Scouts Construct a Nature Trail Boardwalk

The hot, lazy days of summer are often times of inactivity on

the Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail.  Not so this summer.

For the past year, Eagle Scout candidate Andy Paris has

spearheaded a major upgrade to our beloved trail.  With the

help of all Troop 223 and many of their parents, the ambitious

project has now come to fruition.  Andy and his team have

created a sturdy, attractive boardwalk which promises to solve

a long-standing erosion problem near the trailhead.

What follows is a pictorial chronology of the on-site workdays.

Prior to the first workday, Andy has marked off the approximate
area that required preparation.

Andy and his project advisor review the goals they will share
with the laborers.

Help is arriving.  The scout motto is "Be prepared." Andy's team
comes with an assortment of tools, supplies, and most of all a
willingness to work.

Andy's crew is ready for their orders.

Some work on clearing an area and digging a trench which will
divert storm waters under the proposed boardwalk.  In the past,
these waters rushed down the main trail, washing away wood
chips and carving out unwanted ruts.

When it comes to digging there are no short cuts.
It's plain old hard work.

Much digging was also needed to level the site for the boardwalk
and dig holes for its supports.

Surveying equipment was utilized to confirm specified elevations.

On that first workday, the workers take a moment to pose on
Old Man Poplar, the iconic leaning tree visible exactly where
the boardwalk will end.

On the second workday a few weeks later, the actual

construction began.  Andy and his support team had 

raised sufficient funds for top grade heavy-duty 

weather-treated materials.

Everyone pitched in to deliver materials to the work site.
At least it was all downhill.

Boards were precision cut on-site and the frame for the first
segment is assembled.

Work on several sub-projects proceeds simultaneously and
efficiently.

Scouts develop valuable skills as they labor.

Here comes the last of the lumber.

Even scouts need their proper rest.  But honestly, this crew
took few breaks from their toil.

One segment is in place, a second awaits placement.

A professional job.

Where this crew is working the boardwalk will form a "Y,"
steering you to either the left or right fork of our loop trail.

Andy is well-pleased with his team.

These materials will complete the "Y" section on a third workday.

When workers can smile like this, you know they take great pride
and satisfaction in a job well done.  This has always been a hallmark
of the values scouting teaches.

Drilling was one of the favorite tasks for several scouts.
This boardwalk is built to last.

Any of the hundreds of students who have ever walked on this
trail will marvel at the improvement this projects brings.

The second workday wraps up.  Two weeks later, Andy and
Troop 223 gather on a Tuesday evening to finalize the project.

Do you see the "Y"?  Which way would you choose to go?

It may seem counter-intuitive, but there's a reason
we opted for no railings.  See if you can figure out why.

Here are a few views of the boardwalk from 

different perspectives.  Besides its practical function

of  solving the erosion problem, the location and

attractiveness of the walk will enhance the trail-

walking experience for countless children and adults

for decades.  The original bridge at the stream was 

built in 1985 and was just removed a couple of years ago.

This is more professionally constructed and is on

a firm foundation.

The scouts even poured cement for a gently sloping ramp so
there wouldn't be a sharp drop-off.

When hikers return from their loop trail this is the sight they'll
see as they approach Old Man Poplar.  You can't really get
lost on our user-friendly trail.

Here is Andy with his proud family, all of whom labored beside
him and his troop throughout the project.  Strong family support
is another positive tenet of scouting through the years.
Andy will be awarded his well-deserved Eagle badge in late
summer or early fall and will conduct a dedication ceremony,
to be announced.



From all of us in the school and
community who will benefit from
this project, a big "Thank You"
to Andy and Troop 223!