Over the last two Fridays, about a dozen North Lenoir High School students and their instructor helped improve the grounds of a local historical attraction.
Erin Berg, a teacher at North Lenoir, and her students converged on the grounds of the CSS Neuse II on April 26 to prune bushes and generally enhance the existing landscaping. A week later, they returned to replace a live oak tree in the memorial garden in memory of Master Boat Builder, Alton Stapleford, one of the principal forces behind the Neuse II.
Eight hours of service went into this landscaping technology class project.
The materials were paid for with funds provided by the NLHS FFA Alumni Association. Berg, along with past North Lenoir instructor David Mooring, arranged for the improvements. According to Berg, funds are replenished each year through fundraising such as fruit sales and a reverse drawing.
North Lenoir has a rich history of teaching traditional and contemporary agricultural techniques. Classes such as agri-science applications, horticulture, and landscaping technology make up the roster, all of which Berg teaches. This is Berg’s first year teaching at NLHS, but her third overall.
Participating students said that, by far, landscaping technology is their favorite class. Some of the students plan to attend Wayne Community College to study agri-business or animal science then move on to N.C. State University to complete their degree work.
The CSS Neuse Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization, is charged with the maintenance and upkeep of the gunboat. The Neuse II is the only full-scale replica in the world of an ironclad gunboat from the Civil War era of 1862-1865. The gunboat is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and other times by appointment.
For private tours, call 252-560-2150 or 252-523-1954. There is no fee for tours but contributions are appreciated.