Columbus Audubon’s Own Nature Preserve
This fall has been a busy time at Calamus Swamp, Columbus Audubon’s own nature preserve located just west of Circleville. Volunteers, Boy Scouts, and many from Columbus Audubon have been working hard on several projects. Here’s one:
Trail Improvement Eagle Scout Project
Several months ago, we were approached by Pickaway County Parks and a local Boy Scout Troop with the offer of an Eagle Scout project. At the same time, Blaine Keckley, one of Columbus Audubon’s volunteers and the person largely responsible for the amazing upkeep at Calamus, finalized the details to procure large wood “mats” donated by Good-One Excavating. We thought the mats would be useful for trail improvement of an area that remains muddy for most of the year, and the timing was perfect for the scouts to take on trail improvement as their project.
The massive mats were delivered and Blaine “ripped” them in half (no small task, even with a chainsaw) and cleared a path through the wooded area for access to the trail. On October 30th, Boy Scout Hyden Hovermale and his hard-working crew, under Blaine’s and the scout Troop Leader’s supervision, got to work clearing debris and tree stumps and hauling and placing the mats.
Thanks to their hard work, the trail has been greatly improved and will keep mud off your boots during your next visit. It should need little maintenance, and we look forward to many people visiting soon. Thank you Hyden, Blaine, and all of your hard-working crew!
Check back soon for more updates on the other projects going on at Calamus Swamp…