HANSON — Raising funds toward his Eagle Scout project, TJ Woodward of Hanson — a junior at South Shore Technical High School — hosted a can and bottle drive last weekend at the Nathaniel Thomas Mill parking area.
For several hours on Jan. 9 and despite the bitter chill, his supporters did not disappoint in the first step of fundraising towards his project he has neared his monetary goal to start gathering materials.
His purpose in the venture is to create a parking lot with leveled gravel, a trail kiosk with a map of the trail system to Poor Meadow, which has over 300 acres of town owned land.
Currently the area which abuts Saw Mill Lane and is about 1/8 of a mile from the railroad tracks is marked by a small sign and is a rough, dirt pull off. Having the area accessible and clearly marked will create better opportunities for people to explore nature.
Woodward is planning to complete his Eagle Scout project by June of 2021.
His proposal and approval, through both the town of Hanson and Mayflower Counsel, which oversees the region including his Troop 68 was completed on Oct. 26, 2020.
The beneficiary of the project is Hanson Conservation Commission.
The can drive will aid in funding his materials, and the five plaques highlighting some of the areas in Poor Meadow. He is still developing ideas on that portion of the project, which will be approximately one to two miles of nature trail.
Woodward received many warm wishes from former Scouts and residents who read about his can drive and dropped off large quantities of bottles.
With offers of assistance from several attendees during the can drive Woodward said he was pleased with the fluid crowd who kept socially distant in drive up and drop off style.
“I definitely think it was nice – the turnout we had and donations of bottle and cans. A lot of people mentioned where they saw the event posted and mentioned our signs. They were excited to see that they could drop off their cans, he said.
During the early restrictions of COVID-19 closures recycling center had limited drop offs and hours. People were saving cans and bottles, which TJ benefited from.
As of now the main materials he is looking for are lumber and recycled gravel or recycled asphalt, he said if anyone still wishes to contribute.
In his deciding factors for his Scout project Woodward knew this vicinity needed sprucing up.
“For me I realized it was a great area of opportunity it will provide a great area for the town to use.
Adding a couple more walking trails to enjoy and see all the nature we have in our town,” said Woodward.