Justin Bara's
Eagle Scout Project
Thank You!
A Forest Trail
My Eagle Scout project is refurbishing a forest trail at Camp Winnataska in Pell City, Alabama.
About 10 years ago high winds took out all the trees and vegetation across a large section of camp. Pine trees were planted to help with erosion and now they stand about 8 feet tall. A trail runs through the pine trees that connects the Mainside of camp with the High Ropes Complex. Because the trail is on a hill that is mostly clay, when it rains the trail becomes a long gutter with ruts down the middle.
Current state of trail
Water Bars
The best way to keep a trail from continuing to erode is through the use of water bars. A Water Bar is an environmental term that describes obstacles in a trail to deflect water. In this case, we will be placing railroad cross ties every 8-10 feet along the trail. The cross ties will be on an angle to deflect the water into the forest.
The Process
The project is intended to happen across two work days. The trail is approximately 330 feet long and about 40 cross ties will be placed along the trail. Teams of 4 people will work together and about 4-6 teams can work at a time. The nature of the work allows for adults and scouts of all ages to participate. For more details about the project, click here.
“Since the inception of the Eagle Scout Award in 1912 only 2% of eligible Scouts have earned Scouting's highest honor.”
Trail To Eagle
I started my scouting career with my parents at age 6 as a Tiger Cub. My dad was the Den Leader and my mom helped with the meetings. Like any Cub Scout, I showed up for the BB guns and archery.
My favorite memory from cub scouts is camping on the USS Alabama. I always looked forward to making and racing a pinewood derby car each year. After earning the Arrow of Light, I was ready to go into Boy Scouts.
Tiger Cub - Age 6
Arrow of Light - Age 10
The adventures got bigger but so did the responsibilities. We cook our own food on camp outs and run the troop meetings.
Backpacking, deep sea fishing, rafting, canoeing, hiking and camping are just some of the activities that fill my weekends. While having having fun, I also learned valuable skills from merit badges such as Personal Finance, First Aid, Orienteering, and Communications.
It is a huge accomplishment to be an Eagle Scout. I will be proud to join my dad as one. I am grateful for all the opportunities and support from the leaders that have helped me on the trail to Eagle.
