The entry to the Norwalk River Valley Trail at the intersection of Danbury Road and Wolfpit Lane has a brand new information kiosk that was the Eagle Scout project of Caleb Worley, a member of Troop 20. It was dedicated at an informal ceremony Sunday, Sept. 26.
The impressive cedar structure acts as a gateway to one section of what is known as the Wilton Loop, which now extends from the trailhead to near Twin Oak Lane. It includes a map of the trail system — completed and proposed — trail rules and a list of private donors.
In addition to building the kiosk, Caleb has supplied the trail association with the blueprints and materials list so future Eagle Scout candidates can replicate his work at other points along the trail.
A sophomore at Wilton High School, Caleb reached out to the Department of Environmental Affairs when he began searching for a project. The office referred him to Mike Lindbergh of the NRVT. Lindbergh told Caleb about the need for a kiosk. It was a project that had special appeal for Caleb.
“We used to live in Columbus, Ohio, and they had a nice trail,” Caleb told The Bulletin on Sunday. “When the NRVT said they needed one, I thought it was a good idea. This is a really nice trail.”
“He’s a go-getter,” Caleb’s father David Worley said. “He’s been a self-starter all his life. This project was challenging but he kept at it. He designed the whole thing himself.”
Caleb’s cub scout leader from first through fifth grade, Jeff Spiewak, came to the dedication to congratulate the new Eagle Scout, saying he was “not surprised” at his
accomplishment.
Caleb came to the ceremony with information about his 10-year scouting career, which said what he likes most about scouting is “How it taught me to solve any problem that may cross my path in life and how it has given me many leadership opportunities which will help me succeed.”
He estimated the project took just under 350 man-hours and construction was completed in about four days.
The kiosk is made of cedar with a roof of cedar shakes. Its posts reach down three feet and are securely cemented.
Caleb received help from his brother Micah Worley, friends Alem and Amir Sabovic, and fellow Scouts Michael Cunningham, Ryan McElroy Henry Cherichetti and Kaz Nobumoto. His neighbor, Lars Cherichetti, a Cub Scout leader, lent his truck to deliver the materials. Caleb also thanked his mother Debi for helping to keep him on track with the project.
Ring’s End, Interstate Lumber, Home Depot, and Keough’s Hardware all contributed to the project.
In brief remarks Lindbergh said, “In my view, this is a very special day for a very special young man. Just like clockwork he took the lead and did an outstanding job.”
To Caleb he said, “We’re very proud of what you’ve accomplished and very
appreciative.”
Lindbergh said it is the hope of the trail association to have similar kiosks near each major parking area of the Wilton portion of the trail.
The trail
The dedication for Caleb’s kiosk came a few weeks after the newest section of the trail in Wilton was opened. Part of the east-side Wilton Loop, it runs a half-mile from Sharp Hill road to near Twin
Oak Lane, extending the completed portion of the Wilton Loop to 1.6 miles. The intent is to push onward to Skunk Lane within the next six months and then on to Cannondale. Both segments would add another mile and a half to the trail.