We all know somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds do fly. Perhaps some fly right into new bluebirds boxes at Jennings Randolph Lake. Thanks to a local boy scout, hopefully they will.
Pierce Miller, a Life Scout from Troop 27 in Keyser, W. Va., recently completed his Eagle Scout project by constructing and installing 30 bluebird boxes at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project, Jennings Randolph Lake, July 17.
“I was really excited to complete my Eagle Scout project at Jennings Randolph Lake and was glad to do something that enhanced the wild life habitat at the park,” Miller said.
Miller approached the staff at the lake in December 2012 to request their support in brainstorming ideas for a project.
“We recently had been removing damaged bluebird boxes from the site so it was terrific to immediately be able to replace them with new and better boxes,” Bill Donnellan, supervisory park ranger said. “Bluebirds are careful in the selection of their homes and these boxes will be a great addition and will enhance our bluebird population at the park.”
Operations Manager Karl Hakala and his staff guided Miller in the development of his proposal. After the project was approved by his organization, Miller was set to start.
In order to purchase the materials needed, Miller collected donations to buy the supplies needed to build the boxes. Other scouts also assisted him in cutting the wood and nailing the boxes together over a multiple day period.
Once complete, Miller spent a full day installing the boxes at various locations across Jennings Randolph Lake including the Maryland Overlook, West Virginia Overlook, Shaw Beach, Howell Run Picnic Area, Howell Run Boat Launch, and the Robert W. Craig Campground.
Miller returned the unused materials and decided to make a contribution to the Friends of Jennings Randolph Lake, Inc., a non-profit partnership group whose mission is to promote and protect the natural and recreational resources at the lake. The group sponsors and develops programs in resource management and recreation through public education.
Miller presented a check to the organization at the group’s meeting, Aug. 21.
“As an Eagle Scout myself, it was great to see a young motivated individual complete this project and all the hard work required,” said Richard “Doc” Lechliter, Friends of Jennings Randolph Lake treasurer. “Our group greatly appreciates the donation which will be used for environmental programs and projects for the enjoyment of future visitors of Jennings Randolph Lake.”
Miller is now working to prepare for his Eagle Board of review and anticipates receiving his Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony scheduled for late September.