Heritage Conservancy’s nature preserves require continued maintenance and stewardship to ensure that they remain healthy ecosystems. Our organization depends on the compassion and dedication of our wonderful volunteers to help us with much of this upkeep. Toward the end of August, the Boy Scouts of Troop 71 completed a full day of property stewardship at our Jackson Pond Preserve in Buckingham Township.

After a fun night of camping out next to the preserve, the boys got right to work! Projects completed during this workday included:

• The removal of a 16” diameter hazardous live maple tree from the walking trail surrounding the pond
• The targeted removal of invasive plants such as multiflora rose, Russian/Autumn olive, and Chinese privet
• The clearing of the entire trail surrounding pond, including the removal of fallen trees
• The mowing of all walking trails
• And the discarding of beekeeping gear and old hives that are near active bee hives. The Scouts are coordinating with the Bucks County Beekeepers Association, the hive owners.

It is astounding what they were able to do together as a team. A total of 225 volunteer hours were contributed by the group during this one day of work. All of this would have taken one Heritage Conservancy staff member six weeks to complete. That is why our volunteers are truly an extension of our staff, and we appreciate all that they help us to accomplish toward our mission.

Moving forward, the Boy Scouts of Troop 71 plan to conduct monthly property stewardship workdays. We look forward to having them back!