Coal Valley, IL

Last spring, Ben Graves, a Boy Scout working towards his Eagle Scout rank, enlisted the support of his troop and village officials and applied for the Illinois Emerald Ash Borer Educational Outreach Program administered by Trees Forever. This program helped to educate his community on the topic of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and to diversify the trees in town.

On May 7, 2011, the Boy Scouts, their parents, and village staff all worked together to plant 20 new trees in public spaces throughout their community. Later in the spring and summer, educational presentations were given by Trees Forever staff to both the village public works staff and the Boy Scout troop. This project serves as a great example of what a catalyst youth can be within a community. Had this Boy Scout not applied for this program, it likely would not have found its way to Coal Valley.