Ryan Scott’s Eagle Project Builds a Home for Houston’s Smallest Wildlife
When most people think of the Houston SPCA, they probably picture dogs, cats, horses or other rescued animals.
Troop 478 Scout Ryan Scott recently completed an Eagle Scout service project benefiting some much smaller residents: bugs.
Ryan planned and led the construction of two large-scale “bug hotels” for the Houston SPCA’s Campus for All Animals. On September 27, the completed structures were delivered to the SPCA campus, ready to become habitat for some of Houston’s smallest wildlife.
What Exactly Is a Bug Hotel?
Bug hotels are human-made habitats designed to give beneficial insects places to shelter, nest and overwinter. Their compartments can be filled with natural materials that create the small spaces different insects need for protection and nesting.
Depending on how they are filled and maintained, insect hotels can provide habitat for solitary bees and other beneficial insects. Those tiny residents can play important roles in the surrounding ecosystem, including pollination, decomposition and natural pest control.
The project is a fitting addition to a campus whose mission extends well beyond traditional companion animals. The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center cares for thousands of native wild animals each year and includes conservation, wildlife education and responsible environmental stewardship in its work.
An Eagle Project Is a Leadership Project
The Eagle Scout service project isn’t simply about what a Scout can build or how many hours he can volunteer. It challenges a Scout to plan, organize and give leadership to others while completing a project that benefits his community.
Ryan brought together a sizable Troop 478 crew to turn plans and raw materials into the two finished structures.
Working alongside Ryan were Wesley G., Alex C., Ryan Y., Emmitt G., Noah K., Julian S., Paul D., Johnny C., Jaxson T., Jacques B., and returning Eagle Scout Matthew R.
Adult volunteers included Mr. Stamm, Mr. Scott, Mr. Grubbs, Mr. Kiger, and Ms. Carter.
Together, the team tackled the woodworking, assembly, problem solving and coordination necessary to transform a pile of materials into the two substantial structures now standing at the Houston SPCA.
The project also received some help from the community. Special thanks to Clarke’s Hardwood Company for helping Ryan prepare the lumber for the project, including cutting the material to the sizes needed for the build. Their assistance helped Ryan and his volunteer crew arrive ready to turn the materials into two finished bug hotels.
On September 27, those bug hotels made the final trip to their new home.
For Ryan, their delivery marks the completion of one of the most significant milestones on the trail to Eagle. For the Houston SPCA, they are two new pieces of habitat. And for the insects that eventually move in, Troop 478 just built one heck of a hotel.
Congratulations, Ryan, and thank you to every Scout, Eagle, adult volunteer and community partner who helped make his project happen.
