The Hamlet Tree and Beautification Group has received a grant from the Cole Foundation for the Carolinas that will enable her group to continue to do its work.

Chairwoman Ruby Bruce declined to release the grant total but said that it is a “good amount” and will go toward on-going projects and equipment for the Tree Nursery Program at Monroe Avenue School.

“We are really keeping the city well-blessed with trees. Even though we are no longer a city board, and that put us at a disadvantage, we are surviving and doing well,” said Bruce, adding that the group has planted trees on several streets and sites throughout Hamlet, including but not limited to Main Street, Spring Street, Hamlet Avenue, City Lake, several ballparks, South Hamlet, Richmond Primary, Hamlet Junior High and, of the Tree Nursery Program at Monroe Avenue School. Bruce said it is the only school nursery in the state.

This year’s third-graders at Monroe Avenue will prune, re-pot and plant seedlings through the fifth grade.

“The nursery program gives students the opportunity to be part of the community,” said Monroe Avenue Principal Alva Ezzell. “It makes them feel like they can help and really make a difference. They love pruning and going out and planting those seedlings.”

Bruce said her group plans to re-landscape the National Railroad Museum in Hamlet, and the children from Monroe Avenue will plant trees there. She enjoys seeing the fruits of her labor out in the community.

“I rode by one of the ballparks the other day, where we had planted some Red Maples, and those beautiful maples just glistened. It made me feel good.”

Bruce, along with Group Secretary Nancy Norton and Vice Chairwoman Sheila Sellers, will be applying for another grant in March, this time from the North Carolina Urban Forest Council.