One step in TJ Lynch’s Eagle Scout project involved workers creating a switchback down a steep slope to the ladder TJ was building.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, Life Scout TJ Lynch led a crew of more than 20 workers, blazing a new trail approximately 500 feet long and then building an elaborate “wilderness ladder” down a steep embankment. The two day effort culminated an ambitious Eagle Scout project for the Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT) that took nearly 14 months to plan and carry out.
Two major milestones were achieved. Completion of this project is a major first step toward providing public access to the OLLT’s Three Mile River preserve, a very unique and wild property in Old Lyme that has been essentially inaccessible heretofore. It is also the final major requirement that Lynch needs in order to become an Eagle Scout.
Ladder components are assembled and anchored in place
Scouts and Leaders from Lyme-Old Lyme Boy Scout Troop 26, as well as family members and friends, braved steamy July weather and mosquitos, expending more than 230 man-hours to bring this dream to reality. Christina Clayton, President of the OLLT, remarked “What an effort and what a result!”.
TJ Lynch with the completed wilderness ladder.
Lynch and the OLLT extend special thanks to Thomas Muckle of Mill Brook, LLC for designing the wilderness ladder; Mark P. Wayland, LLC for construction input and assistance with procuring materials; Rings End Lumber in Niantic for their generous help with lumber and other supplies; and to Michael Kiernan, Trustee of the OLLT for his tireless support and encouragement.
Fabulous project, TJ! Congratulations!
Nice, TJ! Congratulations on a job well done!!
Congratulations on completing an amazing project, TJ! Well done is right! Keep up the great work!
TJ you have defiinitly earned your Eagle Scout Award and I am so very proud of you. Your parents deserve special praise for their encouragement and guidance as you grew from a young b oy into a fine young man . My congrats to TRIS and TONY for their awesome Parenting. Mait
Great work TJ and congratulations on successfully planning and executing on your project. The experience and lessons you will carry for life. We are proud of you!
What a difficult project and outstanding result! Thank you and Congratulations TJ and supporters.
Mary Jo Nosal
Hi TJ,
congratulations for planning and realizing such an awesome project! We hope to get a guided tour
in october….
Irmtraut, Joerg & Amadeus
Hi everybody, thank you all so much for your congratulations and responses! It was a difficult yet rewarding experience, and very fitting for this great community.