Thanks to the Fauquier & Loudoun Garden Club, and to the wisdom and stewardship of the Garden Club of America, many native trees have been planted on the Goose Creek Bridge property to contribute to the beauty of a truly important historic site.

In 2013, the Garden Club of America will be 100 years old.

As a tribute to their centennial, GCA asked its members to create a tree project to serve their communities. The Fauquier & Loudoun Garden Club decided to use their energy and resources to beautify the property at Goose Creek Bridge.

"Since 1976, the nation's centennial, the Fauquier & Loudoun Garden Club has been the custodian of the Goose Creek Bridge," Bridge Chairman Anne MacLeod, explained. "The bridge is on the border of Fauquier and Loudoun counties, so it makes perfect sense for our garden club to be the steward. It was built in Thomas Jefferson's time and it deserves our care."

The property was in a disastrous state when the FLGC took over as its guardian, but everyone helped clean up the trash, whether it required moving old refrigerators or simply picking up a seemingly endless supply of paper, aluminum or glass debris.

"When we got it all shaped up, we needed money to restore it," continued MacLeod. "With many generous donors, we were able to restore it completely and build a scenic overlook and driveway. People from all over the world sign the guestbook and I never drive past the bridge without seeing someone parked at the overlook."

Anne has worked on the bridge project since its inception, and she was thrilled that several stands of native trees would be planted on the property to honor the GCA's centennial.

According to Kaye Nazarian of the FLGC, former Senator John Warner was very helpful by ensuring that the Club be placed in charge of the property around Goose Creek Bridge.

"Senator Warner was wonderful and kind to help formalize our commitment to the bridge, she added.

But many people have given invaluable service in the name of Goose Creek Bridge.

"We couldn't have restored the property without the help of so many," Kaye emphasized, "but two have been true stewards: Tom Armstrong of Bartlett's who has provided much needed services and advice, and John Pennington of Monomoy who took care of all the roads. Both these gentlemen and their company's deserve the gratitude of every citizen in our two counties. They have been wonderful."

In addition to many other services, Armstrong cut out the weedy and invasive Ailanthus trees that were taking over the land. They are not native and they compromise the growth of native trees. They are, however, the focus of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

"Quite simply, we could not keep the property as it should be without the donation of services like these," Kaye concluded.

Because there was a Civil War battle at Goose Creek Bridge, it is an important site for re-enactors and historians and that equates with a need for constant care. Since the overlook was finished, many more tourists and students visit the Bridge, adding to the importance of it being kept in good order.

Linda Newton, who chairs the Horticulture Committee for FLGC described the very careful analysis they conducted before deciding what trees to plant for the GCA's centennial.

"We decided to plant trees native to the Piedmont region that are not widely noticed but that contribute beauty to the region.

"We planted the Virginia Fringe Tree, the Service Berry and the Hornbeam, also known as Iron Wood because its trunks look like human muscles," Linda said.

"We also chose the Tupelo or Black Gum for its fiery Fall colors, the White Oak for its majesty and the American Holly.

"We will add other trees as the years go by, but we have to be realistic about how many we plant at one time because we must water them regularly for their first few years, and even with water bags, it is a lot of work to make sure they thrive."

Although they want to plant in the bottomland, several different experiments with plantings have not yet been successful.

All the trees that have been planted have been fenced to protect them from deer.

"It's been a lot of work, but a tremendous pleasure to help protect Goose Creek Bridge and its property," said Anne MacLeod. "On Memorial Day weekend we have both infantry and cavalry re-enactors at Goose Creek Bridge, and there are historians to explain the area's significance to the visitors who come specially for that event.

"I believe the Goose Creek Bridge and its surrounding property provide a marvelous service to our community."

To make a donation to the Save the Bridge Fund, simply send your check to PO Box 98, Upperville, VA 20185.