By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — After many months of planning, employees of JF New in Walkerton donated and planted 1,520 prairie and wetland plants at Menominee Elementary School in Plymouth.
Tyson Edwards from the company said he started thinking about ways to provide an educational and beautiful space for the property several months ago. His children, Josie and Blake, attend the school.

Late last week, students from grades K, 2 and 4 participated in the planting that took about three hours total. Prior to the actual planting day, Edwards and his team, including Jason Hughey, Lynn Cutlip, Chris Kline and Chris Dittmar drew up the plans for the project, dug holes, prepared the soil, and cleared bush for the area behind the school. Dittmar said, “It probably took 30 man-hours to complete.”
Edwards said, “It will now take less money, less watering, and less maintenance with the new grow.” He said the roots will be four to six feet deep and will help to treat runoff from the roof and parking lot. Chris Dittmar said they chose plants that will work as a natural filter for the water.
JF New employees contribute to a fund to do community projects. Dittmar said, “That’s why I work where I work.”
Menominee was able to receive a grant from the Jim New Foundation Fund.
JF New employees will soon be working on a community shelter food project garden in Walkerton.