For Scout Robert R., who was recently awarded his Eagle Scout rank, the path toward Eagle wound its way through a scenic state park.

The Ocala Star-Banner shares the story of how, having camped at Silver Springs State Park in Florida as a younger Scout, Robert noticed something about the state park that, if changed, could give future park visitors an even more enjoyable experience than the one he had while camping there.

Robert felt that the park needed improved recycling capabilities so park visitors could dispose of their recyclables more easily and help to better preserve the overall beauty of the park.

Robert set to work on his Eagle Scout project for the state park. Working more than 180 hours, and enlisting the help of others, Robert was able to construct two large recycling stations as well as eight recycling bins placed at strategic locations within the park.

These improved recycling stations and containers give park visitors a convenient place to discard their recyclables as they hike the park’s 15 miles of award-winning hiking trails.

“These recycling centers and bins will help us meet our need to be environmentally responsible,” said Ranger Daniel Willis, the assistant park manager.

Park Ranger Amber Hatcher agreed, calling the new recycling containers a “big improvement” over the dilapidated  recycling stations that had previously been available at the park.

To read more about Robert’s Eagle Scout project, check out the complete article in the Ocala Star-Banner.

Eagle Scout candidates like Robert R. complete millions of hours of service annually as they complete Eagle Scout projects in communities all across the United States. To learn more about the impact Eagle Scouts make, see the Baylor University Study, “Eagle Scouts: Merit Beyond the Badge.”