Working with Memorial Park Conservancy Forestry Supervisor Danny Walton<\/a>, James and his volunteers harvested over 150 willow saplings from another part of the park and pounded them by hand into a sandy embankment. As part of his project, James studied willows, learning willow growth, harvesting techniques, site location and how to place the stakes.<\/p>\n Nature\u2019s Engineering, Vital Services, Vital Medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n Willows grow naturally on Buffalo Bayou, planted there in good time for good reason (bank stabilization, among other things). This is part of nature\u2019s ancient engineering and landscaping program. Willows, like many plants, contain a growth hormone, Gibberellic acid<\/a>, which is also produced commercially to stimulate plant root growth. So willows grow well without any help\u2014except perhaps for the beavers who come along to prune the branches, creating denser growth<\/a>. Yes, we have beaver providing that essential service on Buffalo Bayou<\/a>.<\/p>\n In addition, willows (salix<\/em>)<\/a> contain salicin, which produces salicylic acid<\/a>, known to us as aspirin<\/a>, considered one of the world\u2019s essential medicines<\/a>. Here is more info on the benefits of willows from Foraging Texas<\/a>.<\/p>\n A Photo Update<\/strong><\/p>\n James’ Eagle Scout advisor was Save Buffalo Bayou board member Janice Walden<\/a>, who is also a paddling program leader for Troop 55<\/a> and a co-founder of Friends of Don Greene and the Don Greene Nature Park<\/a>. Recently she went out to check on the progress of the young willows. \u201cAll the willows have taken root and are doing well,\u201d she reported.<\/p>\n
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