MOUNT VERNON – Pete Lawhon, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 339 in Mount Vernon, recently completed his Eagle Scout service project by hosting an event at the Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC).

Dubbed “Pete’s Kill the Weed Day,” the event boasted 51 volunteers who logged 125 service hours removing the invasive garlic mustard plant from trails and wooded areas. Approximately 250 pounds of garlic mustard plants were removed. The event took place on April 17, 2021.

Volunteers included members of the Key Club and National Honor Society (NHS) of Mount Vernon High School; along with scouts and adults from Scout Troop 339, Troop 338 and Cub Scout Pack 339, all from First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon.

Lawhon organized the event with the support of BFEC manager Noelle Jordan. The focus was removing the garlic mustard plant, one of many invasive species found in Ohio, before the plant could flower and spread its seeds. Removing this plant will allow native plants to regain their foothold at the BFEC.  

Lawhon is a freshman at Mount Vernon High School.