Students in a Gilmer High School construction class have helped ensure that proper composting will be done at the county library’s educational garden.
A recent class project found students in Dennis Wilson’s construction class building a new compost bin for the garden located on the Gilmer County Library campus.
Tom Thrasher, a retired teacher and helper of the local Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, said a new compost bin has been needed at the site maintained by the local Master Gardeners for some time.
“As (Gilmer Master Gardener) Julie Keller said, ‘The old one was turning into compost itself,’” said Thrasher, who taught special education classes at Gilmer Middle School for several years.
The new bin was taken on as a class project after Thrasher reached out to Wilson.
“After seeing the cost of material, we came up with the idea of building it out of pallets. They brought in several, and the students broke them down and built what they wanted,” Wilson said.
Thrasher said the result is a “classic, sturdy three-bay compost bin made almost entirely from donated materials.”
Thrasher said the three bin compartments are used to advance the composting process, which starts with decaying organic matter like vegetables and leaves and ends with nutrient-rich composted soil for plants. The new unit is larger and more secure than its predecessor, he noted.
Present and past construction students at the high school are no strangers to doing classwork that helps others in the community. Other class projects have included a storage building for the Ellijay Elementary School Special Education Department, picnic tables for the Lions Club used at the Apple Festival and bird watching benches, also on the library campus.
“I’m just so pleased with those kids and what they do,” said Thrasher.
Wilson said his students have also made many picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, storage buildings and other items for local residents.
“Two of the classes just finished replacing steps, treads and railings for the band podium on the practice field. The Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety class is currently working on birdhouses for the nursing home. They will be used as a painting activity for the residents and will then be hung up outside,” he added.
Nicknamed the DIG (Discover, Inspire, Grow), the educational garden is used for seasonal plantings showcasing gardening techniques recommended by the UGA College of Environmental and Agricultural Science, to test new plants and growing ideas and to provide a place for relaxation and enjoyment, according to the Master Gardeners webpage.
Gilmer County Library manager Alex Thomerson expressed appreciation for the new compost bin and work done by the construction class and Master Gardeners.
The library will host a socially-distanced storytime in the garden area Wednesday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m., Thomerson noted.
Storytime is for families with children of all ages, and patrons can call the library at 706-635-4528 to join.