If you head out to Woods and Waters Land Trust’s Vaughn Branch Nature Preserve soon, you’ll be happy to notice some trail improvements in the works. As part of Eagle Scout candidate Will Bright’s Eagle Scout Service Project, he will be working with WWLT to build switchbacks into the trail as it heads down to the creek, making the sharp slope more inviting for less experienced hikers.
Bright, a junior at Franklin County High School, has had some trail-building experience prior to this project, having done similar work at the Boy Scouts of America’s Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. However, his work on the Vaughn Branch Trail has launched him into a leadership role, giving him the autonomy to map out a plan for the trail improvements and manage a team of two foremen to carry out the tasks. As a result, he’ll be developing his skillset to include organizational and communication skills, knowledge of new tools, and nature preservation techniques. In addition to the Eagle Project, Bright will be completing a merit badge and undergoing a board review and expects to attain Eagle rank by the end of the year.
The Eagle Scout Service Project has provided Bright and WWLT a mutually beneficial partnership, giving him as a scout the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills while in turn helping WWLT improve our conserved lands. WWLT welcomes Bright’s work and the work of young people in our community as we build awareness around conservation and the importance of natural lands to our community for generations to come.
