December 15, 2020

Grounds Supervisor Works Around the Clock in Derecho Cleanup Efforts

Brady Klein saw firsthand the devastation caused by the derecho and immediately assembled crews and got to work.

MMU: What was the impact from the August 10 storm?

BK: The derecho was unlike any other weather event I’ve witnessed while working at MMU. The storm left trees blocking roads, loose limbs hanging over walkways, and considerable structural damage across campus. In total, we lost 124 trees with another 180 damaged at our four properties. 

MMU: You were responsible for the grounds clean-up on campus. How did you manage it all?

BK: The most challenging part was trying to get all the supplies needed and coordinating crews. The grounds department worked hard to clear roadways so staff could leave campus safely. We managed the clean-up efforts with the help of numerous people on campus.

The local businesses that provided trucks, golf carts, skid-loaders, supplies, and support of any kind after the storm—especially Noe Tree Service for their efficient removal of most trees on campus—helped expedite clean-up efforts.

The local businesses that provided trucks, golf carts, skid-loaders, supplies, and support of any kind after the storm—especially Noe Tree Service for their efficient removal of most trees on campus—helped expedite clean-up efforts.

Brady Klein
Grounds Supervisor

MMU: Walk us through a day during the clean-up.

BK: I would start my day operating a chainsaw and managing the largest tree service of my career. I would leave to help family, friends, and neighbors. I cut trees from sun up to sun down. I helped around 20 different households with tree damage.

MMU: What has the community response been like?

BK: It’s been amazing to see the MMU community work together. Employees and students volunteered their time to get us back on track. It will take some time to get used to the current landscape, but this gives us a great opportunity to plant healthy, strong trees.

It’s been amazing to see the MMU community work together. Employees, students, and alumni volunteered their time to get us back on track.

Brady Klein
Grounds Supervisor