Landscape Architect Articles

Eagle Scout Builds Community Walking Trail 03-26-18 | Department

Eagle Scout Builds Community Walking Trail
Landscape Companies Donate Time and Resources

Mike Ruggiero, sixth from the left with hands on his knees, is the Eagle Scout from Pelham, New York, whose public service project was to make a public walking trail on almost 2 acres of land that was previously unused. Timan Landscaping Company supplied a dump truck and tools, like shovels and pitchforks, for him to use.

After nearly two years of hard work, assisted by several landscaping companies, friends and community members, an Eagle Scout's public service project to renovate a historic bridge in the city of Pelham, New York, and turn it into a public walking trail, is nearly complete.

Mike Ruggiero started the project in the beginning of 2016. One of the initial companies that assisted him was Superior Excavation, which graded the land and made it possible to have a trail in the area.

Anjoe Tree Service, owned by Ruggiero's uncle, Joseph LiPuma, milled two white pine trees and made them into benches, then transported them to Pelham from Albany, New York.

"I wanted to aid my nephew in his quest to achieve Eagle Scout status," said LiPuma.

Almstead Tree Company, the primary tree care company for the village of Pelham, inspected the area and removed any dangerous trees. They donated the mulch, wood chips, and logs that line the trail.

Dan Dalton, an arborist from Almstead, stated, "It's a nice project for a space that wasn't being used at all. It's really cool to see the community come together and develop something like that."

Timan Landscaping provided a dump truck for the removal of debris and a plethora of tools for Ruggiero to utilize.

"They provided us with the tools we needed to make the trail, and this was an amazing help," said Ruggiero.

In 2018, the city of Pelham will see a new picturesque walking trail that crosses a historic landmark. All thanks to the generosity of an Eagle Scout, a small community, and several landscape professionals.

"It feels good to know that I'm engaging the community and doing something that people are supporting," concludes Ruggiero.

As seen in LC/DBM magazine, March 2018.