Watauga College becomes the largest group to visit and work at Mountain Mission Farms.
A beautiful day offered almost 140 Watauga College students and staff an opportunity to make a difference and perhaps see life a little differently.
The focus was on the
agricultural aspects of the project. Three groups split up to assist in clearing and
the preparation of areas for planting. The first group manned the ridge line which
will become the site of the future orchard. Christoff den Biggelaar directed the
team in measuring the locations for apple tree planting. Digging holes for the apple
trees that will be planted next spring, the loosened the soil and then mixed in lime and
topsoil and refilled. Places for more than fifty trees were prepared.
The second group descended on
the newly terraced planting area that will be filled with blueberry plants and grape
vines. They cleaned the area of rocks, roots, wood, and other debris. Over 250
blueberry plants are planned to be planted in early November. Over a 1,000 pounds of
brush and debris was piled to be burned later.
It was backbreaking work, but
with so many students helping, the job was quickly done.
Richard Carp directs students
in the land preparation.
David Huntley led the third
group that cut down a large number of dead trees and cleared some thick, heavy
undergrowth. It took a lot a lot of energy to clear the tangled mess of dead branches and
vines. The area cleared was on the south side of the terraces and will help allow
more easy access to the bottomland recreation and planting areas. Over a cord
of wood was saved to be used as fuel.
Almost two acres of land were
cleared and prepared.
The day ended with a dip in the New River and a great meal from Woodland's Barbecue.
Our special thanks to the many staff members who worked so hard to plan and make this day happen. It was an enormous undertaking and it has made a significant difference in the long range plans of Mountain Mission Farms.
Working
together to make a difference in this world!
