Orange City, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Students at MOC-Floyd Valley are helping reshape their school campus one tree at a time.
Earlier this week, about 30 students took part in a tree-planting effort at the high school, made possible by a $5,000 Trees for Schools grant awarded last spring. The project was led by three CAPS students, Melanie Moreno-Martinez, Sherrey Rivera, and Zoey Gilmore. Assistant Principal and CAPS Instructor Grant Hegstad says that even though Gilmore graduated in 2025, she was a critical cog in the planning.
The student leaders worked with school staff, local experts, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to plan everything from the application to the placement of the trees.
The project comes at an important time for the district, following significant tree loss over the past year and a half. Hegstad says the campus has been hit hard by both disease and severe weather.
Hegstad says that includes roughly 18 trees lost to emerald ash borer and another 10 during last summer’s derecho. The losses left a noticeable impact on the landscape.
Students stepped in to help reverse that trend, not only applying for the grant but also leading the effort to bring it to life. On planting day, volunteers worked together to dig holes, plant and stake trees, and lay mulch, following guidance and instruction from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Hegstad says what stands out most is the long-term mindset students brought to the project.
He says that perspective reflects the broader impact of the work.
In addition to replacing trees lost in recent years, some of the new plantings were strategically placed to provide shade around school buildings and activity areas, offering long-term benefits for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Hegstad says projects like this, especially with support from partners like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, show how student-driven initiatives can leave a lasting mark on both the school and the community.
KIWA Staff Photo
