LEWISTON – Repairs are being made to the Franklin Pasture garden where vandals destroyed a tree planted in memory of a Lewiston High School Air Force ROTC student.

The apple tree was planted in the Lots to Garden community plot behind the high school last fall and dedicated to the memory of Teisha Loesberg, one of three ROTC students who died during flight training last June.

On Sunday, vandals uprooted it along with other small trees and flowers.

“We had wire protecting the trees. They tore all the wire off, pulled out wooden stakes and several other plants,” said Kirsten Walter, director of the Lots to Gardens program. “This was the most significant damage we’ve ever had.”

When Walter arrived Monday to view the scene, what she saw hurt.

“We were saddened by it,” Walter said. “This is a very special place. The place reminds me of all the things Teisha brought into my life.”

The garden was dedicated to her.

Loesberg was committed to the Lots to Gardens program, working for it for three years beginning when she was 14. Given Loesberg’s commitment, and since the garden was so close to the high school, it seemed fitting that the first tree in what is to be a dwarf orchard be dedicated to her, Walter said.

Lots to Gardens is a youth and community organization that uses sustainable urban agriculture to create healthy food, nurture youth and a healthy community. People are taught how to grow food, young people are taught how to become leaders, and barren lots are turned to vegetables and flowers. The program is sponsored by Sisters of Charity Health System, which owns St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

The Franklin Pasture garden is the newest of 15 community plots in Lewiston. Last year, the City Council passed an ordinance providing permanent access to the Franklin Pasture garden, Walter said. “We were just really moving into it.”

Since vandals hit, the garden is under repair.

“It looks a little rough, but we’ve begun to fix it.” Uprooted trees and plants are being replaced or repaired. This summer a permanent “Teisha’s Orchard” sign will be installed.

If Loesberg were alive she’d have to “hold her tongue” that someone damaged the garden, Walter said. “She grew up next to the Knox Street garden. She was always scaring people out of that garden.” She saw it as improving the neighborhood, Walter said.

Loesberg would be out there repairing the garden, Walter said. One of the first rules of community gardens is to immediately fix any vandalism, she said. “That makes the statement that we’re committed to this space.”

To find out more, go to: http://www.stmarysmaine.com/about/foundation/special/lots.html