The Red-Tailed Eyas Service Outing at Connelly Creek with the Raccoon Kits

The Red-Tailed Eyas met at the Connelly Creek Site last Saturday to continue building their relationship through service with the land. The Boys Explorers Club would like to take a moment to thank the City of Bellingham Parks and Rec Department and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) for providing mulch, plants, debris removal, and tools. Without the support and guidance from the volunteer coordinators Rae, Phoebe, and Ellen our transformative work would not be possible.

As the Explorers gathered dark and ominous rain clouds loomed over our heads. The Red-Tailed Eyas were not daunted however, this well-seasoned bunch has weathered their fair share of storms and standing there they looked very prepared and collected. Meandering over to our service site we circled up to talk about the day. Mentors explained that the group would be working with another group, the Raccoon Kits, who would be arriving in a half an hour. For the Raccoon Kits it would be their first time ever at the Connelly Creek Site. These younger boys would be looking to them for guidance and support. The group committed to modeling their interpretation of what it meant to be in good relationship with the land and what it meant to be a Mentor.

The Red-Tailed Eyas first task as elder Explorers was to remind the Raccoon Kits of the principals of the Art of Camouflage. Hearing the laughter and splashes across the creek the Eyas crawled through the dense vegetation and tucked themselves away.

As the group spread out over the site they crouched close to the muddy soil and became quiet. Sitting still the boys noticed the young Explorers were not the only ones moving about. Rufus Hummingbirds buzzed around the Black Twinberry and Spotted Towhee called out their songs of spring. The group sat for about thirty minutes in silence with a keen awareness of their surroundings.

Then from their hiding spots they saw the first of the Raccoon Kits arrive. The Raccoon Kits slowly searched the site with their best Owl Eyes but they did not find very many of them. Once all the boys were to the site Greg and Matt gave a Crow Call and the Red-Tailed Eyas emerged from the underbrush. The Raccoon Kits and Mentors laughed because some of the Explorers they missed were very close to the trail.

After gathering our lunches the group merged into one large circle and we went around and shared our names. As we snacked the Mentors demonstrated how NOT to use tools. It’s a good thing they were joking otherwise they might be a few fingers and teeth short heading back home! Then we reviewed how to safely use the tools and we got to work.

The older Eyas showed exemplary character and leadership as they guided the younger Explorers in the tasks for the day. One group of boys set out trimming Reed Canary Grass, while others dug Blackberry roots, lopped Blackberry stems, cut them up, and removed non-grass debris. Boys of all ages showed distinct focus and commitment to the projects in which they were involved. Mentors were humbled to see the cross-group and multi-aged collaboration. One Explorer stopped for a second to relish in the work being done and the process of cooperation that he knows all of these boys have inside their hearts.

Sawing off a broken Willow branch the group harvested its canes. Planting the willow sections into the freshly tilled soil teams worked to spread three-foot mulch rings around their bases. Saturday was a shining example of our motto,Many Hands Make Light Work.

After some solid service the group put down their tools, bid the Raccoon Kits farewell, and grabbed their packs. Sitting in the grass we shared apples and gave thanks for the day. The boys gave thanks for all the tools that helped us do our work, for the opportunity to collaborate with the Raccoon Kits, for all the animals that moved through the site, and for the opportunity to be together.

These boys stepped into the space with open and willing hearts and with caring attitudes while serving the land. They asked nothing in return and received the satisfaction of teamwork and a job well done. Thanks for your great work Red-Tailed Eyas. Parents, thank you for supporting these Explorers and for giving them the chance to serve the land with us.

These pictures and the photo gallery will tell the rest of this story, but the best thing to do would be to revisit the area with your Explorer so he can guide you along the work that he did. The sooner you get out there, the more prominent the changes will br. With 10 groups visiting this season, we have made quite an impact already. The next outing will be the last one of the season; The Art and Skill of Fire on June 1^st at North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead.