Saturday, April 21, 2012 marked the annual observance of Earth Day when events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Fourteen scouts from Troop 907, a troop that Valpo Parks knows well for its service projects in and around the parks, along with 10 adults including Scoutmaster Bill Eckert, spent most of Saturday at Rogers-Lakewood Park at 5320 N. Meridian clearing out honeysuckle shrubs.
Michael Morningstar, a troop leader for Boy Scout Troop 907, said “The boys had a great time outdoors and this activity served also to give them service hour credits toward rank advancement. One of the mantra's the Boy Scouts stand behind is community service. We were very happy to contribute in the beautification and promotion of indigenous plant life at the park.”
This volunteer work project for the Valpo Parks Department certainly showed their dedication to service, taking them six hours of a bright Saturday to complete. Horticulture Superintendent Steve Martinson said “This boy scout troop cleared invasive honeysuckle bushes from an area of Lakewood that had been let go for at least 15 years. They did a great job. This is the best volunteer effort I have seen in all my time here.”
Troop 907 Scouts and adults participating in the April 21st activity were:
- Scouts: Russell Moretton, Alexander Stamp, Jacob Wells, Merrick Jakelski, Matthew Tam, Landon Burchert, Logan Fullenkamp, Brandon Maksimovich, Colin Topping, Sam Armstrong, Fred Garvey, Kurt Kohler, Alan Moretton, Denis Ribordy
- Adults: Drew Armstrong, Alex Bergstedt, Bill Eckert, Steve Fullenkamp, Kevin Maxey, Dean Moretton, Mike Morningstar, Scott Ribordy, Simon Tam, Scott Topping
Photos:
- Before - Alex Stamp, Logan Fullenkamp, Denis Ribordy, Fred Garvey, Kurt Kohler, Scott Ribordy, Russell Moretton, Jacob Wells
- After: looking northeast