Wood Working

As any gardener knows, weeds can not only be unsightly, but they can also take up space and access to nutrients that inhibit new growth. The same is true for trees. Dead ones take up room that could otherwise house new saplings.  So a group of Windsor Central Middle School students have started a multi-year project to assess the health of the trees behind the school.

“This will help determine if the tree population is too light, just enough, or too much,” said Agriculture teacher Bridget Quaranta.

Students in Mr. Dewey’s Technology and Outdoor Clubs, as well as Ag in the Classroom Horticulture students are measuring the trees on the hill behind the school. There are three plots of trees, covering about ¼ of an acre. Students are tagging and measuring the diameter of the trees. Students will return next year to see if any grew – indicating that a tree is, indeed, alive. 
 
Two children and an adult measuring a tree 

“I’m country, so I like being in the woods, in the mud,” said 7th grader Angelina Twitchell, who moved to Windsor from Virginia, where one of her favorite activities was riding four-wheelers. “In Tech, we usually just build stuff. So, it’s cool to be outside.”

“It’s amazing. I love the outdoors. Anything outdoors, I love to do,” said 7th grader Dustin Tonkin.

The students will send the data to the New York Forest Owner’s Association (NYFOA). According to NYFOA, the organization promotes the public understanding of the benefits derived through sound forest stewardship, including cleaner water, improved wildlife habitat, continued recreation opportunities, and the wood products essential to meet society's every day needs.

“It will be neat to have different kids come in. The hard work is this year, tagging all the trees. After that, you just have to measure,” said Mr. Dewey. 
 
A girl kneeling by a tree in the forest 

Tonkin plans on coming back to do that measuring.

“I helped start this, so why not help finish it?” said Tonkin.

Mr. Dewey also says that he is looking for a consulting forester to help the students enter contests with this project. 

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