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Family of ‘birds’ finds new home, thanks to Eagle Scout

KENT — Rumbling thunder and constant rain, becoming heavy at times, did not deter Eagle Scout Aiden Cherniske from completing his project on Saturday, April 20. 

The installation of his “story walk” along the Claire Murphy River Walk on the Housatonic River went ahead as planned. Both the walk and the farm belong to the Kent Land Trust.

The “story walk” concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt. It offers a series of illustrated chapters from books, mounted at intervals along a scenic path. 

Aiden both wrote and illustrated “Swallows Story, A Place on the Farm.” It tells of Twain, the barn swallow, who nests at the farm. He and his love, Beecher, hatch and raise three chicks: Hale, Colt and Barnum. 

The final stop on the walk explains the names, borrowed from some of Connecticut’s most famous natives: Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathan Hale, Samuel Colt and P.T. Barnum.

With true Eagle Scout resolve and determination, Aiden wanted to install the story rain or shine — and, with the help of family, friends and volunteers  he did exactly as he had planned. 

Among the helpers were state Rep. Maria Horn (D-64), who assisted in digging holes for planting the poles that held the story pages. Rain and mud? No problem. 

The assistant scoutmaster of Aiden’s Troop 11, Matt Winter, was also a master of the post hole digger.

Anyone and everyone passing the Land Trust Barns on Route 7, south of Kent, can pull in and do the walk, read the story and enjoy the Housatonic River and Marble Valley Farm (which also has a farmstand with an abundance of fresh organic produce in season).

The final and ninth chapter of the story describes Twain and Beecher migrating back to the farm in spring. 

“This gave them another year of happiness among the people of the farmstand and the town they cared so much about.”

Lakeville Journal

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