Eagles Landed in a Park and Preserve

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Installation of covered bench.
Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) frequently partners with Boy Scouts of America (BSA) local troops to foster skill building and encourage leadership in the youth of our community. These efforts in turn beautify and improve conservation parks and nature preserves.


Toward the end of March in Hillsborough County's southernmost region, Camp Bayou Nature Preserve benefitted by having Dawson G. build not one, but two covered benches. These benches provide a nice resting place along the trail. It is apparent that Dawson is proud of his accomplishment and he should be! Eagle Scout projects take time in planning, gathering materials through fundraising or sponsorship and efforts of constructing and installation.


Dawson proudly perched on his project bench.
Eagle Scout projects are beneficial to the creatures on site where the projects are installed, whether they be human or another species. These projects serve a purpose in allowing each boy scout the chance to learn and grow through trial and error. CELM is grateful to Dawson for choosing to complete his final boy scout endeavor in one of Hillsborough County's nature preserves. Congratulations Dawson on this high achievement!



On April 3 in eastern Hillsborough County, Alderman's Ford Conservation Park received the installation of a new firewood rack for the group campsite as Josh G. completed his Eagle Scout Project.





Construction of firewood rack for the group site at Alderman's Ford Conservation Park.

As you can see in pictures of both projects during installation, the scouts are not alone. Not only are they guided by CELM staff, but they are supported by other scouts, leaders, parents, and friends in effort to complete their final projects. Although the project is a solo endeavor, each scout is advised, encouraged and uplifted during this process.

Josh G. is pictured with other scouts, leaders, family and friends in front of finished firewood rack.


If you know a boy scout who is planning to complete an Eagle Scout project and would like to do so in a Hillsborough County conservation park or nature preserve, have them submit a volunteer application. Once the project is approved by both CELM staff and BSA leadership the project will move forward to completion.

For more information about Boy Scouts of America Gulf Ridge Council programs and summer camps contact:  

Gulf Ridge Council
13228 N Central Ave
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 935-3030

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