Kearney students demonstrate Jesse James Park tree-tour website, propose fundraising plan

Students from Kearney High School’s botany class presented a student-built website and fundraising plan to the Board of Aldermen for an educational tree tour at Jesse James Park. Parks & Recreation Director Eric Marshall introduced the group and teacher Caitlin Fountain, who said the project is student-driven and designed to pair QR-code plaques on trails with the website so visitors can scan and learn about tree species and park history.

Student team leader Brianna Nielsen walked the board through the live site and described the fundraising approach: the group recommends starting with two plaques (main loop and annex) and pursuing donations from local businesses. Devin McElwee said the website was built on a free Wix template and the students tested it live for the board. “The website is it’s easily accessible, it’s cost efficient, and it’s easy to update whenever you would like,” the student presenter said.

Board members asked about cost and scale; the students estimated engraved plaques at about $105 each and suggested local sponsors such as Kearney Trust Company, State Farm, Mojo’s Coffee and other businesses as likely partners. The mayor and aldermen praised the presentation and encouraged the students to share it with the park and tree board for further consideration. The board did not take formal action but indicated interest in considering funding in a future budget or partnering with local donors.