NELSONVILLE — Tree planting volunteers are being recruited to help Wayne National Forest plant 1700 trees and shrubs on a 27-acre site near New Straitsville in Perry County.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters parking lot on US Hwy 33 near Nelsonville at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10.

The project is expected to be completed by 3 p.m. Please wear sturdy footwear (boots), bring work gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and water.

Volunteers can also meet at the site after 9:30 a.m. Take State Route 93 north out of New Straitsville approximately 1 mile to the parking area on the right side of the road (just before County Road 41-Rock Run Road to the west).

Or take State Route 93 south out of Shawnee approximately 1.5 miles just past County Road 41.

The volunteer planting effort is just one phase of the latest project called “Devastation to Destination,” an initiative to restore public lands after being impacted during the coal-mining era.

By planting wildlife-friendly plants, it will aid in soil stabilization, combat non-native invasive species, provide wildlife food and cover, and beautify the area, making it more attractive for public use in the future.

The forest hopes to also have a hiking trail loop, interpretative signs about the area’s history, and wildlife and bird-watching opportunities in the near future.

The public is invited to spend the day or even just a couple of hours.

For additional information, please contact Gary Chancey, Wayne National Forest Volunteer Coordinator at (740) 753-0862 or email at gchancey@fs.fed.us.