Eagle Scout Project to Restore Diamond Brook Trail

The village council gave the go-ahead to have Eagle Scout Ryan Ardell transform the stodgy Diamond Brook Trail into a well-maintained recreation space that he says will improve the trail for hikers, provide a learning opportunity for students and increase the property value for those living around the Orchard School District.

Ardell, of Boy Scout Troop 5, gave a presentation to the council Wednesday night on his proposed service project, a requirement to become an Eagle Scout. His proposed improvements to a 300-foot stretch of land between the Glen Rock Recycling Center and a small clearing by Orchard School are likely to begin shortly after the council formally adopts a resolution, expected to be at its meeting next week.

The proposed improvements include:

• clearing trash, debris and beer cans from the trail
• creating reflective markers for hikers
• adding a wire garbage can for refuse control
• clearing overgrown shrubbery and fauna
• adding wood chips to the trail for traction
• adding several park benches by the small clearing
• installing tree identification signs with the help of a local tree service company
• constructing a sign that denotes Ardell spearheaded the work as part of his service project

Orchard School students would benefit "most substantially" from the project's completion, allowing them to walk along the trail "without risk of injury," Ardell said. Beyond that, reflective trail markers will "substantially" help with safety for hikers at night and the installation of identification signs will facilitate students learning environmental science. Students could have a true hands-on lesson in identifying different species of trees, he said.

Additionally, "A noticeable nature trail will serve as a real estate attraction and drive up property values in the Orchard area," Ardell said.

All smiles, the council was in support of the project Wednesday night. "It's a great thing, it's a great project and we certainly appreciate what you're doing for this village," Deputy Mayor Tom Riche said.

"I know this has been an incredibly long path for you," Riche said, noting that only 4 percent of Boy Scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout.