Boy Scout’s Eagle Project Assists Forest Preserve, Wood Ducks

Naperville Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout Project Assists Forest Preserve, Wood Ducks

When it came time for 16 year-old Ian Afseth, a Naperville Boy Scout from Troop 889, to start his Eagle Scout project, he knew he wanted to do something unique. So when he found a project that was available at the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Afseth jumped at the opportunity to help.

The project was the planning, fundraising, construction and installation of wood duck boxes at Isle a la Cache preserve in Romeoville. Wood ducks are common in area ponds and like to nest in hollowed out trees which are becoming a rare habitat. The boxes provide these important nesting areas and offer shelter for the ducks year after year.

On June 2, with the help of twenty Troop 889 Scouts and parents, Afseth saw to the building of both the cedar wood duck houses as well as the tin cones which are mounted below them to protect against predators.

While adult leaders sawed the wooden boards into pieces and drilled the entrance holes, scouts sanded and assembled the boxes. Installation of the houses on metal poles will take place on June 8.

“I definitely learned a lot during this project,” said Afseth. “Planning and modifying a design for the duck house, getting it approved by the right people, sending out advertisements, fundraising, and finally leading the Scouts in construction was a very similar process to many facets of the business world.

“I would like to thank Troop 889 and Jason Buss and Renee Gauchat of the Forest Preserve District of Will County for giving me the idea and permission to serve the county,” he added. “The Forest Preserve has provided our Troop with opportunities to undertake many Eagle Scout Projects to conserve the environment and ecosystem.”