Bill Wymer of West Windsor led a Troop of Boy Scouts constructing a rain garden at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. A member of Troop 10 in South Brunswick, his leadership service project benefited the community by protecting local water sources from pollution and educating children about the benefits of native plants.
“I chose a rain garden for my project because I believe in protecting the environment and giving back to the community” Wymer says. “Because it is next door to a nursery school, children can learn about how native plants can help filter water before it moves into our water supply.”
The rain garden is a planted depression that captures rain and storm run-off from parking lots, sidewalks, and other surfaces that would otherwise wash into steams and the aquifer.
Native plants such as blue iris, swamp milkweed, and sedge were planted in the garden to maintain the vegetation that is native to central New Jersey.
Native plants are recommended for rain gardens because they generally don’t require fertilizer and are more tolerant of local climate, soil, and water conditions, and attract local wildlife such as native birds.
Wymer began his scouting career in 1999 as a Tiger Cub with Pack 108. After earning the Arrow of Light award he joined Boy Scout Troop 10.
He has held various leadership positions and is currently the assistant senior patrol leader and led the troop of 30 boys at their summer camp in Maryland.
Leading the rain garden service project completes Wymer’s requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout — the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
A senior at High School South, Wymer is looking forward to studying physical therapy and sports medicine as a college freshman next fall.
