Without dreamers to set new ideas in motion, ours would be a dull world.

Native Newtown resident Andrew Mangold has moved his vision forward, creating an edible path to follow as Newtown residents and visitors stroll the extended trails at Fairfield Hills. Fruit-bearing plants are now in place along the winding trail that parallels Mile Hill South and wanders toward the ambulance garage on Wasserman Way.

Conceived and spearheaded by Mr Mangold, the idea is to be commended. He has put much thought into creating what he hopes will be an easily sustainable orchard, using low maintenance, pest-resistant varieties of plants. Children and adults (and birds and bears) will some day enjoy finding a healthy snack close at hand. The blossoming shrubs and colorful fruits will add another dimension of beauty to an already attractive landscape.

What is of concern, though, is the reliance on volunteers for upkeep as the years go by. It is easy to find a cadre of volunteers to support a new undertaking. There is a lot of excitement and hope as any new venture goes forward. Initial enthusiasm, however, must carry over as one year becomes five, becomes ten, becomes 15 and the plants continue to need watering, weeding, pruning and harvesting.

Who will be around in years to come to alert residents that fruits are ripened and ready for harvest? Concerns raised at the May 23 Fairfield Hills Authority meeting as to the care of the plantings may be more valid in coming years.

Mr Mangold is fortunate to have the stated support at this time of the Parks and Recreation Department in maintaining this fruitful effort. How far into the future this department is amenable to assigning employees to oversee the shrubbery remains yet another question.

Even experienced gardeners suffer plant losses from disease, pests and harsh weather. Adequate funding needs to be in place each year so that damaged plants can be replaced or amended. So far, funding has been garnered from grants, town boards and community donations. As generous a town as Newtown is, there may be some work involved to convince donors on the value of plant restoration, when this is no longer a new project.

The edible fruit trail is an inspired plan, and one that has the potential to offer Newtown a unique experience.

"This planting will outlive all of us, ensuring that all those to come after us can enjoy towering trees full of persimmon, chestnuts and paw-paw," Mr Mangold told FHA members.

Our hope is that the enthusiasm for this vision made manifest also outlives each of us, and that along with delicious fruits, we are one day eating these words of concern.