Planter project mark of Eagle’s excellence

Way to go! Dylan Minneker, Ciaran Henry, Tyler Minneker, Ben Gulleyan, and Evan Minneker show off part of the planter box project Tyler led at HFPL. Courtesy photo.
Way to go! Dylan Minneker, Ciaran Henry, Tyler Minneker, Ben Gulleyan, and Evan Minneker show off part of the planter box project Tyler led at HFPL. Courtesy photo.

HILLSDALE—Congratulations to Tyler Minneker of Boy Scout Troop 109 for completing his Eagle Scout project. Minneker, a senior at Pascack Valley High School, planned and built six new planter boxes for the Hillsdale Free Public Library. His goal: a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, learn about gardening, and enjoy nature.

To bring his vision to life, Minneker organized a team of volunteers through every step of the process. The project involved clearing the site, constructing and positioning the garden beds, and setting up an irrigation system to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Throughout the effort, he worked closely with library staff to align the garden with the community’s needs, ensuring it could be used for educational programming and public enjoyment. “This project taught me a lot about leadership and problem-solving,” Minneker tells Pascack Press. “It was great to see people from different backgrounds working together for a common goal. In the end, the garden became more than just a place to grow plants—it turned into a spot where people could connect, learn, and build a stronger community.”

Troop 109 (troopwebhost.org/Troop109Hillsdale), sponsored by Holy Trinity Church, emphasizes youth leadership, teamwork, and mentorship, with older scouts guiding younger members. The troop meets regularly and organizes camping trips and community service projects under adult supervision.  

— Via Connor Brannigan