Press release from the Boy Scouts of America:
Loyd W. Lyons IV, a member of Troop 999 in Sylva, NC, recently completed his Eagle Scout Service Project at the Sylva Community Garden. Already, it is changing the game for local gardeners. The new addition to the garden, a large red shed, will securely store irrigation pumps and other necessary tools for gardening. This project is just the first step in future improvements planned by Troop 999 for the Community Garden.
The Sylva Community Garden is a non-profit organization that donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce to locals experiencing food insecurity each year. Loyd’s years in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 999 helped him develop the skills he needed for the project’s success. He put these skills into action by organizing the design and construction of the shed from start to finish. Loyd’s hard work stems from his desire to help others. He said, “It is great to see all my many hours of planning, and our Troop’s hard work, come together to bless others.”
Loyd led the project and directed all phases of planning, development, and oversight. He initially learned about the need for the project from Dr. William L. Selby and The Great Smokies Health Foundation. Loyd then worked with the non-profit HIGHTS to turn the idea into reality. After acquiring a proposal approved by the Daniel Boone Boy Scouts of America Council in Asheville, Loyd hosted multiple meetings at the Community Garden and made supplies and tool lists. When it was time to break ground, he recruited helpers from Troop 999 and community members. With their help, the build finished in three full work days. One of the seasoned gardeners approached Loyd as the project neared completion and shared, “This fancy red shed is great. It adds life to the garden and is inspiring to all the gardeners around here!
” The project will count as Loyd’s Eagle Scout Service Project, a requirement for achieving the Eagle Scout rank. Loyd’s project has inspired Troop 999 to continue improving the garden. Currently, the Troop is installing pumps and irrigation piping. These efforts will make it easier to water the plants and increase yield. Without Loyd’s initial project, these improvements would not be possible. Troop 999 provides local boys and girls opportunities to build character, develop leadership skills, and explore outdoor activities by earning merit badges and ranks. If you are interested in learning more and getting involved, visit www.beascout.scouting.org.
The project is possible with the help of Brian Husky, Marcus Metcalf, Ron Michaelis, Colin Lyons, Randy & Parker Hicks, Bojangles, McDonald’s, Redeemer Church, PCA, Santa’s Land Signs, and BSA Troop 999, Sylva. This project is in memory of former Scoutmasters Steve Morse and Bud Boynton for “Planting and Nurturing the Love of Scouting!”
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