10/21/2009 6:12:00 AM Eagle Scout project: Teen works to bring trees
back to Cordes' Crystal Lake
Steven Hunsinger and Sky Graham work to plant dormant Hybrid Poplars at Crystal Lake this past week for Graham's Eagle Scout project.
BBNPhoto/Pat Williamson
By Pat Williamson Big Bug News
Community members have worked hard to restore Crystal Lake in Cordes Lakes, and one local Scout is making the restoration his Eagle project.
Sky Graham spearheaded a project to plant 12 trees around the lake with help from fellow Scouts.
Graham's project included getting approval from the Cordes Lakes Community Association, promoting and selling trees, determining what type of of trees would best fit the environment, digging holes, fertilizing and planting.
Since ongoing care would be a concern, Graham had to take this into consideration when deciding which type of tree would be best. He settled on hybrid poplars, a fast growing, drought and wind resistent tree that will grow up to 12 feet per year.
While they are dormant now, they all should have quite a display of green leaves this spring.
Since protecting the lake and the water is important, Graham planted the trees on the outside of the lake berm. This will make the roots seek a water source other than the lake and help preserve the water in the lake, while providing a shady walk for those taking a stroll.
Graham decided that people who purchased trees could dedicate them to a loved one and place a plaque at the tree site. This was a big selling point, since everyone has someone they would like to remember. Graham has requested that people who have purchased a tree contact him at (928) 632-9462 so he can provide instructions on placing the plaque and let them know which tree is theirs.
The Scouts planted one tree at the picnic table on the east side, two on the southern point, and nine across the west side of the lake. This should provide plenty of shade as they mature.
Six men used equipment to do the major hole digging last Saturday, leaving Graham and his friend Steven Hunsinger to do the hand planting and refill the holes. The boys placed each tree, mulched and fertilized it, and watered each one.
Hunsinger finished his Eagle Scout program a few months ago and knows that it takes a lot of work to complete the required project. He was Graham's right arm in getting these trees planted. Steven's dad, Lamont Hunsinger, a troop committee member, said he enjoys working with the Scouts and seeing the boys choose vocations after completing requirements for a specific badge or working on an Eagle project.
The lake is still under repair, and workers have asked that people refrain from putting fish in the lakes until they are full again. Someone has put domestic goldfish in the lakes, and each time an area is drained for repair, the fish lose their habitat and the greenery they need to survive.
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