Eagle Scout Candidate Repairs Benches at Nature Center

The following information was submitted by Carla Reeb/Troy Nature Society.

When Spencer Barlow, a sophomore at Troy High School, approached the Troy Nature Society (TNS) about identifying a project he could complete for his final Eagle Scout project, TNS Lead Naturalist Debbie Williams wasted no time in identifying 14 benches along the trails of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center that were badly in need of repair.

Spencer organized the project from beginning to end.  First, he measured the benches to figure out how much wood would be needed to make all the repairs.  Next, he and his mother visited a local hardwood store to identify costs for the wood and hardware needed for the project. 

After determining the costs of repairs would be $25 per bench, Spencer began fund-raising among family and friends, soliciting $25 from 14 donors in order to cover the cost of repairs.  In exchange, he offered 14 donors the opportunity to have a small plaque placed on one of the benches.  The project took approximately two weeks with help from 26 volunteer scouts and adults.

"Spencer was very organized and planned the project out carefully, even down to pre-cutting the wood ahead of time so that work would go quickly on days when everyone was at the nature center to help," TNS Executive Director Carla Reeb said.

"The Troy Nature Society is very grateful to Spencer for the fine job he did in repairing the benches of the Stage Nature Center for all to enjoy.  He has worked hard and deserves to become an Eagle Scout.” 

The Troy Nature Society is a nonprofit organization supporting the educational nature and science programs of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center, a 100-acre preserve located in Troy. The society’s mission is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature. For further information on programs and events visit www.troynaturesociety.org or call 248-688-9703.