Hello! My name is Lucas Smith, and I have been in Scouting since the 1st grade. I started as a Bobcat in Cub Scouts, and after 10 years in Scouting, I am now working on my Eagle Rank with Troop 230 in Yardley, PA. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank a Scout can achieve. It is estimated that only 7% of boys that begin Boy Scouts will achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. To earn this rank, I had to progress through 6 different ranks, complete 21 merit badges, hold a leadership position (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader) within my Troop for six months, and finally plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project and complete an Eagle Scout Board of Review. I am currently working on this final part and planning out my project, recruiting volunteers, acquiring the materials, and acting as the leader of the project’s efforts.

My project will be to build a 16’x16’ viewing platform at Five Mile Woods Nature Preserve in Lower Makefield Township. This platform ultimately will be accessible from wooden walkways that are on two trails that lead away from the visitor’s center, thus creating an ADA-compliant viewing area for disabled visitors. To achieve this, I will also be clearing underbrush from a 100’x100’ area between these trails in order to create a meadow for improved wildlife diversity and a natural viewing area for the platform. Once complete, the Friends of Five Mile Woods has agreed to plant wildflowers, and maintain this platform and meadow as part of one of the preserve’s primary assets.

To make my project a reality, I am asking for the financial support of family and friends. Not only will you be supporting me with this ambitious project but, most importantly, helping to seriously improve a local nature preserve. I have estimated that the cost of my project will be about $2500. If you are willing and able to donate to my project, I would be very appreciative. Your generosity of any amount, even just $10, would help me complete my project and ultimately earn my Eagle Rank.

Thank you for considering a donation to my project.

Lucas