“I have really sweet kid memories of laying down under a tree and looking up at the sky,” says Ryan Koch, residential program manager.

Many trees on the shelter property were planted about ten years ago with the support of a Plant the Planet grant from Kentucky Utilities.

“I like anything that helps a young person have a good, normal kind of day.”

Ryan is committed to planting more for residents to enjoy and reduce our carbon footprint.

He recently installed a big disc swing on a strong black cherry tree in the front lawn. “Moms and kids can all get on it at once and have a carefree moment.”

Michelle’s kids love playing under the trees. “They have a little mudhole out there,” she shares. “The other two really love to swing out front. They don’t like to come in sometimes.”

Volunteers help with the upkeep of the trees and cleared a path into the woods on the edge of the property for nature walks.