Charlie’s Conservation Crusade: Protecting Nature One Step at a Time

Stratford, CT — Charles (Charlie) Welch, a dedicated Boy Scout from Stratford, CT, is on a mission to earn some of Scouting America's most prestigious and rare honors: the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, and the Messengers of Peace Distinguished Service Award. These awards represent the pinnacle of service, leadership, and outdoor skill in the Scouting program and are earned by only a small number of Scouts nationwide each year.

Charlie’s current work centers around the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, which is earned by fewer than 70 Scouts across the country annually. His efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to protecting and restoring local ecosystems, as well as to leading meaningful community service projects.

He recently led two major conservation projects at Russian Beach in Stratford’s Lordship neighborhood. Working in collaboration with the Lordship Improvement Association (LIA), Connecticut Audubon Society, and local volunteers, Charlie tackled two ambitious initiatives. His first project involved installing 650 feet of drift fencing to combat dune erosion and promote natural beach restoration. These fences help stabilize sand dunes, protect coastal ecosystems, and preserve important habitat for wildlife.

His second project focused on enhancing local bird populations. Charlie constructed and installed 21 nesting boxes to support a tree swallow colony. These striking and beneficial birds help control insect populations and contribute to local biodiversity.

“These projects are about giving back to the community and helping protect the places we love,” said Charlie. “Whether it’s protecting dunes or helping birds thrive, it’s about working together to make a difference.”

A Scout’s Path to High Honors

In addition to the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, Charlie is pursuing the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, Scouting’s highest recognition for outdoor excellence. This award requires mastery in a range of outdoor skills including camping, hiking, backpacking, wilderness survival, and conservation, along with a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community service.

He’s also working toward the Messengers of Peace Distinguished Service Award—an exceptionally rare recognition limited to just five youth nationwide each year. This honor highlights sustained, impactful contributions to peace-building and community betterment on both a local and national scale.

Leading by Example

Charlie currently serves as the Outdoor Ethics Guide for his troop, where he helps his peers follow Leave No Trace principles and engage in responsible outdoor practices. As a certified Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor, Charlie has educated both youth and adults on minimizing their environmental impact and developing a respectful relationship with the natural world.

Since joining Scouts as a second grader, Charlie has been actively involved in conservation and service, working with groups like the LIA and Connecticut Audubon Society to improve local ecosystems and mentor others in the process.

As part of his continued efforts to support community-led conservation, Charlie hopes to create a community conservation tool lending library through the Stratford Public Library. His vision is to build a collection of tools—such as weed wrenches, loppers, gloves, and more—that residents can borrow to help control invasive species on their own properties or in public spaces. By empowering individuals with access to the right equipment, Charlie hopes to make it easier for people across town to take part in habitat restoration and environmental stewardship.

An International Adventure

This summer, Charlie will take his skills and adventurous spirit overseas as he embarks on a backpacking and sea kayaking expedition in Norway. Over the course of the trip, he will hike more than 50 miles in the Norwegian backcountry and sea kayak over 50 miles through the country’s iconic fjords. The international trek is part of his continued growth as an outdoorsman and global citizen—and reflects the kind of adventurous, purpose-driven life that Scouting encourages.

Looking Ahead

With a deep appreciation for the environment and a clear commitment to service, Charlie hopes his work inspires other Scouts—and community members—to take action in their own neighborhoods.

“We all have a role to play,” he said. “Conservation isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about being responsible for our shared spaces and making sure future generations can enjoy them too.”

As Charlie continues his journey through Scouting’s highest levels of achievement, he’s not just collecting awards—he’s building a legacy of leadership, stewardship, and meaningful impact that extends from the shores of Stratford to the fjords of Norway and beyond.