Groundskeeper gives notice, replacement needed
 
After two years of faithfully tending the plants, grasses and trees in Trinity Eco Prayer Park, Jesse Schulz has decided he will not be able to continue as park groundskeeper next year. A change in his career has required him to adjust his time commitments.
 
For the past two years, Jesse has found a way to put in 10 hours a week caring for the park in addition to working a full-time job.
 
When Jesse began working in the park, he had little knowledge of how to identify native species. But he was eager to learn and developed a masterful understanding of which species to keep in the park and which to get rid of. His conscientious efforts are responsible for the pleasant appearance of the park and his dedication to the park will be greatly missed.
 
Because he is concerned about the park, he gave plenty of notice that he would not be returning so we could find another person to fill that position. If you know anybody who would be interested in this seasonal part-time job that runs from April through September, contact Ken (605-389-3448) or refer them to bit.do/TEPP-Groundskeeper.

Three of the park's solar-powered path lights were damaged in early March by individuals who apparently used rocks from the park's garden beds. Initial estimates place the cost of the destructive acts at $6,000 to $8,000.

Some time during the night of March 8 one or more persons attacked half of the park's solar-powered path lights. Vandals busted out the light lenses at the top of the posts and shattered the solar collection panels on the sides of the three lights closest to the shelter. “This vandalism took concentrated effort since the damage to each light was extensive and the lights are designed to be ‘vandal resistant,’” said Park Director Ken Steinken. According to manufacturer’s brochures this light design was tested and survived “full attack” with baseball bats.

Since the lights generate and store their own electricity and are not connected to Black Hills Energy power lines, they will not be cheap to replace. Steinken estimates the cost to replace and install the three high-tech lights at $6,000 to $8,000. The park’s $1,000 deductible insurance will help with replacement expenses. “We are looking into installing a 24-hour video security system in the park that would help deter this kind of behavior in the future and assist police in finding vandals,” said Steinken. “Overall the park experiences very little vandalism,” Steinken added. “We are grateful that God watches over the park and has kept it in good condition. And we are thankful for the many park users who respect and care for the park and encourage others to do the same.”

If you'd like to help with the costs of replacing the three damaged lights or make a donation toward installing a video security system, use the "Donate" button on our website!

For decades Bonnie Raitt, who has been active in the environmental movement since the mid-70s, has worked to leave a legacy of good in communities where she plays. She finds local grassroots non-profit organizations that work on issues of safe and sustainable energy, environmental protection, peace and social justice. She donates a portion of the concert proceeds to the selected organizations.

At nearly every concert, Bonnie sets aside a number of hand-selected seats to benefit local non-profits. And whenever possible Bonnie’s staff works to coordinate the presence of non-profit organizations at Bonnie's concerts so they can share information with concertgoers.

For her Rapid City concert on Saturday, Sept. 9, Bonnie has chosen to support Trinity Eco Prayer Park. She will also be providing space at the concert for the park to have a table to talk with concertgoers about the park’s use of solar power, its sustainable landscape design, low-impact stormwater management and Sustainability Outreach. She has also selected Black Hills Clean Water Alliance to have a display at the concert.