Scout restores living memorial: Oaks in Tuscaloosa honor local men who died in WWI. (Earth Keepers).

To the residents of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the hefty oaks that line the town's University Boulevard are a familiar landmark. Until recently, however, most weren't aware of the trees' historical significance. With the help of donations and some volunteer manpower, 12-year-old Nicholas Kimbrough aims to change that.

The oaks were planted more than 80 years ago to commemorate men from Tuscaloosa County who died or were killed during World War I. "It's important to the town because those were the veterans that were from Tuscaloosa," Nicholas says. "It reminds them of who died and when they and what they gave up."

"Some of our biggest attributes are our wide, tree-lined avenues," says Betsy Hayslip, executive director of the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County. "I was just thrilled to learn that these trees were intentionally planted for the dedication of these individuals."

The project, one of many "living memorials" planted nationwide for the heroes of the Great War, was organized in 1920-2 1 by the local branch of American Legion Post 34. Small bronze plaques, now long gone, graced the base of each of 45 trees, each bearing a name and dedication to a veteran. There were a few rumblings over the years about restoring the memorial, but nothing materialized.

Nicholas' dad Ray stumbled across the trees' importance in an area history book. He shared it with his son, and Nicholas seized upon the idea of restoring the memorial for his Eagle Scout project. "I like anything to do with World War I or World War II," he says, "so I thought this would he pretty cool."

Nicholas plans to replace each of the lost plaques with stone placards placed flush with the ground at the foot of each tree. Each stone will bear the name, rank, and company of the veteran associated with that tree. The seventh-grader also plans to replace any trees that have been removed over the years. To finish the job, Nicholas plans to post a metal marker that designates the memorial trees a historic site.

"To restore the memorial would be really outstanding for this community," says Tuscaloosa County license commissioner Lee A. Mailman, a veteran and the post commander of American Legion Post 34.

To restore the memorial trees, Nicholas consulted with both the University of Alabama and its grounds crew to make sure that the design and placement of the trees met with their approval. Nicholas already got the nod from university president Barry Mason, who wrote: "It warmed my heart to hear of your efforts to earn the Eagle Scout designation. "Reminding people of the history of the grand old oaks would add something special to the campus.

One of the requirements of the Eagle Scout project is that Nicholas not fly solo. Eagle Scout projects, by nature, benefit a civic organization or the community as a whole, but leadership skills are also key. Once he's raised enough money to break ground, Nicholas will organize a team of family, friends, and volunteers to get the job done. He estimates the total project will cost between $6,000 and $9,000.

Nicholas is looking to community donations for much of the money, and he has already raised several hundred dollars. He also plans to speak with University of Alabama fraternities and sororities, other university organizations, and civic clubs.

"I'm going to need some help," Nicholas says, adding, "This is going to be a big project." If you'd like to help, send donations to Nicholas Kimbrough, do Memorial Tree Fund, P0 Box 2711, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2711.

Kate Ashford freelances in Alexandria, Virginia.