Whitehouse student helps conserve nature with walking trail project

WHITEHOUSE, Texas (KETK) – An East Texas FFA High School student is being recognized for going above and beyond to improve a trail in Smith County.

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A Whitehouse High School graduate spent her senior year enhancing the Blackhawk Creek Nature Trail: Patrick Rd. Whitehouse, TX 75791. “I really felt that our wildlife here is very special. They’re very beautiful especially when you’re walking on the trail, you get to see the raccoons or the ducks,” said Lillian Adams, Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar.

It’s all because she’s in the Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar Program. It’s a very competitive FFA scholarship and she will also be rewarded with a $1,000 scholarship for her project’s success.

The program asks students to complete a sustainable project that will better their hometown. “She has really taken a unique approach to her project, she was able to channel a need with her passion for wildlife,” said Christensen.

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Lillian Adams is one of 10 recognized scholars throughout the state, and she is advocating for her local recreational trail.

“Our community nowadays doesn’t really focus on that especially because we’re really heavy on the city side of it and so I took it into my own hands and put up a variety of man-made habitats for birds,” said Adams.

She’s been adding duck boxes, bird and bat houses to the Whitehouse trail to encourage others to appreciate wildlife.

“People get a more sense of feeling within the trail they don’t just walk it to get exercise, they really connect with nature and the wildlife that’s found on the trail,” said Adams.

Her final touch was an entrance sign made by her very own FFA peers.

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Now, others can step onto Blackhawk Creek Nature Trail and see the beauty that Lillian has a passion for. “Whitehouse is a very beautiful community and I am very glad that I got to add my own touch to it,” said Adams.

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