A new pear tree has been planted near a quiet patch of land beside the pollinator garden at Barrington Farm School. 

The tree will bear fruit offer solace to those who are grieving. 

Late last month, a group of volunteers planted the pear tree in a quiet corner of the farm. The project was the vision of a local Girl Scout Brownie Troop 485, led by Becca Pinto, who approached Barrington Farm School with the idea of creating a memorial for lives lost in recent tragedies around the world. 

The concept was born out of a desire to provide a place of comfort for those grieving without a direct connection—a symbolic site “to remember whomever… almost like a gravestone representative for those who may need it,” Pinto said. 

In response, Barrington Farm School officials partnered with Bartlett Tree Experts of Seekonk, Mass., who generously offered to donate the tree and helped select its location during a snowy site visit.

This act of remembrance, sparked by the thoughtful inquiry of young girls, has blossomed into a meaningful community effort. Another local Girl Scout Cadette Troop attended the event as the wrap-up to earning their “Tree Badge,” and then even got to get their hands dirty by helping to dig the hole for the tree. The Girl Scouts donned super hero capes, given by Bartlett, as a reminder that even a small act like planting a tree can make a super impact in a community. 

This pear tree is the start of an open space at Barrington Farm School for shared reflection, connection, and hope.