Take a drive down MacDonough Drive in Vergennes, VT and you’ll surely pass through the Northlands Job Corps Center’s campus. On either side of the road, you’ll see the historical buildings; many of which are brick and trees of various sizes, heights, and species. Tree species throughout the Northlands campus are on par with those throughout Addison County, Vermont.

In June the weather conditions in Vermont were dry and it was evident that rain was needed as grass appeared brown and leaves looked dry and cracked. In passing, I’d hear people wishing for rain. Throughout July it has rained off and on. There hasn’t been a shortage of rain, thunderstorms, and some downpours.

Early last week on Tuesday night there was a storm with intense rain, thunder, and wind. A Boxelder tree fell. Pieces were strewn on the nearby grass, and the majority of the tree was on the ground. Thankfully the fallen tree was not in the road and landed on the lawn.

On Wednesday morning when the storm had calmed down the Urban Forestry class and their instructor started taking care of the fallen tree. Urban Forestry Instructor Nicholas Garty and student Nyasia Mclean got geared up in required safety gear and started chainsawing pieces of the tree.

A falling tree is always sad as it provided the campus with shade and beauty for those passing by. But it gave the Urban Forestry class a learning opportunity to further their skills in using chain saws, various equipment, and experience hands-on tree matinence.  This shows how a falling tree can be a learning experience for tradesmen and tradeswomen to hone in on their trade skills and care for their campus!

When asked about her experience with the fallen down tree, Nyasia Mclean replied “Everything is what you make of it. “  Nyasia took full advantage of this learning experience.

A big thank you to Urban Forestry for cleaning up the downed Boxelder tree, their positive attitudes, and their willingness to speak about their experience.