Submitted by: Nuruddin A., Eagle Scout
Bee Crossing is an Eagle Scout project with a focus on sustainability— to live beyond the present day. It was always planned with the future in mind. That’s why this project’s three goals were about safety, education, and community.
The physical part of this project was planned to foster the future as well. It’s 16 wooden posts, 10 with Solar LEDs and all with plaques. They’re planted in a marshy grove between an Elementary School, and two neighborhoods. The plaques describe the diverse representation of wildlife. From the native to the invasive, to the birds in the trees to the skunk cabbages rooting in the hummus, the beauty in the diversity are the main highlights.
A website was made since 16 plaques could not cover every single species in Bee Crossing. This website, beecrossing.org, was made to correct and expand on the information covered by the plaques. These plaques were also made with the Elementary School in mind. We have been working with the school to make Bee Crossing a part of the local curriculum. In fact, each plaque has a unique QR code that leads back to the website. This way, if visitors wish to do their own research, they can scan the QR code and learn more through the sources we provided or the additional information we offer.
The suggestion to light up the path was actually pitched by the community itself. The path at night is awfully dark, but many people still use it. The 10 Solar LEDs were placed on the post as a way to have renewably powered lights to keep the community safe at night. These LEDs are dim enough to avoid blinding, but bright enough to make the path visible. This way, everyone can enjoy the path both in the day, and safely at night.
Sustainability and the future goes hand in hand. Scouting teaches us to be prepared for life, and bringing a community together with this project does exactly that. Bee Crossing was made to be a rally point for everyone to gather around. The name itself was suggested and voted on by the community. We have a volunteer group called Friends of Bee Crossing to maintain the path. The vision is for this project to become bigger than itself. For this project to instill a sense of identity and action. To one day return home and see many projects and works done for the benefit of all of us, would be a dream come true.
Bee Crossing is an Eagle Scout project built now for the future with 16 posts embedded along the trails with Solar LEDS and plaques about the wildlife.
NCAC is hosting BALOO and IOLS trainings for both Cub and Scouts BSA leaders on June 19 through June 20th at Camp Snyder, VA.
We’re looking for Merit Badge Counselors for the first-ever Camp Snyder Scouts BSA Merit Badge Week, July 19 – 23. Come and be a part of creating an amazing week for Scouts BSA of all ranks as they learn in the outdoors.
Joe Sullivan is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland. He received his PhD in Plant Physiology from Clemson University in 1985 when he joined the University as a Faculty Research Associate in the Department of Botany. As Associate Dean, he is responsible for administration and coordination of all academic programs in the college. He formally taught courses in Environmental Science, Plant Structure and Function, Forest Ecology, Vegetation Sampling and Data Analysis and Advanced Plant Ecophysiology and directs the Urban Forestry program for the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. He served from 2015 to 2017 as the Interim Director of the Environmental Science and Policy program.
Josh Batten is an Executive Partner with Gartner Inc., the world’s foremost research and advisory company employing more than 15,000 employees globally. In this role, he directly contributes to the business and mission success of multiple national-level federal organizations by serving as a trusted adviser and thought partner to C-Suite Executives, Senior Executive Service members, and military Flag Officers from across the U.S. Government. Focusing on organizational evolution and business optimization, Josh leverages more than 25 years of experience as an accomplished leader in both the public and private sectors to help federal agencies develop and execute complex business and resource strategies that cost-effectively save time, increase performance, and maximize impact of investments.
On behalf of our Scouts here at NCAC, thank you to our donors for your dedication and continued support! Scouting develops self-reliance, leadership, and character in youth. It increases their chances for success and improves the quality of not only their lives, but also the community in which they will grow to adulthood. Thank you to the individuals, families, and organizations for your contribution in helping make a difference in the lives of our Scouts.