BURRILLVILLE – A scout will Troop 44 Glocester has plans to erect at least four bat boxes by the duck pond on the bike path in Harrisville as part of an effort to obtain his Eagle Scout rank.
Deagan Roux of Pascoag presented his proposal to the Burrillville Town Council this month, noting that the 15 by 12 inch boxes provide the bats with a place to live, while offering a natural way to limit mosquitoes.
“I am currently working toward achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and I believe the proposed project, which involves installing bat boxes around the duck pond, aligns with the values and needs of our community,” Roux noted in a request to be heard to Town Clerk Vicki Martin.
“I think it would be nice to put up about four or five, as well as an info panel explaining what they are and the benefits they bring to the community, such as keeping mosquito populations in check, which, as we all know, can carry diseases and can be a nuisance to hikers or people traveling on the trails,” Roux said while seeking approval of the project at the council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
In an application for the project to the Boy Scouts of America Narragansett Council, Roux notes he and the troop, led by Scoutmaster Matt Ledoux, will purchase any needed materials and supplies. Roux, a 17-year-old Burrillville High School student, notes that he will need 6-8 people to help with installation, to include troop members, family and friends, with work to be completed by early March of this year.
“I’ve scoped out a couple of trees for a stand to make it very noticeable, very visible, right at the entrance to the duck pond area,” he said of the proposed panel.
Roux noted that there are already some bat boxes on properties in town, and mosquitoes carry diseases such EEE, which closed several public parks last year.
“The bat boxes provide natural pest control and an ecosystem balance,” he noted. “This initiative preserves bat habitats, offering citizen science opportunities and aligns with sustainability principals.”
Councilor Jeremy Bailey noted that students with the BHS Construction Management CTE program have built signs for the town in the past.
“You might want to talk to him,” Bailey said of the head of the program.
“I love the project and I look forward to seeing the bat (houses),” Bailey added.
Councilor Justin Batalon agreed.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “Good for you. The amount of work you’ve already had to put in to get to this point is pretty phenomenal, so congratulations in that respect.”
Councilors unanimously approved the initiative to install the boxes on the town-owned property.
“I wish you luck,” said Council President Don Fox.
Scouts from Troop 44 have also done Eagle projects at Glocester Land Trust properties over the years. The trail signs on Steere Hill, the benches at Hawkins Pond, and trail head kiosks at Sprague Farm are among their valued contributions.
Wonderful idea! Full speed ahead.