Eagle Project - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Clean-up

Matthew brought a crew to Chichaqua (A Polk County Nature Preserve) to clean an island of invasive species.  There were 6-8 scouts and 4-5 dads plus Anna and me.  Those scouts (and dads esp.) worked hard and created 4 gigantic piles of brush to dry out then be burned.  

 Joel pitched it.

Ken took one for the team on his face!  (thorns - nasty)

 I mostly didn't want Anna to get hurt or fall it the water, but she did a great job too.  (Carolyn had show choir practice.)

Here is Matthew at one of MANY (but probably under 10) trips to Chichaqua to get the project in order.  At one point he considered rebuilding a bridge (not the one in the picture obviously), but it would have required taking out and building a bridge WHEN weather permitted.  When we first investigated it was under water. Too hard and too much unknown for an Eagle Project

 Matthew has pretty much checked out of scouts of late, but he needs to finish 2 badges (Physical Fitness and Family.)  He has done the family project - just needs to jump through some hoops (figuratively) and ride his bike and do some sit ups (literally).  Go Matthew!

Joel just moved up in rank too!  He think he just got his Star rank - but I am not sure....plus I know he almost has all the requirements for the next rank - yeah!  I want him done before he is a busy Junior in high-school (which is when Matthew will hopefully be done!)