Eagle Scout's Donation to Enrich Community

For immediate release
Contact: Daniel Slife at 330.335.1299

The culminating effort of a Boy Scout’s scouting career is the Eagle Scout Project. Each candidate for the Eagle Scout rank must plan and execute a project that gives back to the community in a lasting way. Barberton Eagle Scout Amari Sutton made his lasting impact by donating an expertly crafted, 3-sectioned compost bin to Wadsworth’s Bird Park Community Garden on August 29.

Now nearing the end of its inaugural season, the Bird Park Community Garden is a collaborative partnership between the City of Wadsworth, the Wadsworth Public Library and most importantly, a team of dedicated volunteer leaders in our community. When the Garden Committee was approached by the Sutton family about Amari’s interest in donating his Eagle Scout Project, Committee members were elated.

The Committee has plans to incorporate composting into strategically located sections of the garden to facilitate recycling of plant matter, on site. In addition, they see the Garden as an opportunity to mentor and teach aspiring gardeners, and the benefits of compost recycling are a key part of the lesson plan. “This bin will help show how easy composting can be for anyone with a little space to start their own recycling in their back yard,” said Committee member David G. Williams.

Amari Sutton agrees. “I knew the composting system would allow the use of natural resources (chemical free), reduce waste, and provide overall sustainability to our environment.” As an enterprising senior at Barberton High School, Amari was inspired to build the compost bin to support his high school’s garden club, seeing the connection between the knowledge and practice of sustainability.

When a conflict arose with placement of the bin on school property, the Bird Park Community Garden was lucky to receive the benefit. “We are so thankful to Amari for his donation of the 3 compartment compost bin. His generosity will be remembered for years to come,” said Committee member Sandy Papp.

The Bird Park Community Garden is a community initiative supported by the City of Wadsworth, the Wadsworth Public Library and overseen by a volunteer Garden Committee. The members of the Garden Committee are deeply committed to the hands-on educational and personal empowerment that are possible through the garden as a site for learning-by-doing. To this end, the Committee, in partnership with Wadsworth Public Library, plan to present a series of programs, likely virtual, to provide tips, advice and orientation information to those interested in applying for a garden plot for the 2021 growing season. Visit www.wadsworthlibrary.com/garden or call 330.335.1294 to learn more.

Pictured: Eagle Scout Amari Sutton (center) standing next to his compost bin with parents Albert (left) and Aris (right) Sutton.