Scouts do yard work at Nature Center

Despite temperatures in the 20s and a windchill factor that made it feel like 10, about 30 Boy Scouts and adults who belong to the Order of the Arrow Anpetu-We Lodge gathered at the Nature Center on Saturday to take part in community service. The Order of the Arrow is Boy Scouting's national honor society.

Tasks included relocating bushes and shrubs, planting more than 20 varieties of native plant species, placing stepping stones in flower beds and mulching. Dead wood along the building's perimeter was moved to a location where it could be used at other Nature Center functions.

"It's awesome when you see your work here and people are loving it," said Victor Grebing of Jackson Troop 311. "When you work in your backyard, it's hidden."

Sam Finney, also of Troop 311, filled and carried water buckets. He said doing yard work at the Nature Center was different than at home, "Out here people see it and learn about it. People coming here can learn about plants and animals," he said.

Chris Wessel, assistant scoutmaster of Chaffee Troop 51, was the adult adviser for Saturday's day of service and will be the adviser for the May 5 service day at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Illinois.

"This is something they want to do," he said. "They know through Scouting that other people have helped them along the way, and they want to give back. They want to take pride in it."

"Nationally we used to have one day of service," Wessel said. "Our lodge voted to have two."

The Order of the Arrow is youth-operated, meaning that leadership is coordinated by boys and all offices are held by youths.

Tyler Pilkington of Eldorado, Ill., is the youth adviser for Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois Anpetu-We Lodge. Pilkington has been in the order for more than a year.

"Selection is a real honor," he said. "Anyone can join Boy Scouting, but not everyone is chosen for OA."

Pilkington believes the days of service are good ways to recruit new Order of the Arrow members because they serve as an example of the service the order provides.

Nature Center manager April Dozier said the value of the plantings came to about $1,000. She felt confident that since the plants were indigenous to Missouri, they would adapt to the temperatures. Precautions would be taken. "We'll probably cover them tonight," she said.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133