Eagle Scout Project Revitalizes Garden Space

Jake Sias
Grant County Herald

An Elbow Lake teenager has breathed new life into a garden at the Maplewood Manor assisted living facility as part of his pursuit of the prestigious Eagle Scout Award.

Idan Wittbrodt, 17, from Elbow Lake’s Troop 318, has spearheaded the revitalization of a garden space at Maplewood Manor, an assisted living facility in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. The project was funded through approximately $1,000 in private donations.

The funds were used to purchase 100 square feet of topsoil, 140 square feet of mulch, and a variety of perennial plants that will grow and spread throughout the space. Some of the plants were also provided by those who wished to make contributions aside from a monetary donation. 

Previously, the space was filled with construction refuse and Wittbrodt and his team had to dig out as much crumbled concrete and asphalt out of the soil as they could. The new garden provides a serene outdoor space for the residents of Maplewood Manor to enjoy. 

The Eagle Scout Award, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America, has been earned by less than 10% of Boy Scouts. Notable recipients include the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and 38th U.S. President Gerald Ford. 

Wittbrodt’s project aligns with the Eagle Scout Award’s emphasis on leadership and community service. The project has improved the aesthetic of Maplewood Manor and provided an enriched environment for its residents.