Elijah Ortego Eagle Project
Friends of Red River NWR appreciates the contributions of all our volunteers as we work to help meet the refuge's mission to create more and better habitat for wildlife. Over the last 20 years, the refuge has been the beneficiary of the contributions of many area youth seeking to become Eagle Scouts. For those not familiar with Scouting, here is how they describe an important step in that process:
Service to others is an important part of the Scout Oath: “... to help other people at all times.” Each year tens of thousands of scouts strive to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank by applying character, citizenship, and Scouting values in their daily lives. One of the rank requirements is to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service
project helpful to any religious institution, school, or community. Through this requirement, Scouts practice what they have learned and gain valuable project management and leadership experience.
Just this last week Elijah Ortego, Eagle Scout Project Leader completed a deck project that will enable the Friends and staff of Red River NWR to engage the community to enhance the wildlife habitat in their own backyards and landscapes. He and his team built a deck connecting the two dogtrot buildings that make up the Plant with a Purpose Garden Station at Red River NWR. Elijah used many different skills to see his project from concept through to completion. He began planning his project in the spring and provided detailed drawings and shared them with his Scout leaders and our Friends Landscape Committee for approval. He assembled the construction materials and raised money and organized other scouts and community members to help him. He overcame obstacles and got the work done!
Elijah reflected on his successful project, "As a Scout, I am thrilled to see how these new decks will enhance the Red River Wildlife Refuge’s efforts to educate the community about our native environment. This project required extensive planning and effort, and I am proud of what my team and I achieved under my leadership, completing the task in just one day. I am deeply grateful to the Refuge for providing me with this opportunity to contribute to our community’s development."
