The Crosby Arboretum has started an Adopt a Trail program that community members and organizations can join.
Saturday, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts with Troop and Pack 2 were out at the local arboretum cleaning their newly adopted trail, using rakes and other tools to remove pine straw from the trail to reveal the rock path below.
Arboretum Volunteer Coordinator Kim Johnson said there are still plenty of trails available for adoption, 64 acres worth to be exact. Four of the trails have been adopted.
For their time and effort, those who participate in the program get guest passes to the arboretum for friends and family, 10 percent off purchases in the gift shop, and recognition in the quarterly newsletter.
All it takes is keeping the trail clear of debris and sticks and keeping the sign posts clean. All groups or individuals who adopt a trail will also receive a certificate of recognition, just like Troop and Pack 2 did on Saturday when about 35 children put their rakes to the ground.
Troop Leader Eljie Bennett III said they plan to clean their trail once per quarter, which will provide them with a local option to meet their community service requirements. By accomplishing their community service hours, the scouts get closer to moving to the next rank.
“If we can help the local area, then that’s what we’re going to do,” Bennett.
Bennett said they plan to also paint the wooden deck along the trail.
The Adopt A Trail program is not the only local effort the scouts in Troop 2 participate in, they also lend their time and energy to the Friends of Boley cleanup events. Another one is scheduled for April 23.
Bennett said that event is a great way for the scouts to learn that littering ultimately pollutes the local waterways.