Eagle Scout project completed at the Long Island Game Farm

Sam Zvolensky has just reached Eagle Scout status, the highest rank for Boy Scouts which only 6 percent of all Boy Scouts attain. To achieve this honorable level of scouting Sam needed to take a leadership role in developing an idea, creating a proposal to be presented to the Scouting Council that included all logistics necessary to safely lead a scout troop, and to execute his plan. He needed to recruit other scouts, raise funds, secure necessary materials, and find a non-profit organization that shared his vision and would partner with him to facilitate the project.

Sam is a student at Eastport South Manor High School and a member of Troop 221in Manorville. His troop often does community service work at the Long Island Game Farm, where they are permitted to hold their annual wreath sale (beginning Nov. 30) in the Game Farm parking lot. With the founding of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability at the Long Island Game Farm, there is now a non-profit organization that can support Scouts’ endeavors for upper level projects.

It all came together for Sam when he and his fellow troop members were clearing debris in the woods of the Game Farm to make way for a Universal Access Trail, a trail that would accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices allowing people of all abilities the chance to be in a natural wooded environment. Scouting adheres to inclusivity and Sam’s idea for a Sensory Garden complimented the mission of the Trail. Sam was ready to put his Eagle Scout Project into action.

Sam completed his sensory garden in October 2024. The Sensory Garden is situated at the entrance of the soon to be opened Woodland Trail. The garden consists of raised beds that can accommodate wheelchairs up close. It is called a sensory garden because the touch and the smell of the plants can be appreciated by people of all abilities. Sam secured a donation of materials from Speonk Lumber, raised necessary funds, and supervised eight scouts through the project’s completion demonstrating his leadership skills, which is the purpose of Scouting. Says Scout Master Scott Campbell. “The Scout motto, ‘Be Prepared’ refers to developing lifelong skills, leadership in particular. Greg Drossel, vice president of Wildlife Sustainability donated his time to be on site during the construction.

Wildlife Sustainability is currently also facilitating two Girl Scout Gold Award projects, and welcomes other scout proposals in the Game Farm’s trail, demonstrating its continued commitment to community and the environment.

“We are all thrilled with the synergy created between the Long Island Game Farm, Wildlife Sustainability, and the Scouts. Having an Eagle Scout Project at the Game Farm speaks volumes about the our commitment to the community, environment and wellness that comes with a natural setting,” said Foundation for Wildlife sustainability executive director Patricia Snyder.

“I’m proud to see our local scouts caring for the natural world!” said Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak.