Willow Glen Resident

Community

Photograph by Vicki Thompson

Greg Edwards' Eagle Scout project involved landscaping the front and side areas of the Stone Church in Willow Glen with drought tolerant and resistant vegetation. He also had a stone planter box installed next to the sanctuary.

Eagle Scout project turns into a growing experience for Boy Scout Greg Edwards

By Emilie Crofton

It was a win-win situation for everyone involved in Greg Edwards' Eagle Scout project. Stone Church of Willow Glen got a new environmentally friendly landscape and Greg, a Boy Scout in Troop 233, completed his requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

With the help of 36 volunteers, Greg, who is a newly installed deacon at the church, acted as project manager and spent the weekend of Aug. 18-19 cleaning, digging and beautifying the church's front and side landscape, which had become run-down.

Greg installed a drought-tolerant and resistant landscape in the front yard of the church office, spending 68 hours planning and implementing his project. His army of volunteers contributed 205 hours to the project.

The landscaping included trees and plants all native to California such as western redbuds, dwarf coffeeberries and seaside daisies.

He also constructed a planter box out of cement and stone bricks next to the church sanctuary.

Greg's project is not only eco-friendly but serves as an educational tool for the community. Every tree and plant has been labeled.

"It's a teaching aid to the public," Greg said. "People can see the project and try to do something similar. It's great for the environment because very little water is needed."

Lawrence Summers, Greg's mentor and scoutmaster, said projects such as these help young men develop important life skills such as organization, leadership and planning.

Church members supported and financed the project.

To obtain the Eagle rank, a Boy Scout needs 21 badges including 12 specifically required in areas such as communications, first aid, and camping and environmental science. A Boy Scout has up to the age of 18 to achieve the rank.

Greg is hoping to be officially recognized in the next few months.

According to Summers, only 2 percent of Boy Scouts in the United States achieve Eagle rank.

Greg said the project helped not only the church but him as well.

"I had to be a leader, improve my communication and get my ideas across," Greg said. "I learned a lot from the experience. It's great to give something back to the church."