Cub Scout Pack 118 at Great Brook Pier. (Photo submitted)
SOUTHWICK – Cub Scout Pack 118 is seeking volunteers to help complete a 10 foot wide 375 foot long handicap-accessible pier that will finish the Great Brook Interpretive Trail project.
The Great Brook Interpretive Trail project is a Cub Scout community service project begun nearly 13 years ago.
The goal was to reclaim 200 acres of previously uninhabitable wetlands located behind the Southwick Town Hall.
The completion of the pier will enable visitors to walk in the marsh and observe some of the 217 plants and animals that have now been identified as living in that preserve.
“The completion of this project represents a truly extraordinary accomplishment for this group of 6-10 year old kids plus some who have moved up to Boy Scouts, who have fund-raised and networked to preserve a piece of property the whole community can enjoy,” said Mike Zahner, cub master.
The project was first coordinated by John Wescott, who now serves as assistant cub master, who along with many local organizations who provided time and resources to work toward creation of the preserve and the pier. Other sponsors include Agawam Fasteners, Labarre Concrete, Crestview Builders, Moolicious, Lenny Ferrier Construction and the Massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
The scouts are seeking volunteers to participate on Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to swing hammers and pound nails in order to speed project completion before winter weather arrives. The rain date is Sunday, October 28.
Volunteers are being asked to come prepared to work and to bring their own cordless power tools, eye protection, gloves and any other gear. They should plan to get wet and muddy.
Entrance to the trail is located behind the Southwick Town Hall. For more information, please contact Cub Scout Pack Master Mike Zahner at 413-569-0044.
