Eagle Scout candidate Kyle O’Neil (third from right) and his trailbuilding crew.

Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Kyle O’Neil of Old Lyme, with support from his family, friends and Lyme-Old Lyme Boy Scout Troop 26, a new trail in the Heller Preserve on the Lyme-Old Lyme town border will take hikers to new heights.

The Bob and Esther Heller Preserve is located at 80 Town Woods Road and is named for the former residents of Old Lyme, who generously donated the land to the Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT) in 2010.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kyle designed a loop trail to access the elevated terrain and exposed ledges on the 16 acre property.  He then led a team of workers to clear the trail and blaze it.  The trail heads north from the parking lot and loops back to the west and south, connecting to an existing trail near what is believed to be a Native American amphitheatre.

After tree-trimming and brush cutting, the final step of raking the trail nears completion.

Having already earned more than 21 merit badges and completing the other rank requirements, Kyle’s final steps to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout award include writing a detailed report that summarizes this project and appearing before a Board of Review to answer questions about his Scouting experiences and future plans.

Christina Clayton, OLTT President, describes the Heller Preserve as “a gem” and “… a great place for a Sunday afternoon walk.”  In the winter, when the leaves are off the trees, there are views from the ridge that the new trail accesses.   The OLLT hopes to blaze additional trails on the property in the near future.

Clayton adds, “The OLLT is very grateful for the projects that Kyle and other Scouts from Troop 26 have taken on to supplement the efforts of OLLT volunteers.  Without this support it could take years to achieve the same results.”

Congratulations, Kyle!