Hikers Benefit from Eagle Scout Candidate's Trail Project

Jason Freeberg, a junior at San Marin High School, is a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 200 and working on his Eagle Scout rank. He shared this story with Novato Patch.

By Jason Freeberg

The Eagles’ service project is the single greatest youth-service initiative in history, and one that has touched every community in America in an important way.

On Saturday, Dec. 15, I organized and facilitated a large group of volunteers to complete trail restoration work along Big Trees Trail within the Indian Tree Open Space Preserve here in Novato. This included installing wooden water bars, which divert water away from the trail. 

I had planned this project for months with the help of Marin County Parks Volunteer Coordinators Greg Reza and David Frazier. I am an avid trail runner and enjoy what our open space has to offer. Before this project, I attended a Trail Maintenance Volunteer Day to learn exactly how to supervise the installation of water bars.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Greg and David, who on a daily basis ensure that our open space in Marin County is maintained and accessible to all. They are always in need of volunteers, especially for trail maintenance within our beautiful parks and open space preserves. Due to heavy rains, pedestrian and equestrian traffic and mountain bikers, the trails are constantly in need of renovation and erosion control.

I was also fortunate to have members of the Redwood High School Bike Club and Trail Maintenance Team help out. Due to the recent heavy rains,  many more water bars were necessary to install along the trail. It was a true community and team effort. 

The scout volunteers from Novato Troop 200 were eager to take the 3-mile hike up Big Trees Trail. The morning started out cold but clear as we passed towering redwood trees and fern grottos. Our back packs heavily loaded with supplies, with a pick and shovel in each hand, we were able to install all the water bars as planned despite afternoon rains. It was a muddy and cold hike back down the trail. However, we all felt a sense of accomplishment in a job well done and pride in the benefit it will have for the entire community who all share these beautiful trails in Novato.

If you want to learn more about Open Space District volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Coordinator Greg Reza at greza@marincounty.org or (415) 473-3778.

 If you want to learn more about the BSA, Troop 200, or scouting opportunities, contact Mike Madias at mtmadias@yahoo.com.

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