2026 CKR

For many years, loss of biodiversity and pollinators in the Bronx and surrounding areas has been a serious problem, weakening the natural infrastructure that supports both wildlife and people in the New York area, creating a less stable, less healthy urban environment. I spent a few months researching not-for-profit organizations that could benefit from an Eagle project supporting this cause. I met and spoke with Mr. Robert DelTorto, President of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy (BRPRC) several times, and we agreed that an Eagle Project focusing on native plants and pollinators would be beneficial for the ecosystem. It would also help the BRPRC in its mission of protecting parks, helping reduce pollution, and educating the public about protecting nature. Mr. DelTorto believes that designing and planting a pollinator garden would help establish a key ecological corridor or "Pollinator Pathway" along the river. My pollinator garden on this pathway will allow pollinators to safely move, forage, and migrate between green spaces. The presence of pollinators, in turn, supports the broader ecosystem by ensuring the reproduction of native plant species, which helps to stabilize riverbanks, improve water quality, provide food and shelter for other wildlife. Together with BRPRC, I used my artistic ability to make the pollinator garden as visually appealing as possible, with colors, locations, and types of plants. I implemented this project along the Bronx River pathway in an area called Ann’s Way, across the street from Hitchcock Church, whose parishioners have been significant supporters of my scout Troop 4 Scarsdale for many years.  

- CKR

Photo Progress:

Planting the native plants

Watering the garden

Blooms