The sun broke through once in awhile, but the gray day didn’t deter a group of volunteers who installed a primary supply line from the well to the center of the complex on Saturday, March 22nd.

Tim LeClaire (right) surveys the nearly 500-foot trench he dug with a heavy, balky trencher. A handful of volunteers installed a four-inch line to replace the leaky fire hoses used in the past, allowing for less labor-intensive watering using our above-ground irrigator. We are still raising money to install power at the complex, a new electric motor, underground irrigation lines and new turf.

Facilities director Chad Cooper supervised Paul Gruber; Tom Staecker; Marci and Calvin Haack; Walter, Linda, Kwin and Keaton Walker; Christian and Lucas Millman; Mark, Quinn and Carson True and other volunteers who worked on the pump shed, cleared downed tree branches, reseeded some areas and lined the fields.

In the coming months, we’ll be continuing improvements including the start of a pilot seeding project with a field development company. We’re also looking for some gardeners to help us spruce up the entrance to the complex. Volunteer coordinator Cheryll Polley will also be calling for volunteers to sign up for times to run the irrigation system and mow the fields.