Eagle Scout Project

The Purpose: A Park to Preserve and Protect

When the Battle of Chickamauga raged across the farms and through the forest of what is today Chickamauga Battlefield in September 1863, the soldiers faced cultivated fields and old growth forests. The underbrush seen today did not exist. After years of forest fires burning out forest ground cover, farm animals continued to eat away plants, keeping much of the undergrowth down. In the years since the Civil War, invasive and exotic plant species have grown up, including Chinese privet, Japanese honeysuckle, mimosa, and more. With the removal of fire and farm animals and the introduction of non-native species, the undergrowth chokes out the viewshed to understand what the soldiers faced in 1863. The task of the National Park Service in preserving the national military park today is to restore and preserve the landscape to its historic 1863 appearance--a challenge in which we invite you to participate.

The Project: Historic Landscape Restoration

If selected, Eagle Scout candidates will be assigned an area of the park to clear, further progressing the restoration process. Project areas vary depending on thickness of undergrowth and other impacted historic features. Specific methods of removal will include cutting, pulling, and other brushing methods. Tools will either be provided by the park or by the candidate, as approved by appropriate park staff. All projects will include a safety presentation prepared and presented by the Eagle Scout candidate as well as an historical interpretation program provided by park staff.

Typical projects include one or more days of clearing, followed by a coordinated day with park staff to chip debris, as necessary. Eagle Scout projects are scheduled on Saturdays during the fall (October-November) and spring (March-May) months. All projects will need to have completed the review and approval process prior to the work period to be considered.

The Process: Applying for Eagle Scout Projects

To apply for an Eagle Scout project at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please follow these steps:

Upon completion, all Eagle Scouts will receive a certificate of commendation from the National Park Service for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Questions regarding the process may be directed to the park volunteer coordinator: Will Wilson, 706-866-9241 x137or [email protected].