This weekend, 2 GG’ers and a band of volunteers branched out from their usual routines to build tree protectors for the newest saplings in The Woodfield Community Orchard. With teamwork as strong as an old oak, we secured sturdy wooden guards to shield these baby trees. Of course, nature had its own ideas—our worksite was a soggy boggy mess, leaving boots stuck, wheelbarrows wobbly, and more than a few of us pining for drier conditions. But what’s a little mud when you’re growing a future orchard?

Once the protectors were in place, we weren’t mulch for standing around. Several wheelbarrows of mulch were spread around each tree to lock in moisture, keep weeds at bay, and give these saplings a fighting chance. By the end of the day, we were muddy, tired, and definitely in need of a rinse cycle, but the orchard was looking fantastic. If trees could talk, we’re pretty sure these little ones would be rooting for us.