Orchard springs up at Finger Lake

Valley Life editor

If an apple a day helps keep the doctor away, students at Finger Lake Elementary School don't have to worry about too many appointments.

The fifth-graders at Finger Lake turned a hillside into an apple orchard last week, planting nearly 30 trees with help from Matt Weaver of the U.S. Department of Forestry.

"We had to learn a lot of math and a lot of other stuff before we could plant them," said Carlee Nufer. "We learned how to measure areas; we had to mark the areas with flags and things like that."

Each student had a partner, and both names were written on a rock that rests at the base of each tree.

Nufer's partner was Matrika Kitchen, and she said they even decided to name their tree.

"We named it Kim for Kim Possible," Kitchen said.

Under Weaver's watchful eyes, the students dug holes about two feet wide and 18 inches deep. Special attention had to be paid to the roots, students said.

"You have to be careful to make sure you don't hurt the root collar," said Wes Boll-Lund. "Then, you fill the hole halfway with water."

The result was a muddy mess, but a valuable learning experience nonetheless.

"The get to see the math and science in real life," said Robin Howell of Finger Lake Elementary School. "Look at the smiles on these kids faces. They're loving it."

Howell said grants and donations helped pay for the project.