Franklin County Technical School students Aiden Bailey (on tractor) and Joe Kirley taking part in the Millers River trail project. (Photo courtesy Franklin County Technical School) Franklin County Technical School students (front, from left) Ethan Poirier and Joe Kirley, and (back, from left) Alanna Winn and Reese Danek, worked on the project earlier this school year. (Photo courtesy Franklin County Technical School) Students worked on the trail system that runs along the Millers River. (Photo courtesy Franklin County Technical School)
TURNERS FALLS — Superintendent Richard Martin and Director of Career and Technical Education Matthew West are pleased to announce that students at the Franklin County Technical School recently completed a community project as part of the Millers Falls trail network.
Students in the school’s Landscaping & Horticulture program completed the project under the supervision of shop instructor Kurt Richardson. It represents the latest phase of the walking trail system that is located along the Millers River, which runs through the town of Millers Falls.
The students’ responsibilities were to layout the next section of the trail, clear underbrush, and assist in the installation of Triad soil stabilization. The installation consisted of hauling and spreading a stone base as well as Trap Rock Gravel as top surface along the trail.
The project was completed in June. Funding was provided by a Community Development Block Grant.
The project took a total of six months from the initial layout to completion. Students, primarily those in grade 10, spent approximately five days on site performing the work.
Representatives from Millers Falls approached Director West about the collaboration, and FCTS Landscaping & Horticulture students were then brought on board. It represents the latest project undertaken by FCTS students to benefit the surrounding area.
“The Millers Falls trail project was an excellent opportunity for our students to assist in the improvement of one of the communities we serve,” Director West said. “Offering hands-on, real-world experiences for our shop students is critical to our mission and we are very pleased with the outcome of this project. We’d like to give a special thanks to the FCTS Maintenance Department for making the project possible by assisting in equipment transportation.”
About Landscaping & Horticulture
The Landscaping & Horticulture program at Franklin County Technical School is designed to provide a diverse education in the horticultural field. Students are instructed in safety and are able to use tractors, loaders, forklifts, chainsaws as well as numerous pieces of turf management equipment. Students have the opportunity to study for the Massachusetts Hydraulics Engineer License, the Massachusetts Licensed Pesticides Applicator’s exams and to participate in the local FFA Chapter where they can compete in various career development events. Students also gain experience by assisting with FCTS facility projects and projects for municipal and non-profit groups. To learn more, click here.
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