UI Law Students Serve Community

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Aug 17, 2010 at 2:20 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2010 at 4:13 PM CST

JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa – More than 200 University of Iowa first year law school students rolled up their sleeves Tuesday afternoon to assist nine Johnson County organizations with a variety of projects.

Roughly 40 of those students helped the Army Corps of Engineers clear downed tree limbs of the Woodpecker Trail near Coralville Lake.

“We wouldn’t be able to accomplish one third of what we get done if it weren’t for our volunteers,” said Jeffrey Peck, park ranger at the Coralville Lake.

Peck said the Corps has been working on a timber stand improvement project which involves clearing out trees – those not hard wood or indigenous to Iowa – so that more sunlight can improve plant life and vegetation.

“It’ll be nice to get this cleaned up for anyone who wants to enjoy this park,” said Cory Nelson of Iowa City.

Many of the students said they appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community. The project also provided the students an opportunity to get to know one another outside of the classroom.

“[It is a] good experience to see people out of their element,” said Mark Van Heukelom of Cedar Rapids.

Peck estimates the students saved the Army Corps of Engineers about $1600 and helped complete a project that may have remained unfinished.

“Unfortunately due to shrinking budgets and staff, we just couldn’t get a lot of the things done if it weren’t for our volunteers,” Peck said.

Other groups of law students performed various acts of service for Habitat for Humanity, Iowa City Public Library, Local Foods Connection, Iowa City Public Works, Friends of Hickory Hill Park, Johnson County Historical Society, Friends of Historic Preservation/Salvage Barn, and the North Liberty Community Pantry.

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