News : The Lorax now watches over outdoor classroom; NCCC members continue work

Spruce and Hicktory unit members helped with a variety of projects at the outdoor classroom.

The Lorax now stands watch over the outdoor classroom at the Benton County Nature Center.

Christopher Allison sands a branch to be used for a display at the Nature Center.

FEMA-Corps member Maxine Dennis of Washington applies sealant to a giant log near the Nature Center.

Those who remember the Dr. Seuss book (or the recent movie) "The Lorax" will quickly recognize the bright orange color and the familiar frown of the creature bemoaning the loss of the last of the trees. That figure -- created by chainsaw artist Brian Parr -- no stands watch over the outdoor classroom under construction outside of the Benton County Nature Center.

NCCC members from the new Hickory and Spruce teams of the FEMA-Corps Unit spent the day helping to build a gravel walking path, apply protecting finishes to the giant look, and doing other work to build and preserve the facility.

Parr is also busy at that area this week, carving another tree into the shape of a blue heron.