Adkins Arboretum recently honored Boy Scout Chase Miller in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Arboretum’s nature playspace, Paw Paw Playground.

In contrast to traditional playgrounds, nature playspaces are made almost entirely of natural materials and are designed to encourage creative outdoor play. Fourteen-year-old Miller, of Federalsburg, designed and constructed Paw Paw Playground as an Eagle Scout project. His design includes two wigwams, a turtle-shaped tree stump ring and a snake balance beam. Miller has a keen interest in Native American lore; the turtle and snake are both symbols of local Native American tribes.

As a museum in the Let’s Move! network, an initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, the Arboretum is committed to promoting healthy physical activity for children and families. Paw Paw Playground is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use of the playground is free with Arboretum admission.

Donations from Tri Gas & Oil, American Legion Post 29, Nice Farms Creamery, Easton Elks Lodge and VFW Post 5118 supported the project in part.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. Through its Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, the Arboretum will build a new LEED-certified Arboretum Center and entranceway to broaden educational offerings and research initiatives promoting best practices in conservation and land stewardship. For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.