Student’s Eagle Scout Project Replaces 150+ Trees on Campus

While the recent relocation of Old Farms Road created a safer entrance to the school, it left behind an empty stretch of land near the woodshop where the road used to traverse. After the winter, the vacant strip had been covered with a layer of dirt and fallen leaves, beginning to blend back in with the natural surroundings—a process that would normally take decades. 

It was, therefore, extremely fortuitous timing for sophomore Jeffrey “JD” Stratton ’27 to be looking for an Eagle Scout project to complete. It’s a modern-day example of what Theodate Pope Riddle hoped for when she founded Avon Old Farms: A symbiotic relationship between the student and his school—each shaping the other for a successful future.

An Atlanta native, JD decided he would rather carry out his project on campus as opposed to his hometown area. “It’s a good way for me to stay involved outdoors when I’m at school. I’m already really involved with Nimrod Club,” JD says. “As a boarding student, I spend a lot of time here. It’s a great place. I love it. So, it was nice to be able to do it on campus, to give back.”

For JD, the process started with a meeting with the school's director of sustainability and now science teacher Katy Perry P’21. They discussed some possible options. “I wanted to do something that would have a real impact,” JD says. “I wanted something that people might not necessarily remember as an Eagle Scout project, but will have a positive impact that always remains.”

Perry suggested they talk to Director of Facilities Glenn Wilcox to see if he had any ideas, and that’s when he suggested planting trees on the stretch of old road, saying it was at the top of his priority list. All agreed this would be the perfect project for JD to pursue. “Learning in our outdoor environment, being stewards to our campus, it’s part of what we do here,” she explains. “Plus, now he can visit these trees whenever he comes back.”

The process began in the fall of 2024 with some research into what trees would be best to plant. “We needed something indigenous that would fit in with the natural surroundings,” shares JD. In the end, a few different varieties were chosen to maintain a healthy biodiversity. 

JD then had to do some fundraising—a required component for an Eagle Scout project. With this he purchased the trees, fertilizer, and other materials to get the job done. As spring approached, he put out the call for volunteers and, as usual, the Avon community responded. “Nimrod Club members helped and so did a bunch of others. It was great to see the community come together, especially the faculty. They don’t need community service hours, they just wanted to help,” JD says.

The planting took place over a long weekend at the end of April. In all, JD and his volunteers planted 163 trees spanning the entire stretch of where the road once was. With help from woodworking teacher Mr. James Kassel, JD also built and installed a bench nearby.

JD expressed his gratitude to Mr. Kassel and Ms. Perry for all their help. Perry says she was more than happy to be a part of it. “Well, for one, it was a great opportunity to get to know JD. He’s a wonderful student and a fantastic human being. But also, with all the construction projects happening, this project was great for our campus and a sign of goodwill that we’re replacing trees that get removed.”

With his Eagle Scout project completed, JD now has just a few more assignments to complete before achieving the rank of Eagle.

For any other Avonians in scouting, there are surely more potential Eagle Scout projects to be found throughout our 860-acre oasis.

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