Construction
Pre-construction meeting
On Friday July 22, 2022 a pre-construction meeting was held on the church property. Present were representatives of RGS Associates Inc (landscape architects), B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc (excavating contractor), Akron Borough, and Akron Mennonite Church. A good spirit of teamwork and co-operation was evident. The AMC team was given a few final decisions to make before drawings are finalized and work begins.
Service of Blessing for the Nature Preserve
The Service of Blessing for the Nature preserve took place on the afternoon of Sunday July 31. Members of AMC were joined by representatives of Akron Borough, the contractors, other churches partnering in the project and neighbors and friends. The service took place in the grove of trees next to the church and attenders enjoyed ice cream sandwiches as they chatted following the service.
Earth-moving phase
Week of August 1, construction began! First, final pre-construction surveying was completed. Then trees were removed along Diamond Station Road, silt tunnel was installed to protect the site and its surroundings and some earth-moving began at the Diamond Station Road entrance to the site. Earth-moving continued throughout August to re-contour the site to meet the approved plan and to develop the retention basin to control storm water.
Topsoil and sidewalk
After completion of earth-moving, topsoil was spread on the site to the required contours and the sidewalk was constructed. The sidewalk provides pedestrians on Diamond St. and Diamond Station Rd. with a safer and less steep pathway without having to cross the street.
Sowing
By mid-September, thanks to the loan of a tractor and sower, the site had been sown with rye and clover to prevent soil erosion. Slopes were seeded by hand where necessary. Discussions were held with Tim Seifarth of Earthbound Artisan about plantings for the retention basin/rain garden.
Sidewalk construction
At the end of September, upon completion of the sowing, additional silt tunnels were added to the site to prevent erosion while the seeds germinate. The sidewalk was completed, and some of the remaining heap of topsoil in the center of the site was used to fill in along both sides of the sidewalk. The rest of the heap will be used for the same purpose along the edges of the wood chip paths still to added to the site.
Tree planting
Over 400 trees were planted on October 15, 2022. The occasion was an inspiring community event and a great success! Thank you to everyone who took part!
Installation of paths
During December 2022, the contractors installed woodchip pathways throughout the Nature Preserve, including spaces for the future installation of benches. The cemetery bank was also seeded with native grasses which, once grown, will not only provide habitat but also reduce the amount of mowing required.
