Community members create swag for campus, community

Colorado Blue Spruce, Mugo Pine, Pinyon Pine, Concolor Fir, Wichita Blue Juniper, Arborvitae, Black Hills Spruce, Chinese Juniper, Blue Rug Juniper, Ponderosa Pine and Western Juniper are all types of trees found on campus that were used in this years holiday swags.

For the past seven years, community members, students and staff have gathered together to make swags out of the variety of trees to decorate the campus and Chadron community. The CSC grounds crew trimmed these 11 types of trees to use Saturday, Nov. 21 in the Sandoz Center Atrium.

“The swags are going to be beautiful this year,” Campus Horticulturist Lucinda Mays, said. “The greens are so lush from the rainfall.”

Six swags were made for the front gates of campus; 13 were made for the Student Center and another six were made for Prairie Pines, Crest View, the Hospital, the Public Library, Northwest Community Action, and the City Hall.

With the remaining greenery, attendees were allowed to make their own swags for decorations. It was the first time Carolyn Brennan, 70, of Chadron, participated in this tradition. She planned on making one to take with her as she traveled to Florida for the holidays.

“It’s great for the community to come together to create these swags for the school and local businesses,” said Brennan.

Bows, ornaments, pinecones and bells were all added-on to personalize each swag. Some people made theirs big, some were made into table centerpieces and a few were small enough for students to hang on their dorm room door.

By the end of the event, green needles covered the floor.