Volunteers spent time at Fairfield Hills on Saturday, putting into the ground the first plants for a fruit trail to grow along some of the walking trails within the campus.

Led by Andrew Mangold, the project was proposed earlier this year as "an edible fruit trail" along the walking path that winds through Fairfield Hills. The Newtown native presented his concept to the Fairfield Hills Authority on February 22, when members were quick to welcome his idea of developing areas of the town-owned parcel as areas to be planted and tended to by volunteers.

Since that time, Mr Mangold has also taken his idea to the Parks & Recreation Commission. His hope, he has told town officials, is to bring trees, ground cover and herbs to "empty grass sections" along the trail, except for meadow areas, he has said.

Ultimately the project's scale will depend on funding, Mr Mangold has said.

On June 11, volunteers prepared trees and plants to line the section of walking trails near the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters on Wasserman Way, as well as a segment along Mile Hill South. Guided by Mr Mangold, the group organized, planted and watered various fruit trees and other plants.