Walk the Walk: Help Create Boardwalks at Stroud Preserve

My name is Tyler Schmale, and I’m a Boy Scout working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. As part of earning this achievement, I’m completing a service project to give back to my community.

For my project, I’ve partnered with Stroud Preserve, a beautiful 571-acre nature preserve in West Chester, PA, that’s open to the public for hiking, birding, and enjoying the outdoors. Some of the trails have become muddy and difficult to walk, especially during wet seasons. This not only makes it harder for visitors to enjoy the preserve—it also causes erosion and long-term damage to the trails.

To help address this issue, I’ll be building 176 feet of boardwalks over the most problem-prone areas, so people can walk through without damaging the trails or getting stuck in the mud. This will help protect the environment while also making the preserve more enjoyable for everyone who visits.

To make this project a reality, I need to raise funds to purchase materials such as lumber and hardware. Any donation—big or small—will help bring this project to life and support a place that means a lot to our community. Any excess funds will be donated directly to Stroud Preserve to support future projects and ongoing maintenance.

Thank you so much for your support! See you out on the trails.