Mentors
This native plant meadow rehabilitation project would not have been possible without the help and guidance of some pretty awesome people. Listed here in alphabetical order are my mentors and advisors, all of whom were indispensable in making this project a reality. To all of them,
I am very grateful. THANK YOU!
Erica Aubin
Site Supervisor, DCR
Having a supporter at the Department of Conservation and Recreation who saw the value and importance of a native plant meadow made my Eagle Scout Service project possible. Ms. Aubin helped me obtain approval for the project at DCR, guided me in selecting the perfect sunny spot for the meadow and supplied fertile soil for the plants.
Jean Devine
Co-Founder Meadowscaping for Biodiversity
Everything I know about native plants I learned because Jean co-founded a fantastic organization called Meadowscaping for Biodiversity! Through this program Jean taught me how native plants are a powerful tool in healing the environment. Jean also taught me to never give up on a worthy cause, no matter how tough things get. She also taught me that you can make a difference no matter how young you are. Jean is generously supplying many of the plants for my project and guiding my plant selection.
Robert Logan
Advancement Committee Chair, Troop 250
Mr. Logan is my Eagle Project Coach. He has been helping me navigate the organizational rules and guiding me through bureaucratic procedures, especially during this pandemic when it's hard to meet with people in person. And although Mr. Logan is currently coaching me through my Eagle Scout project, for years he has helped me navigate the Boy Scout requirements to advance from Tenderfoot all the way to Life Scout. He has kept track of merit badges, required skills and troop roles to ensure that I, along with all the other scouts in our troop that were interested in advancing through the ranks could do so.
Barbara Passero
Co-Founder Meadowscaping for Biodiverity
Before meeting Barbara I thought all flowers and plants were the same. Barbara opened my eyes to the fact that native plants are the simple solution to many environmental problems. Over the years Barbara's passion, perseverance, and enthusiasm have taught me to keep going even when there are many obstacles. She also taught me that young people should take a leading role in preserving the future of our planet. Barbara is also generously supplying many of the plants for my project and guiding my plant selection.
Emily Szczypek
Nature Photographer
I first met Emily while magnet fishing on the Mary T. Early Footbridge. I think it is very important for me to include her in my mentor page because she was one of the first adults to recognize my environmental work nominating me for a Waltham Land Trust Lead Volunteer Steward Award. Thanks to Emily I also met Ms. Sonja Wadman who was instrumental in guiding me through the process of getting approvals for my project. She has always been an enthusiastic advocate and I am grateful for her support.
Sonja Wadman
Executive Director, Waltham Land Trust
Coming up with an Eagle Scout project isn't always easy so having people that help guide and support you means a lot. Ms. Wadman was kind enough to listen to some ideas, help narrow down a few possibilities and connect me to the right people in the community that were crucial to executing the project. Without her guidance and support I might not have been able to secure all the necessary permits and gain the support of the community. For this I am very grateful.