Long Valley Scout's Eagle Project Is Good News For Bat Conservation

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Washington Township Boy Scout recently received scouting's highest honor, and members of the local police department, along with Mayor Matt Murello, honored him for his service.

Washington Township officials presented a formal proclamation to Luke Heim from Boy Scout Troop 36 - Long Valley NJ, welcoming him into the rank of Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank or achievement in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, approximately 4 percent of scouts have earned this rank after a rigorous review process, according to officials.

Scouts must plan, develop, and lead others in a service project that benefits any religious institution, school, or part of the local community in order to receive the rank.

Heim's Eagle Scout project involved designing and building 11 bat houses at Zion Lutheran Church to help aid in the conservation of the endangered little brown bat species. According to officials, the project took more than 200 service hours, which were completed by Heim and other scouts from Troop 36.

Local police officer Chris Seely was in attendance at this ceremony and spoke with Heim about his time in the Scouts and his Eagle Scout project. On behalf of the Washington Township Police Department, Seely then presented Heim with a certificate of achievement.

During his time with the Scouts, Heim has served as a senior patrol leader, patrol leader, troop guide and librarian. He has earned the National Conservation Award and two other National Outdoor Awards.

Long Valley's Troop 36 was founded on Dec. 2, 1937, with 13 new Scouts and 7 troop leaders. Over the next 87 years, they have seen many Scouts pass through this troop, producing more than 95 Eagle Scouts.