SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) – Southeast Tech’s Horticulure division has coordinated a team of students and graduates to plant trees in Wessington Springs which was devastated by an EF-2 tornado last June 16. More than 40 homes and buildings were destroyed.
While the majority of the homes and businesses have been rebuilt, the trees in the once picturesque town are lacking. Southeast Tech Landscape Design Technology instructor Kate Parkinson is heading up the green relief from Sioux Falls. “We are planting 80 trees donated from Norms Nursery in Aurora. Southeast Tech alumnae R & R Designs’ Rebecca Roob has spent countless hours organizing this event. Her business is located in Astoria, SD.” She continues, “In addition, Anderson’s Wholesale Nursery in Wentworth donated 53 evergreens and grasses. East River Nursery of Huron and James Valley Nursery of Mitchell are also donating plant material. Stonegate Outdoors of Brandon, SD is providing transportation of the plant material from Aurora, Wentworth and Mitchell, SD.”
The team of 10 horticulturists will be planting in Wessington Springs on Saturday, October 3.
About Southeast Tech
Southeast Tech is the largest public, non-profit technical institute in South Dakota located in Sioux Falls, SD. It exists to educate individuals for employment opportunities, professional growth and life-long learning. Southeast Tech’s programs and services have been linked to workforce demands since its beginning in 1968 and has created more than 15,000 alumni who live, work and enrich our region’s communities. Southeast Tech began with 118 students; today enrollment exceeds 3,000. Southeast Tech is one of South Dakota's most affordable post-secondary institutions and turns out the third largest higher education graduating class in the state. In addition Southeast Tech serves between 1,500–2,000 non-credit students through Training Solutions Institute.
In 1968, students had five programs to choose from; today Southeast Tech has 53 programs that can be completed in 24 months or less. Southeast Tech offers Associate in Applied Science degrees (AAS) as well as diplomas and certificates. Southeast Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.