Eagle Scout project benefits Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Construction preparations begin for Mitch Bernards' Eagle Scout project at Tryon Creek

Mitch Bernards has helped as an assistant counselor for the Friends of Tryon Creek day camps the last 3 summers.  He chose Tryon Creek State Park as the site for his Eagle Scout project: 16 steps on a slippery slope of the Lewis and Clark Trail, about 70 yards west of the paved pathway.  Here are notes from his father and a few photos from beginning to end. 

Building forms for the 16 steps...

The forms were made on a prior weekend with volunteers from Mitch’s Boy Scout troop. He finished installing the steps this weekend with troop volunteers and friends.

Step forms ready to go!

After measuring the site twice; with his grandfather and with his buddy Brian, Mitch built 12 full size steps. The 13^th was full width but the sides were shorter. Fourteen, 15 and 16 were narrower with the shorter sides.

Supply transportation begins...

Mitch looked pretty nervous and took time with the level and tape measure before scratching a pattern in the dirt and declaring where to dig.

Step construction progresses...



Carrying step forms to the park site...

Well – the 13^th step just happened to fit up to a root with its shorter sides. The measurement was for the rise. The step spacing adjusts as you go to match the grade and the run takes care of itself.

Carrying gravel to fill the step forms...

The next two needed to be trimmed to fit but he planned on that and we brought the tools. The insides of the steps were filled with gravel.

Eagle Scout project complete!

Mitch and his Construction Crew

 The park ranger, Dan Quigley was pretty complimentary. He asked who the project engineer was and Mitch proudly accepted the honors.

(Story submitted by Lanette Bernards)