A new boy scout Eagle project has made a major improvement to the trail in the St Peters Road section of Cedar Hollow Preserve. Will Scheidt, an Eagle scout candidate from Devon 50, demonstrated not only excellent organizational skills in managing a 35 scout and parent work force, but also, exceptional computer skills by using a CAD drawing, which is a 2D or 3D illustration that uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to show the components of the project and to make a beautiful laser-engraved sign. commemorating the project.
The goal of Will’s project was to make the St Peters trail more accessible to hikers. Key features of this project included widening the trail by removing invasive plants, such as multiflora rose, barberry and autumn olive. As well, two key features were constructed. First, Will built a 16 foot walkway across the gully that separates the St Peters’ parking lot from the trail head. This will give hikers easier and safer access to the trail.
The second construction element was the replacement and addition of steps up the steep hillside to the ridge above Bulls Corner Road at the south-east corner of the trail. Here is a photo of some of the step-building crew taking a well-deserved break.
And finally, here is Will with Preserve Manager and project visionary Tim Magee checking out the completed steps on one of this year’s beautiful Fall days. Will took pains to repurpose some of the original steps made from tree limbs.
Also key to Will’s success were his parents, Kim and Scott, who provided emotional and logistical support, plus pizza.
Members and visitors are encouraged to check out this seldom-visited section of Cedar Hollow Preserve. Parking is in the spacious lot off St. Peters Road. The one third of a mile loop trail passes ruins of quarry worker cottages and an old scout cabin, and links to trails to the Atwater residential development and an overlook at the west end of Bulls Corner Road.