Many neighbors have expressed interest in working inside the Belser Arboretum and you now have several good opportunities. Pat Decoursey, the manager, has two projects going that she really needs help with.


1. Pat has many special trees that need to be planted throughout the arboretum this month before spring really hits. She mainly needs help digging holes -- with a few helpers she can accomplish a lot pretty quickly! So we have set two dates for folks to come out and help, one weekday, and one weekend day:

Tuesday, February 12th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 16th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

You DO NOT have to work the whole day -- just come whenever you can and give as much time as you are able -- any amount of help is welcome. Typically the Bloomwood gate will be open, but Wilmot may be open as well. No need to bring anything -- Pat has lots of tools and gloves, but you may want to bring your own work gloves if you have them.

2. Pat is working on rebuilding the dam for the cypress swamp. She is working on this and general clearing on Thursdays. If you would like to help with this project, please come by on any Thursday between about 9 and 3.

3. If none of the suggested days suit but you want to help, please just call or email her and work out a time and day. Her home phone is 776-5204 and her email is dcoursey@bio.sc.edu. Or do both and give her some time to respond; she spends a LOT of time at the arboretum.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give this spring! Feel free to call me with any questions, too.

Valerie Marcil
738-0682