The Potomac Highlands Watershed School SCE Forum Projects 2008 - Jefferson HS, WV |
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The Plan. Plant trees to expand the "no mow" area around
the pond to take full advantage of the water that does pass through
the area. Working with Herb Peddicord, WV Service Forester, and
WV
Division of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program,
Cacapon Institute helped Jefferson obtain FREE TREES through a
Mountaineer Treeways Grant. As the trees grow they will provide
habitat for wildlife, and shade for the students. They will also
absorb
nutrients and further reduce sediment - two important pollutants
that must be controlled if we are going to save our local waters and
the Chesapeake Bay. The project was completed on May 5-6, 2008. First we obtained approval from Principal Paul E. Brown and Jefferson Counties Director of Facilities, Mr. Ralph Dinges. Then after detailed planning by Ms. Gipson, Ms. Marstiller and the students and staff (and two rained out days) our "Earth Day" tree planting started. On the first day, Vocational Agriculture students marked where the trees would be planted. Using a 30' long loop of string with marks at 10' intervals the students created a triangle. By "leap-froging" with the triangle, passing one corner over the opposite side, the students marked the ground in a random looking pattern that ensured the trees were at least 10' apart. We also unloaded three yards of mulch, and sorted and watered the trees in preparation for the planting. On the second day all the 9th graders, taking turns, had a chance to help with the tree planting. You can see from the photos below the students learned four important things about planting trees.
Jefferson High School 9th Grade Complex will become a middle school in June 2008 but several of the teachers will remain at the facility. They have plans, and have submitted a grant, to excavate some of the "wetland" area and install a clay or fabric liner. If successful, in a portion of the lowest area of the sediment pond, the bottom will be impervious. That means water will not be able to sink into the ground at the bottom so water will remain much longer. We were careful to not plant trees where the excavation will occur and look forward to a real wetland being established. The Journal (Martinsburg, WV) staff writer Erik M. Anderson covered the event and the story can be see here. Here are a few pictures. |