Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

My Eagle Scout project was to reconstruct the traditional Native American wigwam at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center in Milford, CT. The previous wigwam was torn and devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and the saplings were starting to rot from water and natural causes. I was tasked with making a wigwam that was authentic, yet durable. I researched designs and structures, and I was able to get some great advice from the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT.

I received permission from the City of Milford to cut down about 50-60 invasive Norway Maple trees from Wilcox Park. These trees have taken over Wilcox Park and were in the process of destroying the native vegetation. We dug up the trees and saplings to use for the wigwam. We shaved the bark off of the wood and coated them with a water seal to prevent them from rotting. Then, we put the saplings in the ground using holes that we previously dug. In order to get the domed wigwam shape, we bent the saplings and lashed every single one of them together.

When we began building the wigwam, the cover fit over like a sock, which will make it more durable, along with the waterproof saplings. We put grommets on the edge of the cover so we could tie the cover to the saplings.

The wigwam provides a safe outdoor classroom for elementary school kids while leaving no permanent damage to the environment.