Unicoi County ECD leads 1,400-tree restoration along Nolichucky Riverbank

Unicoi County Economic and Community Development has completed a major tree planting and riverbank restoration project along the Nolichucky River, marking a significant milestone in the county's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Funded through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Community Tree Planting Program, the project established more than 1,400 trees along a stretch of riverbank near Blue Ridge Paddling and Riverview Baptist Church that was severely damaged when floodwaters devastated the area in September 2024.The state-funded community tree planting initiative brought together volunteers, students and state partners to work toward stabilizing soils and restoring Erwin's tree canopy The project was carried out across two organized volunteer days, during which about 30 community volunteers planted 1,400 live stakes and bare root trees along the riverbank. Community members from across the county showed up to help, with contributions from the Nolichucky Restoration Project, Unicoi County High School's Students Against Drunk Driving and FFA chapters, and Keeping the Valley Beautiful. An additional 30 large-diameter, more mature trees were also planted by the bank, selected for their established root systems and greater likelihood of survival as they work immediately to anchor and stabilize the flood-damaged soils. Visible from Interstate 26, the newly planted stretch of trees now stands as a powerful symbol of healing and renewal in what was once the epicenter of the disaster. As part of the broader initiative, Unicoi County ECD also oversaw the planting of 16 trees in downtown Erwin and the removal of dead and dying trees throughout the area, further enhancing the community's appearance and sense of place as recovery efforts continue. State foresters and University of Tennessee Extension personnel played a key collaborative role in the project, helping select resilient, native species suited to the riverbank environment, training volunteers on proper planting techniques, and supporting volunteer coordination throughout the effort. Unicoi County's Economic Development Director Austin Finch described this project's impacts as more than conservation. "What makes this project so meaningful is that these trees symbolize something much bigger than landscaping or restoration work," Finch said. "Less than two years ago, this riverbank was covered in destruction and debris from Hurricane Helene." He added, "Today, we are planting new life back into the heart of our community. Seeing Unicoi County come this far in such a short time is incredible. These trees represent resilience, renewal, and the final touches on a recovery effort that has brought our community back to life." Aisling Hagan, project manager for Unicoi County ECD, echoed Finch's sentiment. "Watching volunteers come out and help restore this riverbank is incredibly meaningful," Hagan said. "What was once a reminder of devastation is now becoming a place of rejuvenation. This project is just the beginning." The work is not finished. Unicoi County ECD plans to continue riverbank restoration efforts next fall, expanding the planting to additional stretches of the Nolichucky River. The ongoing initiative aims to stabilize soils, slow stormwater runoff and restore the tree canopy that was lost, helping protect the river corridor from erosion while revitalizing one of the community's most cherished natural assets.