Incoming CSC students plant trees on Chadron's C Hill

Led by college horticulturist Lucinda Mays, the project was one of Chadron State’s orientation activities.

More than two dozen ponderosa pine seedlings were planted in just over an hour by about 100 students. It was the hill’s first planting since the fires.

“I was quite pleased with how many showed up,” Mays said. “It was a voluntary activity, so it was nice to see so many students take an interest in it.”

Before trekking up the hill on the near 100-degree day, each student was given a bottle of water. Mays told the students to drink three-fourths of the bottle, but to give the remainder to the tree they were planting.

A small metal plaque, which signifies the “class of 2011’s” role in the planting is being permanently placed near the trees.

Before starting the project, Mays explained the damage caused by the wildfires of 2006 and how close the campus came to destruction. She also told of the efforts to restore the trees.

“What you’re doing today is creating a legacy for the community and yourselves,” Mays said to the group. “It doesn’t take very long for you to do it, but it has a long-term impact.”

Amanda Nipp, CSC orientation coordinator, said the idea for the tree planting came from CSC President Janie Park, who was not only interested in ways to recover the hillside, but wanted a means for CSC students to bond.

Earlier this year, Chadron High School juniors Andrea Franklin, Alaina Jackson, Trina Kuhnel and Joslyn Young began making preparations for the C Hill plantings as part of their Girl Scouts Gold Award project. Their progress includes assisting with the installation of the water line that will irrigate each tree once a week. The girls will join Mays on Tuesday to plant more trees.