BRATTLEBORO — Three young apple threes planted by residents at Ledgewood Heights for Earth Day are growing strong.
Approximately 15 children participated in the tree planting as part of the Art in the Neighborhood program at Ledgewood and Moore Court.
The children have taken care to water the trees as part of their art class. Ledgewood maintenance personnel are keeping an eye on the trees as well, said Chelsea Nuñez, resident services coordinator at Brattleboro Housing Authority.
“We've got a lot of hands on deck to make sure they survive,” she said.
Art in the Neighborhood (AITN) is a tuition-free arts program serving low-income youth. The program was started by Executive Director Mollie Burke in 2008. Burke is also a member of the Vermont House.
Joan Peters, an AITN teacher; Sheila Webster, an AITN volunteer; and BHA staff all helped the kids plant the three Grimes Golden apple trees, which were donated by New Chapter.
The Grimes Golden hails from West Virginia. According to The West Virginia Encyclopedia, a publication of the West Virginia Humanities Council, Thomas Grimes found the first Grimes tree growing on his farm in the early 1800s. The apple is thought to be the parent of the Golden Delicious. Many consider the Grimes a great choice for applesauce.
Ledgewood Heights and Moore Court provide family housing and are part of the Brattleboro Housing Authority.