Pine-Richland junior to revitalize historic tree site in Richland Community Park

The Penn Tree area in Richland Community Park is getting a touch-up.

Pine-Richland junior Carlton Fogliani is undertaking the revitalization effort as his Eagle Scout project. Fogliani is a part of Troop 150 based out of Gibsonia. Richland supervisors approved the project at their meeting Aug. 20.

The Penn Tree is the oldest known tree in Western Pennsylvania. It is believed to have been planted in 1598.

The site of the tree has fallen into disrepair, including graffiti on the benches.

“The fencing there is rotting. When you’re going there on the trail, it’s extremely muddy, even days after a rain. The amount of mud there will ruin your shoes so it makes it harder to get to the tree and enjoy the spot. There’s also a lot of poison ivy growing around there. There’s no signage or anything telling people where it is. I wanted to add some stuff to help people understand the history of the tree. I want to add signs so that people can identify the plants around, including the poison ivy, so people don’t step in it. I wanted to replace the fencing that is there, add raised steps to the path so that people can better access the site, and sand down and weatherproof the bench so that the graffiti will be taken away,” Fogliani said as he addressed the board of supervisors.

Fogliani has been working with Melissa Williams of the Richland Parks and Recreation Department to ensure his project is up to the township’s specifications.

“I think that that sounds like a wonderful project,” Supervisor Donna Snyder said.

The work will largely be undertaken by Fogliani and members of his troop.

“I think in projects like this, as it goes on, you’ll definitely have access to our department of public works and some tools possibly that they might have. They might be able to be there to help out with something. I think this could be a great joint project for the park,” township Manager Brian O’Malley said.

The board asked about the proposed end date for the project.

“I believe I can get all of the work finished by the end of October, Oct. 20 ideally,” Fogliani said.