SIERRA VISTA - People of all ages and backgrounds joined forces this weekend in support of National Public Lands Day. In their brightly colored vests, these volunteers could be spotted all over the city, working together in an effort to help complete 24 clean up and beautifying programs planned for the day.

Volunteers stationed at Buffalo Soldier Trail spent their morning planting trees and shrubs along the road.

Volunteering at this site was not easy, but it was made simpler by the efforts of the Bureau of Land Management. Before the volunteers arrived, the city had already marked off the planting sites with flags and sticks, and many of the holes were already dug.

Volunteers were instructed to plant, cover and water all of the new shrubs and cacti. Plants were bought by the city, and some were excavated from Highway 90 for replanting. More than 40 people were assigned to this area, representing many organizations and high school clubs from the Sierra Vista area.

Buena High School was well represented in this effort with STRIVE, F.B.L.A., and the Outdoor Adventure Club joining forces to help out.

Members of the STRIVE club, Students Together Rising In Vocational Education, are using this activity to help the community while earning their chapter achievement award. Vanessa Henderson, HERO Community Service Vice President, believed that this program allowed Buena to show their dedication to the community through community service.

"We are here not only to serve the community, but to show the city that Buena students are more that just a group of teenagers that don't care," said Henderson.

Working along side her students, Buena High School principal Frances Miller could also be seen on her knees planting trees and digging holes. Miller, who enjoys gardening and working with students, had a different and more humorous outlook when kneeling in the dirt to plant.

"I just go back to my childhood days of playing in the sand, and I make believe that I am at the beach," said Miller.

Miller worked nor only as a volunteer, but as an overall moral booster with her funny comments and stories.

Also coming out to volunteer were the Sierra Vista Car Club, Master Gardener Association and Rotary Club. Chuck Potucek, a Rotary member and Sierra Vista city manager was very happy with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the volunteers.

"I think it's great to see all these people here to help out," said Potucek. "It feels good to be out here working with the community," he added.

The hard work and efforts set forth by these organizations and clubs helped to make this year's National Public lands Day a success for the Sierra Vista Area. Many volunteers stated that they enjoyed working for a purpose and they hoped that their efforts would make a difference in the community. Some people, like Sierra Vista Councilman Cecil Carlile decided to volunteer not only to help the city but for more personal and heartfelt reasons. "I'm not in any groups - I'm here so my grandchildren will be able to see the desert as it used to be," said Carlile.

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