Whiting trees get a much-need pruning from RVTC

From left, instructor John Harmer, with Brennan Douglass, Dillan Visscher, Mike Maly and Hunter Roys at the Whiting Library. Click photo to enlarge.

Students from the River Valley Technical Center’s Horticulture and Natural Resources program have trimmed the trees in front of the Whiting Library. Library trustee Suzy Forlie had contacted the technical center, located in Springfield, to see if its horticulture students would be interested in the work.

So on Tuesday, April 29, teacher John Harmer and four students showed up ready to work. Harmer said, “Community projects give the students the opportunity to practice the skills they’re learning in the Horticulture and Natural Resources program and get real-world experience.”

The students put their skills to good use giving the overgrown crabapple trees at the Whiting the attention they needed.

Students and instructor were professionally suited up, complete with mandatory hardhats and climbing apparatus for those making their way to the upper limbs. Within two hours, the work was completed and the neglected trees took on a new life. Dillan Visscher, a senior at Springfield High School and RVTC horticulture student, said, “Now people get to see our work.” Other students participating were: Brennan Douglass, a senior at Bellows Falls High School; Mike Maly, a senior at Green Mountain High School; and Hunter Roys, a junior at Springfield High School.