Overview

Students from Wilton High School’s Class of 2012 teamed up with the Wilton Conservation Land Trust to establish a memorial project. It was ultimately decided that a rehabilitation project at the Harrison Smith Preserve would be an appropriate way to remember Nick.

Phase 1: March 2009

Students were tasked with refurbishing the Harrison Smith meadow and restoring it to its previous state. Under the guidance of the Wilton Conservation Land Trust, dozens of acres were cleared of invasive plants, shrubs and trees, allowing for the growth of successional plants and animal species.

The high-level of comradery and enthusiasm from students inspired additional work days, turning this into a multi-phase project…

Phase 2: May 2009

Phase two of the clean-up focused on the trails adjacent to the meadow leading to Quarry Head park. Students worked to improve the trails by reconstructing paths, mitigating flood-prone areas, and clearing overgrown branches and fallen trees.

Phase 3: May 2011

After two years, the class of 2012 returned to the preserve to complete the meadow. Now in successional growth, the group cleared any remaining brush to help the meadow continue to grow without disturbance.
As a final contribution, students planted an apple tree at the top of the meadow in honor of their classmate, Nick.

Special thanks to the members of the WLCT, including members Joe Philbrick, Steve White and Bruce Beebe, who provided constant support and guidance throughout this project.

Additional Memorials

• The Cairn
• Tree at WHS