Eagle Scout Bat Box Project in Spring Lake Natural Area

Spring Lake Natural Area has a new home for bats with signs explaining the importance of these mammals to our ecosystem.

Rowan Cockrell organized the scouts of Troop 18 (in San Marcos) to install a bat box and interpretive signs at the pond in the Spring Lake Natural area. The work occurred on May 6th and involved building the box and adjacent bench, pouring foundations, and erecting the bat box on poles, as well as installing the bench and two interpretive signs. The work was done to fulfill requirements to advance to the rank of Eagle, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve. It takes years of hard work and perseverance to become an Eagle Scout, and only 4% of scouts attain the Eagle rank. A volunteer project for the betterment of their community, the Eagle project is planned and led by the scout, giving the scout valuable experience and important life skills.

Visitors to the area can read the sign either at the dock or at the bench at the other end of the pond. To most easily access the pond, use the Lime Kiln entrance to SLNA and take the Blue Heron trail. If it is a hot afternoon, you may want to sit on the bench for a little rest and read about bats.

Text and photos by Greg Moore, SMGA Board member.