Eagle Scout Project Benefits Land Trust

Troop1 Seekonk Scout, Deacon McShane (center) with his scout crew at the new Martin Wildlife Refuge kiosk he constructed for his Eagle Project.

Troop 1 Seekonk Scouts are always willing to assist the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) with initiatives, including clearing and creating trails, hauling and spreading mulch, installing benches on our properties, and volunteering for our annual Earth Day clean-ups.  But their latest project was inspired by a recent East Providence Senior High School graduate, Deacon McShane, as part of his effort to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.  Along with his father, grandfather and uncle, Deacon led a team of approximately 10 Scouts to install a new trailhead kiosk at the Edna Martin Wildlife Refuge on Fall River Avenue in Seekonk. Deacon did an amazing job taking about three months to plan, design, construct, and install the new kiosk. 

After construction, the kiosk was trucked to the site and cemented in place on Saturday, May 24th. Deacon returned to complete the installation a few days later, adding a plexi-glass case to the front, tick signage, and a dog waste bag dispenser. He also cleared and mulched the area. Deacon secured full project funding for all the materials from the Wampanoag Rod and Gun Club.

Deacon says Scouting connects him with people who have similar interest in the outdoors and camping; in addition to other requirements he earned 21 Eagle Scout required badges and completed this project for a non-profit.  He is a member of the TULPE Lodge reserved for Scouts in the Order of the Arrow (OA).  OA recognizes those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law daily, and is considered Scouting’s National Honor Society.  Scouts are elected to the OA by their peers for showing leadership through fellowship they share, their service to others, their commitment to personal growth, and a self-driven initiative to make a difference in their community.  

The Land Trust is grateful to Deacon, his assistants, and the Wampanoag Rod and Gun Club for their generosity of time, money, and materials to support this much-needed kiosk replacement project and for their continued dedication to partnership with the Land Trust.    

The SLCT invites everyone to explore the 27 acre Edna Martin Wildlife Refuge, check out our new trailhead kiosk, and enjoy the beautiful trails and scenery around Burrs Pond.