This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Crabtree Nature Center benefits from Local BSA Scout Project

Crabtree Nature Center benefits from Local BSA Scout Project

Crabtree Nature Center, part of the Cook Country Forest Preserve District, located in Barrington Hills, once again benefits from the work of local Boy Scouts.  CJ Hoy a 14 year old Boy Scout with Troop 69, recently finished his Eagle Project.  CJ along with scouts from three different Troops and members of the Order of the Arrow constructed 10 park style benches along the two mile Phantom Trail in the nature center.  Several of the benches replaced old unsafe benches, while others marked a new spot on the trail.

When boys enter the Boy Scout program one of the first things they learn is to Leave no Trace.  This principle teaches that we should leave things better than we  found them, disturb nature as little as possible and leave only footprints.  When CJ was deciding on a project for his Eagle Scout advancement, he wanted to leave a footprint.  CJ wanted to do something that would not only benefit many people, but nature as well.  His choice to work with Crabtree fulfilled that goal.

The Nature Center is made up of over one thousand acres of prairie and lakes, with several miles of trails.  The Phantom Trail takes you out to the farthest point in the nature center.  While on the trail you might see any number of the 260 species of birds sighted in the preserve, or other forest critters.  The trails are non-paved walking trails that allow you to be very close to nature.  With the addition of the 10 benches the two mile Phantom Trail now offers many spots to sit quietly and observe nature.  The trail is a perfect place tosit, reflect or relax.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

CJ funded the bench project with sponsorship from corporations and individuals.  Lowes in Rolling Meadows was particularly generous in the support given to the project.  CJ together with his team of scouts and family members worked a total of 385 hours to complete the construction and placement of the benches.  All the time and expense of the project was a donation to Crabtree.

Over the past several years, Crabtree has benefitted from Eagle Scout projects that have helped create the Explore Nature area, while not incurring any costs to the Nature Center.  The Crabtree staff is very supportive of Boy Scout efforts, so it is a win win situation for all, when the Scouts work at the center to complete an Eagle Project.  The center gets upgrades while the scouts prove they have the leadership skills necessary to become an Eagle Scout.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?