Pruning and Planting Day is Saturday

 “This is the second of a series of seasonal volunteer work days we've hosted,” said Lucinda Mays, CSC public horticulturist. “We benefit from the help of the community to maintain the campus arboretum to its full potential and we want to give back to the community through 'learn and do' days like what we have planned for April 10. This event helps people learn how to take care of their trees and shrubs at home and helps the college begin preparation for celebrating Chadron State’s 100th anniversary in 2011. Our goal is to plant 100 trees in honor of CSC’s 100 years.  We will plant the first trees toward that goal at this work day.”

Doak Nickerson, district forester of the Nebraska State Forestry, will provide the tree pruning demonstration and Mays will lead the demonstration on shrub pruning. 

Work days are planned for each season throughout the year to provide the opportunity for community members to learn more about working with plants of the high plains and landscape gardening techniques. Each work day begins with a mini-lesson and demonstration of the work to be done and is followed by up to two hours of work activities. Future sessions will include instruction and work days for water saving irrigation techniques and learning which plants thrive in the high plains and how to care for them. 

“These are family friendly activities, so we encourage volunteers of all ages. We hope folks will come for all or part of the day, and we commit to end promptly at noon,” says Mays.

Volunteers are asked to bring what they have of lopping shears, hand pruners, pruning saws, garden spades and rakes. People are reminded to dress for the weather and wear gloves, hat and bring your own drinking water. Snacks will be provided. April 17, 2010 is set as a weather back up date if necessary. For more information contact Mays at 308-430-4186.