Volunteers plant dozens of trees at LHS Walking Track

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

After more than a year of dedicated work, volunteers completed Phase Two of the tree-planting project at the Lockhart High School Walking Track on Saturday.
According to Father Robert Becker of St. Mary”s of the Visitation Catholic Church, who spearheaded the project, 96 trees were added to the 50 already surrounding the

one-third-mile track, in hopes that soon, walkers and joggers can complete the entire route in the shade.
“Soon, we will be able to run the track without the sun in our eyes,” Becker said. “But shade was only one of the things we took into account when placing the trees.”
Apparently, the trees, mostly native to this area, were chosen based upon their maturity, their tolerance for weather and seasons and, of course, with respect to the maroon and white color scheme embraced by the Lockhart Lions. The 96 trees, a variety of crepe myrtles, pecans, oaks and elms, do exactly that, Becker said.
Area businesses, churches and organizations were instrumental in the planting project, Becker said. Bluebonnet Electric brought heavy equipment to the site to dig holes for the planting. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) donated many of the trees. Girl Scouts and students from the Lockhart High School Spanish Club and Key Club helped with the planting on Saturday morning, as did County Commissioner Tom Bonn and several community volunteers.
“An event of this size requires considerable coordination, cooperation and assistance,” Becker said. He continued to list dozens of community volunteers, school officials and businesses that have assisted in making the project possible.
Now that the planting is complete, the trees will still need to be watered. Becker said student volunteers from several Lockhart High School clubs will help with the watering, but is happy to welcome more volunteers.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Becker at St. Mary”s of the Visitation at (512) 398-4649.