| Daily Journals and Pictures |  |
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Day 1
Today the trees were delivered from Knecht's Nurseries! We got 22 trees and 6 shrubs. The students learned about digging holes - how deep and wide the hole should be as well as the proper way to use a shovel. We also moved all the trees to where they will be planted to get a better idea of how Mini-Minnesota will look once everything is planted! Then we moved all the trees back to the side of the building and gave them a good watering. Finally, we came inside for a snack and journal time.
     
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Day 2
Today was great! Our goal was to get 3 coniferous trees planted in the far end of the plot, but did even better -- we planted 4! The students worked so hard, digging holes and carefully placing the trees inside, then filling up the holes with healthy black soil. We also started to spread the sand from the center mound out further to lower it.
     
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Day 3
Today was HOT! Despite the heat, the students forged ahead and got 4 more trees planted! We've got one more coniferous tree to plant, then we can start on our deciduous forest.
     
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Day 4
This morning our friend Kevin from the MN Bell Museum came to help us! He tilled the ground to make it easier for us to dig holes. Because of his work, we were able to plant all 6 bushes and a bunch more trees! Now all the coniferous trees are in the ground, including the two birch clumps. Mini-Minnesota is really starting to look good! The students are incredibly proud of their work :)
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Day 5
The trees made it through the weekend but were a little dry, so we made sure to give then a good watering. We had an expert gardener, Mary, come to visit today from The Master Gardeners Society of Ramsey County! She told us that by making a rim of dirt around the tree will help to keep the water close to the tree and keep it better hydrated.
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Day 6
What a great day! We had another volunteer named Travis come help us. He is going to school to become a dentist! We got 5 more big trees planted and now only have 3 to go.
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Day 7
We finished planting all the trees today!! HOORAY! We also hammered stakes into the ground and tied string around the tree trunks so they're sturdier and the wind won't blow them over.
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