Good grief my back hurts. Wrenching out another invasive weed, I stand up and stretch my sore body. Taking a glance back at my vast pile of thick fennel and mustard plants, I nod in satisfaction.

It’s the summer just after my 8th grade year, and I’m at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve doing some community service. The past year I achieved the rank of Life Scout in my Boy Scout troop, meaning that I have finally reached the point in my scouting career where I must work to achieve Eagle Scout. However, I had one glaring problem – what on Earth do I do for my Eagle Project? How do I find someone to help me? With no good ideas, and with no organizations in mind to talk to, I decided to spend my summer helping the community.

Just as I’m about to return to pulling harmful plants, the coordinator in charge of the service event calls out.

“Alright everybody, it’s time for a break! Thanks for working so hard guys,” says the supervisor. All of the volunteers make their way to the shade where Save the Bay has laid out snacks and water. Grabbing some trail mix and a bottle of water, I sit down in the shade to make the most of the brief recess.

“By the way, speaking of which, I want to thank Ranger Richard Bicknell for helping us today with weed removal,” the supervisor said to the volunteers. A man with a ranger uniform walked up to the group, and introduced himself as the head ranger of the Baylands.

I had a moment of realization. This is the man I want to talk to. This is the guy who can help me find an Eagle Project! 

Standing up, I walk over to Mr. Bicknell.

“Hello, I’m James Nielsen, and I’m a Boy Scout looking for an Eagle Project.”

He was elated to talk with me. He told me of the numerous ways the Baylands could be helped, and how Eagle Projects are a great benefit to the ecosystem. 

He went on to tell me about the extinction of the burrowing owl at the Baylands, and how the species is going to need more habitat in order to make a return.

I was hooked. Using my project to help the burrowing owl sounded like a wonderful idea. 

I had finally found an Eagle Project!