Scout's Project Controls Erosion in Township Open Space

Jeff Marschke, a Boy Scout in Troop 32 in West Dundee, wanted to do an outdoor project for his Eagle Award requirement. The Eagle Award is the highest honor a Scout can receive in Boy Scouting. A service project is required before the Scout can attain this award.

For his project, Jeff contacted and worked with Kirby Dowlat, the Natural Areas Manager for Dundee Township's Open Space. Kirby knew that there was water erosion along a path in the Dixie Briggs Fromm Illinois Nature Preserve. With Kirby's input, Jeff put together a project to control the erosion on the path.

Jeff's project employed the water bar technique to control the erosion. This technique uses logs imbedded in the ground and set at angles to the path. Gravel is spread in front of the logs and metal stakes are driven through the logs to hold them in place. Water is then diverted from the path.

On Saturday, October 30th, Jeff led a team of 18 Boy Scouts and other volunteers in putting the logs in place. The volunteers dug 9 twelve foot trenches in the path. The logs were staked in, and 3 tons of gravel was spread and tamped down to help hold the logs. Dirt from the trenches was used to fill in low spots caused by earlier erosion.

As part of the project, Jeff reached out to local businesses for donations. The businesses responded by donating the gravel, stakes, and extra tools. Food and drinks were donated for a breakfast snack, and pizza and drinks for lunch.

For more information on Dundee Township Open Space visit the website at www.dundeetownship.org. and for more information on Troop 32 visit www.eteamz.com/troop32 .