Harpers Ferry Job Corps Students Build Tree Display for U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Exhibit
Harpers Ferry Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center carpentry students recently built two wooden tree displays that will be part of Monongahela National Forest’s interpretive exhibit accompanying the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it travels around West Virginia and surrounding states in November.
The project was led by student Antwan Davis-Mccleary Jr. and took about two weeks including both design and construction. Ron Hartle, lead carpentry instructor, designed the trees, and the students built them. A base was also built to support each tree, and both displays were sealed with a protective coating.
“The project build phase showed the students how important academic skills are while constructing projects, including reading, math, and following instructions on how to operate hand/power tools,” said Instructor Hartle, “The students are very proud of the project, as well as the knowledge they acquired and skills gained.”
When the 63-foot Norway spruce makes its way from West Virginia to Washington, D.C., communities will have opportunities to view the tree, learn more about the multiple-use mission of the USDA Forest Service, and share messages about what national forests mean to them on paper leaves that will hang from the branches of these displays.
Following the tree tour, the interactive exhibit will be used during conservation education programs in local schools. “The wooden trees will be used in various ways, including teaching about the importance of trees and their role in the environment and discussing the importance of forest management,” according to Amy Lovell, education specialist for Monongahela National Forest.
When the displays were delivered to the Forest, the students expressed how honored they were to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime project and are excited to see the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree when it goes on tour later in the fall.
“Monongahela National Forest is grateful for the partnership we have with the Harpers Ferry Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, in both the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project and beyond,” said 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Project Manager Amy Albright. “The students did a remarkable job of bringing the tree displays to life and should be very proud of their carpentry skills. Both the students and leadership at the Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center have embraced the opportunity to participate and support the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and we look forward to working with them more in the future.”
The Job Corps students who constructed the trees are also learning other skills, such as computer science, emergency dispatch, and wildland firefighting. Two students will soon travel to the Gila National Forest in New Mexico to get construction experience as the forest rehabs some fire housing.
Job Corps provides free career training and education for 16- through 24-year-olds. There are over 120 campuses across the country where students gain the experience needed to begin a career or apprenticeship, advance to higher education, or join the military.
Harpers Ferry Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in West Virginia is one of 24 centers known as Civilian Conservation Centers. The Forest Service operates these centers and encourage students to learn in nature and work to sustain and improve the land they live on. Learn more about the Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center at https://harpersferry.jobcorps.gov/.
Please join us in celebrating West Virginia’s contributions to the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative by following along at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
