The “Tree Trail” at Pine Hill Park

This past spring I began working on my Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, which is constructing an interpretive nature trail at Pine Hill Park in Rutland City.  This project combines my enjoyment of the outdoors with my interest in teaching others about the environment.  The park is located within easy walking distance of an elementary school, and it is also within the Rutland City limits, so quite a few people will be able to make a short trip to spend time walking the trail and learning valuable information about the natural world that is right near their home or workplace. 

I identified a walking path where the trail is relatively flat and is accessible to walkers of all abilities – Middle and Lower Giorgetti Loop.  I identified ten key tree species and created signs on posts that identify the tree’s species, common name, identifiable characteristics, a picture of the leaf and seed, and other information for educational purposes. 

I presented my project to Michael Smith, Pine Hill Park President and Cindi Wight, Recreation Director of Rutland Recreation and Parks Department and obtained approval to proceed.  My scoutmaster, Paul Wells, and my Troop’s Advancement Committee Person, Steve Burd, approved my project, and then Larry Gauthier, the Ethan Allen District Advancement Committee Member, approved the project.  I requested donations from many local businesses for construction materials, and then scheduled a construction day and a rain day to put in the signs.  Nine scouts and four adult troop members spent a full day digging post holes, hauling gravel, pouring cement, pounding nails and screwing on signs to bring the “Tree Trail” to completion. 

I would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations of materials:  Giancola Constuction, Countryside Glass, Noble Ace Hardware, Marble Valley Reprographics, Goodro Lumber in Killington, SVE Associates, The Home Depot of Rutland and Pete Franzoni, L.S.  Little Caesars and Price Chopper donated food and beverages on construction day. 

A big thank you goes to the construction crew:  Scouts - Justin and Nick Coton, Will and Jamie Peterson, Andrew and Matt Burd, Justin and Michael Reynolds, Scoutmaster John Record, Assistant Scoutmaster Fern Fryer, Steve Burd, Jim Coton, Sean Mallon, and my friend, Tyler Unwin and his pickup truck for hauling concrete and gravel.  I would also like to thank my parents, Donna and Carl Zeller, for their patience and guidance during the whole project.

Conrad Zeller, Troop 112 Rutland, Vermont

September, 2009