“Trees. There’s something beautiful in the planting of new life on ground set aside for the fostering of new life.” This is regarding to the process begun by the Cathedral Church of Reconciliation to reforest some sections of the church grounds with over 2,000 young trees. It is encouraging to see that even before the ground is broken for construction, people can already see the great intention of the church, that is, restoration and the fostering of new, rich, and ever-growing life.

Reforestation is a process required by local government when developing property previously used solely for agriculture. You may have seen small trees with plastic tubes supporting and protecting their base along roadsides, highways, and in state parks. That is reforestation at work. The church has plans to plant thousands of trees before breaking ground later this year. The daunting task has been taken on by Superior Touch Landscape owned and operated by Deacon Mark Carico who bid the job out at little to no profit, simply to make sure that the trees are planted correctly and affordably for the church and coming generations.

Deacon Mark Carico and his crew will plant each tree using his bobcat skid steer and hand tools. They have already, at this stage, removed vast amounts of brush and choking vines surrounding the trees bordering the wetlands at the low end of the property. This preemptive work will allow one more chance at life for the fully grown trees that were previously burdened by creepers and vines.

The goal of the project is not only to meet the requirements set forth by the state and county, but to surpass them in a desire to beautify and preserve the land given by God to the Church.

Currently all permits for drilling and site work are in the permit process and/or awaiting final approval from the County Government. Covid 19 has continued to provide ample reason for delay and frustration of further development.