Eagle Scout beautifies Gwinnett Tech | Community Spirit

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- A Gwinnett County Eagle Scout used his project to overhaul the landscaping at Gwinnett Technical College.

Brian Dalrymple is a junior at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton and a member of BSA Troop 1534 from Buford. His father Allan is program director of Gwinnett Tech's Emergency Services Education program.

Dalrymple and members of his troop planted 21 trees and 1,400 plants on the Gwinnett Tech campus. The Eagle Scout's plan was designed to minimize the heat island effect on the school's grounds, according to Gwinnett Tech spokesperson Dana Urrutia.

Urrutia said a heat island is created when open land and vegetation are replaced with roads and buildings. Effects of a heat island include increased energy costs and air pollution.

Dalrymple and Gwinnett Tech grounds manager Gail Zorn spent three weeks planning and planting the project. Thanks to his hard work, Dalrymple officially became an Eagle Scout in December.