Hey There, Fellow Earth Enthusiasts! Everett here, coming at you with an update on my Eagle Scout project. Buckle up, because things are getting real!
First Stop: City Hall
Remember how I told you about my plan to build informational kiosks to protect our watersheds? Well, over the past two months, I’ve met several times with the City of Auburn officials. They were awesome! We discussed the project goals, potential locations, and even some design ideas.
The Heat is On… Literally!
After getting the green light from the city, it was time to scout out locations. And let me tell you, Alabama in summer is no joke! It is either super humid hot or monsoon-like raining.
The mission? Locate areas where:
- Lots of people pass by (gotta spread that watershed wisdom!)
- The kiosks won’t interfere with existing structures or nature
- They’ll be safe from potential flooding (ironic, I know)
Water Detective Work
Here’s where it got really interesting. Did you know that to understand where to place these kiosks, you need to understand how water flows? It’s like being a water detective! We looked at:
- Natural slopes in the land
- Existing drainage systems
- Areas prone to erosion
It’s amazing how much you notice about your surroundings when you’re really paying attention!
Kiosk Locations: The Chosen Ones
After much deliberation (and a lot of sweating), we’ve tentatively selected three locations. These spots offer a mix of high foot traffic, proximity to water sources, and beautiful natural backdrops for our kiosks. Plus, they’re all places where people come to enjoy nature, making them perfect for our educational mission!
Next Steps
Now that we’ve got our locations, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of kiosk design and construction. I’ll be working on:
- Finalizing the kiosk blueprints
- Getting donations to pay for materials
- Sourcing materials (responsibly, of course!)
- Recruiting volunteers (hint, hint – that could be you!)
One thing about this project is I want to make it accessible for more than the people right beside me. And, I want to jump back into being with teens and kids and talking about making our planet better. So, I am going to create an online way for kids to be involved. It won’t be an “official” part of the project, but it will be fun! Can’t wait for all of us to meet Tilly the Trashbag!
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with Operation Watershed Watchdogs. Remember, every drop counts when it comes to protecting our water!
Until next time, this is Everett, your friendly neighborhood Renaissance Changemaker, signing off!
P.S. Anyone know a good joke about watersheds? I’m trying to come up with some “dry” humor for the kiosks. 😉
Everett Sjolseth | The Renaissance Changemaker 
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