• Article Photo. Brad, Tylilla, and Nick spread mulch around the Council Oak tree at Falter Arboretum and Gardens.
    Brad, Tylilla, and Nick spread mulch around the Council Oak tree at Falter Arboretum and Gardens.

By Kelli Beavers

AmeriCorps NCCC team Cedar 6 is currently assisting Taltree Arboretum and Gardens in their ecological restoration mission to maintain a healthy environment of native trees and plants in northwestern Indiana. The team is completing a variety of work during the course of this three-week project.

Cedar 6 is focusing on thinning forested areas throughout the 360-acre property to promote recreation and safety. Another task is to plant Japanese cherry blossoms in a portion of the property. Cottonwood, an invasive species, is being removed from a prairie that borders newly restored wetlands. During the first two weeks, the team is working to complete a concert stage to prepare for the arboretum’s upcoming summer concerts. On occasion, Cedar 6 has the pleasure of bottle-feeding baby goats that have recently been added to the children’s garden.

Cedar 6 has been enjoying time as a team through camping on arboretum grounds and exploring the Valparaiso and southern Lake Michigan area. The team hopes to complete a variety of volunteer projects to further give back to the Valparaiso area.