On Wednesday, the Elizabethton FFA Chapter along with help from friends shoveled and spread three tons of rock along the trails of the Sycamore Shoals Master Gardener’s native Tennessee garden.

“The students chose the project so that they could improve the safety and beautification of the park,” said FFA Advisor Carrie Lykins. “Service to the community is part of the core motto of the National FFA Organization and the students today did just that — served their community so that others can enjoy the beauty of the park.”

The project was funded by a National FFA Living to Serve Grant — the second one acquired by the club this year. Student Cheyenne Bowers, with help and guidance from the club’s former grant writer Heather Estep, wrote and received the grant a couple of months ago. After waiting for the weather and their competition schedule to have a lull they completed their project.

In total, the group shoveled at least 900 scoops of rock.