(PHOTOS) Keeping an Eagle Eye Out for St. Louis Park

"I love adventure, being with friends, and being in the outdoors," says 17-year-old Ryan Bell. "So I came up with this idea for my Eagle Scout project to gather a group of people and plant new trees, and clean up the trail and pond in ."

Ryan titled his Eagle Scout project the "Browndale Park Pond and Trail Restoration Project" and timed it to occur on the two weekends around Earth Day last spring.

The title of Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the scouting program. An active member of Boy Scout Troop 307, which meets at in St. Louis Park, Ryan has served as a Senior Patrol Leader and plans to stay active in scouts after achieving this highest honor.

"I'll be working with the younger kids on campouts and trips—and troop education," Ryan says.

"Once an eagle, always an eagle," as the phrase goes. Having attained this status, Ryan Bell is now an Eagle Scout for life.

And we are the lucky community that benefits from his dedication and hard work.