Way cleared for nature area

GENTRY — GENTRY - Work on the proposed natural area with fishing ponds moved forward last week as city employees, assisted by youth volunteers from the Muskogee (Okla.) Church of Christ, cleared away brush and low-hanging tree limbs around the ponds so that the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service could survey the pond area and assist the city in developing plans to turn the shallow pools into ponds deep enough for fish populations to thrive in the spring-fed waters.

Using a tractor and backhoe, chain saws and tree-trimming equipment, city employees cut branches and brush along the banks of the ponds. Youth volunteers from the Muskogee Church of Christ dragged the branches out to a brush pile for later disposal.

The youth from Muskogee were on a summer retreat at Camp Joshua near Gentry and were looking for an opportunity to serve.

According to Larry Bowles, worship minister for the church, the group was studying the “I am” statements of Jesus and was focusing last Wednesday on Jesus coming to serve. As a result, the group sought an opportunity to serve and were directed to help with the project by Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston, who also joined in the work himself. The group was led by Nathan Irwin, the youth minister for the Muskogee church.

Though the day washot and sweltering, the youth pitched right in and helped with the cleanup of the area so that plans can go forward.

According to Bowles, this is the 10th year the church youth group has come to Camp Joshua for a summer retreat.