Field Station Hosts Nov. 15 Fall Chipping Party

The Westminster College Field Station will host its annual fall chipping party on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to attend.

The Field Station is located at 937 Fayette-New Wilmington Road. Visit www.westminster.edu/green for more information.

This is one of two chipping parties held each year to convert tree branches into wood chips that are eventually composted at the Field Station. The process involves feeding several tons of these cast-off tree parts into an industrial chipper and watching this machine spew a constant stream of tiny particles onto a growing pile.

Three side events are bound to happen, according to Dr. Clarence Harms, director of Westminster's Field Station: plenty of hot coffee, hot chocolate, cider and fresh cookies; spirited conversation among friends; and, for those inclined, a carefree frolic into a huge pile of autumn leaves that have been recently accumulated at the Field Station.

Harms asks participants to bring gloves, dress for the weather, and prepare for "a party like none other." Eye covering and ear protectors are provided for those who work the noisy machine.

If you can't make it to this chipping party, Harms said there will be another one in February when spent Christmas trees will be rehabilitated into fragrant wood chips.

Contact Harms at (724) 946-8520 or e-mail harmsc@westminster.edu for additional information.