2 minute read
Through the Woods
Already set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city of Pittsburgh, Masonic Village at Sewickley now has a quiet, wooded sanctuary right on campus for walkers and nature lovers.
The new pathway was a community effort led by 13-yearold Ryan Steinfurth (shown above, center) and more than 25 volunteers. A member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 243, Seneca District - Laurel Highlands Council, Ryan is currently a Life Scout and chose this endeavor as part of earning the Eagle Scout rank, a goal of his since he became a scout.
“I thought of Masonic Village to be my project beneficiary because when I was a Cub Scout in elementary school, we used to sing Christmas carols and bring cookies for residents,” Ryan said. “I always thought this was a fun activity and even brought my saxophone from school band class once to play along with the carolers.”
A wooded trail has been on the to-do list of Mark Gilmore, landscape manager (shown above, left), for 10 years. Last year, he began working with a resident who was interested in expanded walking paths, and they found a potential location for a trail. Soon after, Ryan approached Mark about a project to help him fulfill his Eagle Scout requirements. The partnership was a perfect fit.
Mark and Ryan identified the path for the trail and marked it with spray paint and flags. Mark ordered wood chips, which Tall Timber Tree Experts donated to the project. He placed them at the beginning and end of the trail. On Saturday, Oct. 10, Ryan, his family and friends, as well as resident volunteers, helped spread the chips. The trail adds a ¼ mile to Masonic Village’s existing 1 mile of walking paths. The beginning and end of the trail are steep, and the middle of the trail is mostly flat, running through the woods and overlooking a steep, wooded ravine. Future upgrades to the trail include adding benches, signage and possibly handrails, according to Mark.
“Ryan is 13 years old, but you would never know it based on his maturity. He is an impressive young man and did a great job. Ryan’s sister, mother and father were with him every step of the way,” Eric Gross, executive director, said. “Thanks to the 25-plus volunteers who gave up a Saturday to help. It was a great team accomplishment.”
Each family who volunteered received two camping chairs in appreciation. Once Ryan satisfies the time requirement, he’ll earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
“When undertaking this project, I realized that up front strategy is very important to execution,” Ryan said. “Paperwork is harder than it seems, and most of all, hard work pays off.”
His hard work will benefit residents for years to come, bringing nature a little closer to home.
