On
October 26, 2012, Musselman High School’s WET Club planted 12 native
shade trees through WV Project CommuniTree. This was part of a
larger event on the same date to plant 12 trees, install two
bioswales, reseed a large area of exposed ground, install and plant
a raised bed, and assemble three hydroponic units. Each group had
its own student leader and adult volunteer. There were 53 student
volunteers in all and six adults: Herb Peddicord, Neil Gilles, Frank
Rogers, David Koritko, Deb Stevens, and Jane Barvir. Herb Peddicord
lead the tree team. Jane supervised the seeding team; Frank and
Neil supervised the bioswale teams. Deb Stevens circulated among
the groups.
The twelve trees were planted near the band
field, near the entrance to the ban
d
room. One tree replaced a tree along the sidewalk on the south side
of the School adjacent to the student parking lot.
The weather was clear and unseasonably warm.
Hurricane Sandy blew through the area on the following Monday night
resulting in a huge volume of rain. Some of the hay covering the
area in the back reseeded was disturbed and several trees had to be
straightened.
These trees are part of the overall maintenance
program; students and the maintenance staff have committed to annual
mulching, removal of the stakes after one year, trimming, and
watering as necessary.
A note from the project leader, science teacher
Deb Stevens:
“My favorite part was the satisfaction of
completion and improving the campus. Trees instantly add value.
The areas addressed are muddy and marshy. These trees begin
capturing excess storm water runoff and excess nutrients
immediately. The trees just look great!”
