WLU biology, ecology students plant trees in Wheeling, campus
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WEST LIBERTY -- West Liberty University students are adding to the ecology of the Ohio Valley by planting trees in several spots.
Students in James Wood's biology and ecology classes already have planted trees along a portion of Heritage Trail this past Saturday and will add more near Campbell Hall on the WLU campus from 1-5 p.m. Friday.
"The goal is to increase educational opportunities on campus, while making campus more visually attractive and promoting conservation," Wood said. This round of tree planting will support the planting event last fall when over 40 native trees were planted by students during a service project."
The purchase of the trees was made possible thanks to a grant obtained by West Virginia University Agricultural Extension Agent and Wheeling resident Karen Cox.
"These trees will add beauty to this public green space in the city, supporting birds and other pollinators while also providing shade for trail users in the height of summer heat," said Wood. "Adding trees along the trail makes it better for everyone."
The WLU students' work also branched out this past Sunday, when they partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in addition to WVU Extension to work on the National Wildlife Refuge at the northern tip of Wheeling Island.
"The Wildlife Refuge is such a great resource for the public and for wildlife. It offers beautiful views of the river and is a great place to go bird watching close to downtown," said Wood. "We are pleased to be a part of improving Wheeling's public spaces."
The outreach and service projects also provide WLU students with a hands-on look at careers in natural resources. Cox and U.S. Fish and Wildlife representative Elian Barr spoke with students about working to protect and restore natural areas and educating the public about managing endangered species and invasive exotic plants.