Eagle Scout Gives Lake Katherine Herb Garden A Makeover

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- Thanks to the talents of a hardworking Eagle Scout candidate, the herb garden at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Height has been give a new lease on life. In recent years the wood foundations of the non-profit park’s much-loved herb garden had disintegrated. Liam Reynolds joined Lake Katherine staff and Palos Heights Public Works in ripping out the ailing garden and then stepped up to give the space a stunning overhaul.

Reynolds, 16, a junior at Jones College Prep High School spent many weeks rebuilding the herb garden for his Eagle Scout project. He created wooden planting boxes that have now been restocked with bountiful herbs and plants, restoring the garden to its former glory.

“I am really pleased with how the herb garden turned out,” said Reynolds, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 at St Mary’s Diocese. “Helping to rebuild the garden and make it available for everyone has been really good. It was challenging and harder than anticipated but it turned out great in the end.”

Reynolds had the idea to help Lake Katherine during a family visit to the park. “My family goes to Lake Katherine a lot to enjoy nature,” he said. “One day my dad pointed out that the herb garden was in need of a facelift and suggested that rebuilding it would make a great Eagle Scout project.”

Liam swung into action completing the project in time for Lake Katherine volunteers to replant the herbs and plants that made the garden such a popular attraction this summer.

“Liam volunteered at just the right time,” says Lake Katherine’s Operations Manager Gareth Blakesley. “Our herb garden was in disrepair and we were looking for options to replace it. When Liam came in and offered to rebuild the garden as part of his Eagle Scout project we were thrilled to have him onboard. Since it has been completed we have been able to replant a host of herbs and plants and it really looks wonderful. We are really grateful for Liam’s hard work and talent.”

Liam plans on completing his Eagle Scout this month and is considering an engineering degree at college.

Liam Reynolds via Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Garden