November 10, 2012

Eagle Scout Projects Enhance the Trail in 2012 - November 10, 2012

Two very involved Eagle Scout projects by motivated Boy Scouts of Danville Boy Scout Troop 301 have greatly enhanced the Vandalia Trail between Amo and Coatesville this year.

Jake Grubbs

Last winter, Jake Grubbs and volunteers from Danville Boy Scout Troop 301 installed many high quality free-standing bluebird houses along the trail property on either side of the bicycle/pedestrian trail, taking advantage of the wide natural corridor to encourage and accomodate this popular bird species. This was the culmination of months of very in-depth research, design, fundraising, and construction activity by Jake in 2011. This also included consultation with the National Bluebird Society and a DNR naturalist on design and placement. Photos of some of the 21 very nice birdhouses along the trail can be seen on the web site. During your next trail hike, see if you can find all 21!

Jared Smith

On November 10, Jared Smith and volunteers from Danville Boy Scout Troop 301 finished installation of much needed trail information kiosks at three locations along the Vandalia Trail: in Amo, on the west side of Coatesville, and in front of the treatment plant near Crittenden Creek. These kiosks provide an attractive and flexible means to display trail information and maps for trail users at the key entry points between these towns and to the west. This was the culmination of months of activity, including collaboration with the Friends of the Vandalia Trail on desired features, then working out the design details, followed by acquiring the funding and materials. Finally, Jared constructed the pieces and coordinated volunteer teams to install them in 2 stages. In late October, they installed the support posts, then followed up with the kiosks 2 weeks later after the posts were firmly in place. Photos of the team in action during installation and the final product can be seen on the web site. Jared also provided a 4th kiosk that Rex Rollo and Greg Midgley with the Friends of the Vandalia Trail installed later in November in the trailhead area by Railroad Street on the east side of Coatesville.