Erica Cruz, above left, a senior at Auburn High School, attempts to put a worm down the back of Lilianna Cardenas, a junior, during their volunteer work with Bruce Morris’ horticulture and natural resources class last week. The students

planted plum, pear and apple trees and a vegetable garden in a vacant lot next to the school. Morris hopes that produce from the project can be used by the district schools for their lunch programs.

Kaela Botz, above middle, a

senior at Auburn High, paints the fruit trees planted by volunteers.

The reason for the painting is to protect the bark from cracking and to protect the fruit trees from pests.

Jasper Pedro, right, a sophomore

at Auburn High, whacks away at vines and weeds in the vacant lot adjacent to the school.