On Saturday, April 29, 2017, Boy Scout, Nick Bowyer installed 15 Bluebird houses at Destin Water Users (DWU) George F. French Reclamation Facility. Through this project, Bowyer has completed the final component of his Eagle Scout application.

Bowyer, a member of Boy Scout Association (BSA) Troop 504 in Destin, Florida, is a junior at Collegiate High School. Now 17, Bowyer has been a member of the BSA for nine years, having earned numerous badges of merit.

 

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Scout rank, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

 

Upon inquiry with DWU General Manager, Lockwood Wernet, Bowyer discovered the opportunity to give back through the installation of Bluebird houses on site at Destin Water Users plant. With the permission of DWU Board of Directors, and backing by area business including Destin Water Users, Destin United Methodist Church, Warren Averett LLC,  Home Depot, and other private donations, Bowyer began the extremely detailed process of writing up the proposal to present to the District Eagle Scout Board Chair for approval.

“We believe that Nick’s Eagle Scout project aligns with our mission statement that we live and work in a little piece of paradise, and DWU is intent on doing our part to keep it that way,” said Wernet, Destin Water Users General Manager.  “The bluebird trail provides habitat to rebuild the bluebird population in our community and it promotes biodiversity in and around our facilities.”

 

After receiving the board’s unanimous approval, Bowyer and his team built the 15 Bluebird houses, finishing up in just over a month. Bowyer raised all the funds and solicited material donations from local businesses to complete the project.

 

Bowyer will present all elements of his application to the council for approval.

 

“Having been born and raised in Destin, Florida, it was an honor to have the opportunity to give something back to the company that plays such an important role in our everyday lives,” said Bowyer. “Through this project, I have learned and gained immense respect for what Destin Water Users stands for.  I was excited to be able to build the 15 Bluebird houses to help better the environment by increasing the Bluebird population and decreasing pests.”