ST. LOUIS – At 9:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 16, 2006, United States Representative Wm. Lacy Clay will honor Douglas Eller and the Grace Hill AmeriCorps Trail Rangers for their efforts in the development of the St. Louis River Front Trail.

During a presentation at his St. Louis County Office -- 8531 Page Blvd. -- the Congressman will present them with the Congressional Take Pride Appreciation Award. The award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior and designed to recognize outstanding volunteer projects and individuals who work to improve public parks, forests, grasslands, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, playgrounds and recreational areas.

“As a United States Congressman, one of the many duties I perform is to recognize the achievements of St. Louisans working to make this a better and more livable community,” Rep. Clay said. “Because of Mr. Eller and the Rangers, the 12-mile St. Louis River Front Trail from the Arch downtown to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge has become a magnet for people.”

Eller became director of the award-winning Grace Hill AmeriCorps Trail Ranger Project in 1995 and currently is the managing director of Community Development. The program recruits young adults living in the neighborhood to operate a native plant nursery, abate illegally dumped solid waste, educate people on the environment and culture of the area, and provide safety and security.

“Since their involvement with the St. Louis River Front Trail, beginning in 1994, their spirit and resources have helped boost other redevelopment projects, including the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Underground Railroad site, the Confluence Greenway, and the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area,” Clay also noted.

In the field, Rangers have removed tons of trash, planted 10,000 cottonwoods, 290 native plants and publicly promoted the trail, our regional history and conservation.