By Miriam Rodriguez

Public Affairs Specialist

Brooklyn Collins, a Girl Scout with WSMR Troop 545, is working on finishing her Gold Award project which involves restoring the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail behind the WSMR Museum.

Girl Scout Project to relaunch desert trail

Brooklyn Collins, a Girl Scout with WSMR Troop 545, is working on finishing her Gold Award project which involves restoring the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail behind the WSMR Museum.

The trail, which is also one of the water stops on the Bataan Memorial Death March route, needs some attention.

The Gold Award is like the Eagle Award for the Boy Scouts. As part of her project Collins is planning on restoring the trail with the help of volunteers.

In her project proposal package, Collins said her goal is to open the trail to the new generation by introducing a modern touch to it using QR codes.

Her project involves three phases: create a website that curates a virtual nature trail using a QR code that shows the hiker a description of what they are seeing; restoring the trail along with placards and signage; and re-launch the trail during a community walking event scheduled for May 25.

Jim Bowman, with the WSMR Directorate of Public Works, who has been advising Collins on her project, said the trail had gone into misuse.

“Renovating the trail will help to educate people on the natural environment. It is an extraordinary place.”

Collins stated that she has already purchased a web-domain to hand-off for future projects; built and posted the website at: https://www.chihuahuandesertnaturetrail.com/home; created QR codes to print and place under the current placards; restored the placards and other signage; secured initial interest for volunteers from the Organ Mountain NJROTC and friends to help with the landscaping; secured commitment from Balfour Beatty for landscaping equipment; and coordinated with the Balfour Beatty Community Outreach Coordinator to link the relaunch to their Wednesday Walking community events.

She, along with members of Troop 545 of the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, are looking for volunteers to come out on May 21 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help them clear the path and restore the trail. She is asking volunteers to bring their own rake, gloves, and water. Contact Collins at Brooklynishere72@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer.