by Bill Mees, Nature Areas Committee

Students from Fairview Elementary School visit Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary on occasion. Students often run to secure a seat on single benches scattered along the trails.
This year, Ilia Dimov, working to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, has helped alleviate the scramble for seats. Ilia, with the help of scouts from Troop 708, has constructed and place 4 Leopold benches in a clearing at the nature sanctuary. Since the benches are only four feet long, they are easy to move. Teachers can configure the “classroom” as best suits the occasion. Each bench will seat 2 students.

Congratulations to Ilia for his Eagle Project and thank you Boone County Lumber for helping make this project a reality.
Future projects will add additional benches to accommodate a teacher’s entire class.