Eagle Scout project looks to tackle soil erosion at Ft. Mott Park

PENNSVILLE TWP. - Woodstown resident CJ Grenier worked this weekend to help stem erosion that is threatening historic Fort Mott State Park here.

Grenier, 16, along with his father, Fran, and members of his troop spend Friday and Saturday filling areas that were affected by soil erosion on the defensive embankment at the fort. Grenier, who is a member of Troop 15 in Pennsville, is doing the work as part of his Eagle Scout project.

"The Eagle Scout project is done to show leadership. It puts you over the other kids. It coordinates to show you are ready to be a leader," said Grenier.

The Eagle Scout award according to Grenier is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. He has been a Boy Scout for seven years.

He got the idea from Andy Grant who is a ranger and a historian at the park. In the past, Boy Scouts have performed their Eagle Scout projects at Fort Mott so Grant gave him a list of possible projects. Grenier decided on helping with the soil erosion.

"It wasn't the easiest project he suggested, but it seemed like the best choice," said Grenier.

Last weekend, they started placing pieces of wood terraces along where the erosion has taken place. Then they filled the area with stones with some areas as deep as two feet.

Starting Friday, Grenier started to put soil on top of the stones. Once the soil is down, they will plant grass seed. The final step will be to put erosion netting on top so erosion will no longer be a problem.

Grenier said there are three spots on the embankment they are doing this, once in front and two in the area facing away from the Delaware River.

"People use these as paths so we're trying to make this look more like a hill so they will use the proper stairway," said Grenier.

He started putting the project together a year ago. Grenier said he had to write out his plans along with a step-by-step description of what's to be done. The project had to be approved and Grenier said it took a while for his to be approved in June.

Several local companies have helped Grenier to get his project going by donating the materials he would need. South Jersey Agricultural Products, Inc. donated soil and Home Depot donated wood and buckets, just to give a couple examples.

Grenier's father, Fran, said he was surprised at how fast he was able to get everything together and so much donated from the companies when the economy is in such bad shape.

"I think it is wonderful what the Boy Scouts do here. They do several projects that benefit our park. They are doing a great job and it's greatly appreciated," said Jessica Dougan, Fort Mott's seasonal interpreter.