Eagle Scout project benefits Boone County Conservation District

Eagle Scout Candidate Bradley Fabiano and his troop met on a rainy spring day in April and installed the trail signs for his Eagle Scout Project at Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area.

Eagle Scout Candidate Bradley Fabiano and his troop met on a rainy spring day in April and installed the trail signs for his Eagle Scout Project at Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area. Bradley chose this project because he wanted to give back to his local community.

The outdoors and hiking have played a big part in his scouting career. Bradley has been in Troop 141 for seven years, holding numerous leadership positions, including assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster.

As stated in the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, service to others is an important part of the Scout Oath: “…to help other people at all times.”

Each year tens of thousands of Scouts strive to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank by applying character, citizenship, and Scouting values in their daily lives. One of the rank requirements is to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, school, or community. Through this requirement, Scouts practice what they have learned and gain valuable project management and leadership experience.

Bradley reviewed and mapped the trails at Kinnikinnick, and after several revisions, the routes and names were determined for the two refreshed trails.  The 2-mile Bluebird Loop Trail and the .75-mile Plum Loop Trail have new trail signs to help hikers find their way. Bradley and his volunteer crew put in over 138 hours into completing this project for the Conservation District.

Visitors to Kinnikinnick have remarked that they appreciate having the new signage for these trails. Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area is located at 18388 Caledonia Rd., Caledonia, IL 61011.

Bradley organized Troop 141 and arranged to have 18 volunteers come to help with the installation.

“It was impressive to see the scouts working together and following Bradley’s plan that day, even out in the cold rain,” said Mark Freedlund, a Boone County Conservation District staff member.

Signs Now in Rockford created the new trail signs. Signs Now was kind enough to support Bradley’s Eagle Scout Project by donating a portion of the cost to create the new signage.  Lumber for the project was donated by Lowe’s of Machesney Park.  The remaining balance for the project was shared by BCCD and Bradley.

Bradley hopes that the improvements to the trails through his project will help others feel more comfortable hiking at Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area and that people will get outdoors and experience nature.

Scout Troop 141 meets at First Presbyterian Church or Spencer Conservation Area each month, and Matt Beckel is the Scoutmaster of the troop. Those interested in visiting or joining can reach out to: [email protected] and find more information about Troop 141 at the website: www.troopwebhost.org/Troop141Belvidere/Index.htm.