SACO –As the ground thaws and locals dust off their hiking boots, one Saco student’s work will help guide the way on the Moses Woodman Preserve in Buxton.

Orion DeLima, a senior at Thornton Academy, earned his Eagle Scout rank with the Boy Scouts of America by completing a kiosk at the entrance of the preserve. According to the Boy Scouts of America, to earn the rank the Scout must demonstrate the principles of the Scout oath and law in their daily life, complete 21 merit badges, and complete a project of service to the community benefiting an organization other than Boy Scouts. Following completion of the project, DeLima presented before the Eagle Scout Board, and was granted the rank in November.

When choosing his project, DeLima, 17, was drawn to working on the preserve, which is a particular favorite of his Troop 371.

The Moses Woodman Preserve was bequeathed to the Saco Valley Land Trust by the descendants of Melville Woodman, and includes 60 wooded acres of land between Simpson Road and the banks of the Saco River. The trail leads from the entrance of the preserve down to the water and provides benches at scenic locations along the way.

According to Susan Littlefield of the Saco Valley Land Trust, all the trails, benches and bridges have been constructed over the years by Troop 371. The troop also provides seasonal maintenance for the preserve.

“The trails out there are so beautiful. I knew that was where I wanted to do my project,” DeLima said.

He reached out to Saco Valley Land Trust officials after conceiving the project idea, and together decided the best direction of the project would be to create an informational kiosk for the preserve.

“Working with the Saco Valley Land Trust was really great. They are super cool and worked with me to come up with the best plan for the project,” DeLima said. “It was great because they understand that we’re all young, and they’re so patient and were willing to help out wherever I needed it.”

The kiosk will welcome visitors to the preserve and includes a map of trails and information about the preserve and Saco Valley Land Trust. DeLima constructed the kiosk using materials donated by Deering Lumber and Evonik Industries.

DeLima admitted to being “a bit of a procrastinator” and said that he first came up with the idea two years ago, but really kicked it into gear last summer, working to complete it by hiking season.

“The preserve is so pretty, and I’m glad people will be able to learn more about the preserve and its history now that the sign is up,” DeLima said.

DeLima has been a member of the Boy Scouts since he was in the first grade as a Cub Scout. He is a senior patrol leader for Troop 371, which is known for its pancake breakfasts on Maine Maple Sunday; Scouts cook their own maple syrup at the Saco Pathfinders Snowmobile Club on Heath Road for the event.

“Scouting has really given me an appreciation for nature and wildlife in general,” DeLima said, whose father Leo DeLima serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 371.

In addition to Scouts, DeLima is active in the theater program at Thornton Academy recently and took part in the spring musical, “Mamma Mia!” He also enjoys playing music in his spare time. As DeLima approaches the end of his high school career, he looks toward a future at Northeastern University in Boston, where he plans to study cybersecurity.

While he will leave in the fall for new adventures in a bigger city, DeLima leaves behind the kiosk as a legacy of his time in Saco.

“I’ve always liked being able to walk down to the river,” DeLima said. “Hopefully even more people will be able to enjoy it now.”

Contact Staff Writer Abigail Worthing at news@inthecourier.com.

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