NEW BERN, N.C. (AP) — Volunteers are working to make sure that last year's big storm won't spoil the events planned to mark the 150th anniversary of a North Carolina Civil War battle.

The Sun Journal of New Bern reports (http://bit.ly/xO3aju ) that volunteers have worked to remove downed trees, broken branches and other debris at the New Bern Civil War Battleground three times since Hurricane Irene struck last year.

The most recent cleanup was Saturday, when volunteers used chainsaws, lawn tractors and other equipment to get the battlefield ready.

The Battle of New Bern was fought on March 14, 1862, and a series of events to mark the anniversary are planned starting March 9.

Volunteer Peter Meyer says that even without the anniversary, it's important to make the area safe for recreation purposes.

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Information from: The Sun Journal, http://www.newbernsunjournal.com