August 2023
Karin Hoover got into Scouting after watching her older brothers participate and wishing she could participate. Once girls were allowed to join Scouting, she got her wish. She decided to pursue the Eagle Scout rank and continue to follow in their footsteps. “I knew that pursuing this goal would be worthwhile and help me develop crucial skills that would benefit me in the future,” she said.
In addition to fulfilling troop leadership requirements and completing 21 Merit Badges, Eagle Scout candidates choose, coordinate, and complete a large-scale volunteer project for the betterment of the community. Karin wanted a project that combined her love of the outdoors and her passion for conservation. “After speaking with my mentor, Cindy Rosplock, and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Wildlife Biologist, Robin Phenes, I had decided to go with the invasive species project, as it seemed like the most interesting and feasible idea out of all the conservation-related projects I was considering,” she said.
To reduce the spread of invasive species along local hiking trails, she designed, built, and installed boot cleaning stations at trailheads in the greater Corning, NY area. These stations allow hikers to brush their shoes clean before and after hiking, which helps prevent fragments of invasive species such as knotweed or honeysuckle, or insects such as spongy moth or spotted lanternfly, to be transported from one area to another.
“Scouting has also allowed me to get outside and appreciate nature more, which influenced my decision to study environmental science and forest health in college as well.”
Karin researched different kinds of boot brushing stations, and brought together features from a few different types that she felt would be most effective. She drew the concept by hand and determined the correct dimensions, then asked her brother to create a digital drawing. She then figured out the materials and budget, and raised money through art commissions and a GoFundMe campaign. In total, she built 4 stations – two at the Erwin Wildlife Management Area, one at Spencer Crest, and one at Tanglewood Nature Center.
When asked how Scouting has impacted her life, Karin mentions both leadership and career development. “Before I joined Scouts BSA, I was someone who never really spoke up about anything, always observing rather than participating. Through having multiple leadership positions and completing my Eagle project, I have become much more comfortable in social settings. I improved my communication skills, and even learned to lead and teach groups of people.
“Scouting has also allowed me to get outside and appreciate nature more, which influenced my decision to study environmental science and forest health in college as well. Throughout my Scouting experience, I have learned many skills and made many memories which I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
More information about great units like Troop 61 can be found at Great Falls Council.