As a new groundskeeper at Lethbridge College, Gary Harmon admits he has a lot to learn. Although he’s only been
on the job a few weeks, he already has a clear goal in mind: to carry on a vision that has defined the campus for three decades.
Harmon began his new position as groundskeeper July 1, replacing Mike Herrington, who had shaped the College landscape for 30 years before his retirement. Herrington is responsible for the park-like appearance of the campus, planting trees and providing open clearings for students to relax or study. Harmon had the opportunity to speak with Herrington before taking on the position, and although he was told it was going to be a lot of work, Harmon was determined to uphold his predecessor’s standards.
“They’ve left it open for me to do whatever I need to, but I’ve talked to Mike and I’ve seen what his vision is, because he planted almost every tree here. This is his vision; I’m just going to continue on with it.”
During the summer, six post secondary students assist with grounds maintenance. Harmon isn’t afraid to get his hands in the dirt along with them.
“It’s a full-time job to look after the college; in one aspect, there’s a lot of strenuous labour to do, but it’s good labour; it’s all fun.”
In July, the College won a Yard of the Week award from the Lethbridge Communities in Bloom Committee, a proud moment for Harmon and his dedicated staff.
“Just because I’m so new to it, taking it over, a lot of credit [for the award] has to go to Mike,” he says. “It was his vision and the way he set things up.”
Harmon also notes the College ensures it uses environmentally friendly practices to be a good corporate citizen in the community.
“We try not to use pesticides or herbicides too much,” he says. “We’re careful with the way we do things; we mulch to conserve water and keep the weeds down. We (also) practise integrated pest control.
If anything new comes out, I’ll be trying that.”
Harmon says the appearance of the campus greatly affects the impression of potential or future students, and seeing a neatly kept campus can only be a benefit to both staff and students.
“Hopefully it gives the vision of a nice, neat institution and it will inspire people to learn.
“I hope I can leave a vision for the next person to continue on with, as Mike has done for me. I take pride in the work that I do here, and leave each day with a feeling of self-satisfaction, knowing what I have achieved.”
