For the past two years, Cub Scout Pack 86 has celebrated Earth Day by collecting litter and removing the invasive garlic mustard weed at Mt. Bradford Preserve. The East Bradford Township Pack’s beautification efforts have earned the group recognition in the 2023 Youth Awards Contest of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS).

The group received a $500 cash prize and a framed certificate in front of township officials from across Pennsylvania during PSATS’ 2023 Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show on Wednesday in Hershey. Wednesday was the final day of the conference, which has attracted attendees from every county in Pennsylvania.

The group, comprised of 36 children ranging in age from kindergarten to fifth grade, partnered with East Bradford Township and its chartered organization, East Bradford Elementary School, for the effort. The township is home to approximately 10,000 residents, while the greater West Chester area boasts 100,000 residents, and many visitors enjoy outdoor activities at Mt. Bradford Preserve.

The scouts hope the beautification project creates a sense of community and bring families together to work toward a common goal.

“Beautifying Mt. Bradford Preserve has provided opportunities for local and outside residents,” stated the award application. “Disc golf clubs from surrounding areas like Downingtown, a close neighbor of ours, frequent the park. Nature hikes for personal use or organized with local, renowned ecologists with special focuses, such as arborists and wildlife specialists, and star-gazing opportunities are offered as free, public events for residents. The scouts feel a sense of pride knowing that they worked together to provide a safe place for others in their community to enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

PSATS established the Youth Awards Contest in 1993 to recognize outstanding community service contributions made by youth groups in Pennsylvania’s…