L-R Andrew Darby, Jill Haasch, and Cam Nicholas; Jill Haasch
is a professor at GSC and advisor of Alpha Theta Zi sorority
By Drew Moody
Rain was steady throughout Tuesday morning as the Glenville State College Land Resources Department worked to complete the first phase of reclamation at Charleston's Yeager Airport.
Portions of the 33-degree slope and surrounding areas have a stark, barren look not unlike a moon-scape.
A 1,000-foot runway extension necessitated moving millions of tons of fill; creating a tear in the picturesque scenery along the interstate just north of downtown.
A variety of trees were planted. Some were planted for the nuts they will someday create; others were for stabilization and to enhance attracting wildlife back to the area. Black locust and redbud seeds were hydro-seeded in other areas.
(L) Justin Nottingham ties up tree shelter. (R) Students Corey
Hoover and Carrie Harpold decide where to locate their next row
of seedlings. Carrie is a member of Alpha Theta Zi sorority.
It was GSC's fourth trip to work at the site. Tree shelters were put on the red oak and Chinese chestnuts seedlings. The shelters act as both a miniature greenhouse for the seedlings and prevent deer from eating the young trees.
"We're planning on coming back this fall and doing a count to see what's survived from this planting and also what has sprouted from the other seeds that's been hydro-seeded," said Rick Sypolt, land resources chairman.
About 32 students including members of the Alpha Theta Zi sorority and their advisor, professor Jill Haasch, were among the tree planters.
Glenville State College's land resources department teamed up with Yeager Airport last fall to help facilitate reclaiming the area. The initial focus of GSC's effort is 20-acres most visible from the interstate area.
Students Chase Ballard and Lauren Fissel.
Lauren is a member of Alpha Theta Zi sorority.
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