FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 3, 2008


Q:  How many Boy Scouts does it take to plan, build and put up an osprey-nesting platform?

A:  Only 10 if the project's headed by a determined, persuasive and financially savvy Life Scout like Matt Vendeville of Perry Boy Scout Troop 71.

Earlier this year, Matt approached Barb Kooser, former naturalist at Mentor Marsh, for suggestions for a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge.  Barb suggested Matt build an osprey-nesting platform in the Marsh.

Matt's project was turned down by the Eagle Scout Board when he first approached them  with the platform project.  At a second meeting, the Board approved Matt's revised proposal.

Matt then sought and gained the confidence and active support of several agencies, individuals and businesses vital to the success of his project.

Anders Fjeldstad and Jim McConnor of the Blackbrook Audubon Society helped locate a feasible site on the Marsh's Shipman Pond.  Mentor Marsh being an adjunct of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Keith Moran and Dave Sherman of the CMNH gave final approval for Matt to enter the site and proceed with his project.

Blackbrook Audubon Society staked the project with a donation of $900 for building materials.  However, the actual cost totalled $1130.59. Matt received a discount totalling $337.87 from three of his suppliers: Engineered Plastic Systems, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and Babic and Borris Concrete, thus coming in under the $900 estimate and being able to return $107.28 to Blackbrook.

Most important to Matt were his family, friends, fellow scouts and Scoutmaster Jim McMillan who provided major moral support and sweat-equity to bring the project to fruition.

You can see the result of Matt's efforts on the east side of Shipman Pond on the south side of Headlands Road near Headlands State Park entrance.

All the Marsh needs now is a pair of osprey.  Anyone know a good Osprey Whisperer?