Howland residents will get a treat when they join in on the Wetlands Walk Aug. 14 behind Tiger Town in Howland Township Park.
For several weeks, Olivia Patchen, 13, of Howland Girl Scout Troop 598, has been working to identify and label more than 25 species of plants and wildflowers along the start of the trail.
Olivia, daughter of Patrick and Virginia Patchen, has adopted the project as part of her goal to earn the Silver Award, the second-highest award in Girl Scouting.
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Howland Community News / Kathleen Evanoff
Olivia Patchen, 13, daughter of Patrick and Virginia Patchen, recently spent time identifying and labeling wildflowers in preparation for the Howland Wetlands Walk and Clean-Up to be held at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 14 at Howland Township Park. The project is part of Olivia’s bid to earn the Silver Scouting Award. She is a member of Troop 598.
''We want to tie in with health and wellness to encourage people to come out on the walk,'' said Barb Rosenbloom, 598 Troop Leader.
Olivia, under the guidance of her mentor Mary Ann York, has been working to identify plant species including Mayapple, blackberry, trillium, sassafras and jewelweed, to name a few. Included on her identification labels will be fun facts about each plant.
Olivia has been in Girl Scouts for four years and enjoys the time she spends outdoors.
''I'd rather do things in the woods than on concrete,'' she said. ''There is so much to learn.''
The Girl Scout Silver Award is a commitment of self-improvement that requires several projects to be completed.The first four steps are required to be completed prior to age 12 with two additional steps completed by age 14 or before the start of 10th grade.
Working with Howland's Health and Wellness Committee, the wildflower walk is part of the township's wetlands walk. Participants can enjoy the nearly two-mile walk from behind Tiger Town in Howland Township Park to North River Road. Participants are encouraged to help clean up the trail by picking up trash and other items tossed aside by less-ecologically conscious persons.
Those participating in the walk should wear appropriate trail-walking clothing and be prepared for wet areas along the path.
The Howland Health and Wellness Committee was formed to accommodate community suggestions for the Howland Township Comprehensive Plan. The committee meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the township administration building to discuss matters of health and wellness for the citizens of the township.
The committee also is interested in learning the concerns and needs of the community and membership is open to anyone with an interest in Howland.