Pearl River Scout Creating Nature Trail at Lincoln Ave. Elementary

Volunteers organized by Pearl River High School junior Chris Weldon gathered outside Lincoln Ave. Elementary School March 31.

They were doing the on-site work to create a nature trail oustide the school for Weldon's Eagle Scout project.

The work began much earlier with Weldon approaching Lincoln. Ave. Principal Kathleenann Cool to see if there was something he could do for his old elementary school.

"So many guys in the troop had gone to school there and asked her about projects," Weldon said. "I figured I'd do the same. She said they'd like a nature trail, so I went with that."

Cool said this is the third Eagle Scout project from that troop since the summer of 2011, all focused on allowing for more outside activities.

"When I first got here, I saw that it's a beautiful property," said Cool, who had previously been the assistant principal at Pearl River Middle School. "I thought how great it would be for the kids to do some learning outside, for science and even art.

"They can get away from ore traditional settings instead of sitting in the classroom all day."

Sean Edwards put in a table and benches for teachers and students to use outside. Then another scout, Tommy Harris, built a shed that is used to store white boards and playground equipment.

"Some troops you see kids working on an Eagle Scout PRoject and there is not a great turnout," Cool said. "This gropu consistently has great turnouts to help each other."

Weldon began speaking with Cool about the project in the fall. Since then, he had to present the idea to the scouts and organize volunteers to help from other scouts and local businesses. 

Tilcon New York donated crushed stone from West Nyack quarry. Local truck driver Tate Doriguzzi, another former Lincoln Ave. student, donated services to deliver the stone.

"A lot of people donated help," Weldon said. "It's nice to see how much some people are willing to help. They give you all they can do."

Weldon said the project should be complete within a month. 

"I've had it planned out for a while," Weldon said. "We had to lay the gravel first. We did that. We have more stuff to take care of."

Other items include a sign with information about local plants and animals and a bird house.