Nathan Lewis Eagle Scout Aspirant

  Nathan Lewis, of Trenton, is completing a long journey in scouting to becomes an Eagle Scout. It's the last step in rank a scout can make, the last of 6. After many merit badges, outings, camping trips and projects the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.
  Nathan, a junior at Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview, has been in scouting for 11 years. An endeavor he enjoyed because it introduced him to camping and he loves camping. After many camping outings with his troop, #802 out of Woodhaven, Nathan has been involved in some intense camping. These trips are on a par with the survivor reality shows. One was a week on an island just off of Florida, a week surrounded by saltwater. Are you thirsty yet? Last year was 10 days in New Mexico, so think desert. Foraging for food and water for 10 days in the desert, maybe love doesn't quite describe Nathan's zest for camping.
  Now the Life Scout has just one more step to make Eagle Scout. Thanks in part to the leaders of troop 802 who made sure Nathan stayed on track. They have a good recipe there because Nathan isn't the only Eagle Scout to come out of the 802. Nathan isn't just a scout either, he's also a football player and track participant at school. So the project comes at a good time for him, a little lull so to speak. Also a good time for the vegetation to take root. Under the guidance of Allison Krueger, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Alliance landscape designer, Nathan and his troop installed 300 feet of fa-chine on the banks of the overflow from the retention pond on the north end of Humbug Marsh. The pond collects surface rain water from the surrounding area. This water used to go right into the river and now gets a natural treatment from the pond and Humbug Marsh. This is a big plus for the fish and animals in the refuge. I saw a pair of geese there already so the herons and egrets aren't far behind.
  Congrats to Nathan for achieving the highest rank in scouting and a big thanks to all that helped with the project. Allison Krueger, Nathan's parents and the members of troop 802 that volunteered all deserve a big attaboy. If you'd like to help out on another of the DRIWRA's projects go to their website http://www.fws.gov/midwest/detroitriver/ and check it out. Volunteers are always appreciated in a wildlife refuge.



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