A weekend of learning, volunteering, and outdoor adventure at Potawatomi Wildlife Park

The weekend of September 6-8, Troop 122 arrived at Potawatomi Wildlife Park for an unforgettable experience filled with learning, badge work, and fun. The troop spent their time camping, exploring, and giving back to the park through various volunteer activities. As part of the park’s mission to connect people with nature, local history, and the community, Potawatomi Wildlife Park allows organized youth and scout groups to camp in exchange for a $100 donation or four hours of volunteer service.

Throughout the weekend, Troop 122 hiked the park’s 5 miles of scenic trails, cooked meals over a fire, and embarked on a 3-mile canoe and kayak trip, beginning at the park’s Birch Road location and ending at the kayak exit point. The troop also enjoyed participating in the 32nd Annual Fishing Derby, a much-anticipated event for park visitors.

On Sunday, the scouts met with Park Manager Lacey Pfeiffer and eagerly took on volunteer projects to help preserve and maintain the park. These efforts included cleaning the visitor center and its bathroom walls, clearing trails, and receiving hands-on education on invasive species removal. The scouts focused on removing invasive honeysuckle from the Pine Trail, part of the park’s 2024 invasive species management plan initiated by the Tree Task Force.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park extends a heartfelt thank you to Troop 122 for their hard work and commitment to conservation. We are thrilled to have been part of their outdoor adventures and look forward to hosting them again.