet of Crooked River frontage. In addition to purchasing the parcel, the funded project includes the creation of 2.7 acres of freshwater wetlands and enhancing 1.4 acres of emergent wetlands and upland buffer with a buffer of 4.9 preserved acres.

The Crooked River Watershed has been a conservation focus of the Land Trust for several years because of the river’s role as a significant fishery and drinking water source.

Volunteers should wear water-resistant shoes and bring water, a snack, a small spade or trowel and bug and sun protection. The event will be held in light rain or shine. Dogs should not be on site at this time.

Any school group, service organization or individual interested in helping with trail work and tree planting on site next fall should contact Dassler at [email protected], or at 739-2124.

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