HFM Environmental Conservation students use a demolition saw to remove a concrete-anchored fence post on the HFM campus.
Students enrolled in the HFM Career and Technical Center’s Environmental Conservation program this year are working on a project that will make winters a lot easier for the Operations and Maintenance Department on campus.
Working with Instructor Craig Newkirk, seniors in the Environmental Conservation program’s Heavy Equipment pathway are now in the middle of a parking lot reconfiguration project that will allow for more efficient snow plowing this winter and beyond.
The project involves removing a fenced-in enclosure that’s no longer needed and includes taking out more than 200 feet of chain-link fence and nearly 30 concrete-anchored metal fence posts.
Students are using a demolition saw and an excavator to remove the posts and will fill and patch the holes in the asphalt parking lot to complete the job. Without the fence, plow drivers will have an easier time moving snow.
“Real-world, hands-on projects such as these are an important part of the education at the Career and Technical Center,” HFM CTE Director Jay A. DeTraglia said. “Our students also participate in internships with local companies, providing even more practical career field experience.”
The Environmental Conservation program is available to high school juniors and seniors in the HFM area. The two-year program allows students to prepare for careers in one of three pathways: forestry and lumber production, heavy equipment operation and renewable resources.
The Environmental Conservation program isn’t the only program to assist recently with needed projects on campus. Last year, the Construction Technology program constructed a road salt and sand storage shed.
An HFM Environmental Conservation student uses an excavator and a chain to pull a metal fence losse. Instructor Craig Newkirk provides guidance.
