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In a heartfelt act of friendship, remembrance, and community service, a New Jersey Girl Scout has created a nature trail dedicated to the memory of her late friend. Joellie Giquinto of Medford Lakes recently unveiled “Marketa’s Trail,” a peaceful, mile-long path winding through the wooded areas of her hometown. The trail is named in honor of Marketa McCabe, a close friend who passed away at the age of 20, four years ago. The project, rooted in love and resilience, has earned Joellie the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award.

The trail serves not only as a tribute to Marketa’s life but also as a lasting contribution to the local community. Joellie recalls how her friend found comfort and joy in the outdoors, frequently exploring trails, forests, and green spaces. Inspired by this shared appreciation for nature, Joellie decided to create a sanctuary where others could connect with the outdoors in the same way Marketa did. The trail is lined with signage, benches, and resting areas to encourage reflection, making it more than just a walking path—it is a space for healing and remembrance.

The creation of Marketa’s Trail was no small undertaking. It required months of planning, approvals from local authorities, community outreach, and physical labor. Joellie worked alongside town officials, environmental experts, and volunteers to map out the route, clear the land, and install environmentally friendly infrastructure that preserved the natural habitat. The result is a thoughtfully designed trail that invites residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the dedication of the trail and honor Marketa’s memory. Joellie spoke to the crowd about her motivation and the emotions that shaped her journey. She shared how the project helped her process grief and channel it into something positive and enduring. The event was emotional yet uplifting, serving as a reminder of how love and action can turn loss into legacy.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, which Joellie received for her efforts, is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. It recognizes extraordinary leadership, dedication, and impact. To achieve the award, scouts must identify a pressing issue, develop a sustainable solution, and lead a project that benefits their community. Joellie’s creation of Marketa’s Trail met all these criteria while also offering a deeply personal and meaningful narrative that resonated with everyone involved.

Marketa’s Trail is already becoming a beloved part of the Medford Lakes community. Locals have praised the space for offering a new way to connect with nature and each other. School groups, families, and individual hikers have begun frequenting the trail, with some leaving messages or flowers in memory of loved ones. Others have noted the importance of having accessible green spaces that support emotional wellness and reflection, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

This project also highlights the evolving role of youth in environmental stewardship and public service. Young people like Joellie are increasingly taking initiative to address both social and environmental needs in their communities. Her story is a powerful reminder that impactful change can begin with a personal mission and grow into a resource that touches countless lives.

As the trail continues to welcome visitors, Joellie’s work stands as a testament to enduring friendship and the power of community-driven projects. She hopes the trail will inspire others to find strength in memories, take care of natural spaces, and act with compassion. For her, it is more than an award-winning project—it’s a legacy built from love, shaped by grief, and guided by purpose. Marketa’s Trail will remain a lasting symbol of the bond they shared and the difference one young person can make when they lead with their heart.