Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Restoration means to return something back to the original or natural state. This past summer, I started the restoration process in a farm field. It was originally swamp in the Gene Stratton Porter Limberlost area; with the help of others, I planted various kinds of grasses. The DNR helped guide in preparation, and my friends helped me out in the actual project. I led this project as my Eagle Scout Project; this was the final task before I became an Eagle Scout. First, I obtained all of the plants. After that, we flagged the location of the plants before anything else. When the time came, we drilled holes, filled them with water, place the plants in the holes, and poured more water on top. The project demanded around 100 man hours, and we were able to complete it successfully in one day. My 15 to 20 workers were a great help, and I am very thankful they took the time to help me on my restoration project.

Several benefits to the community and environment exist because of my project. First of all, erosion is greatly slowed and the chance of flooding to the local houses is reduced. These two factors lead to cleaner water in streams and rivers. Additionally, native animal and plant wildlife will be able to coexist. A plant called the reed canary caused many problems before my project. We had to kill it to its roots for it to die completely. It also provides no habitat to animals while blocking other plants from growing. In other words, once this plant starts, it dominates and destroys. Therefore, I restored a field in the Limberlost area to become an Eagle Scout.

This project has shown me what dedication and hard work can do for the community and myself. This project is one of many to come that I can proudly say "I started that." Also, I am excited to see how my project grows in the future. I cherish the great feeling of accomplishment that projects like this one gives me, and that feeling motivates me to start more projects. In addition, I formed ties with the workers in the Limberlost area. I thank the founders of Boy Scouts of America for putting the service project as a requirement to become an Eagle Scout. It allowed me to realize the importance of community service whether or not the project is an eco project or not. In conclusion, my project is a superb memory and I hope to encounter and lead more projects in the future.