Some of the most significant changes to our community come not from large-scale initiatives but from the efforts of individuals who notice a need and act on it. That’s exactly what Jack Wilcox, a local Scout, did when he identified an overlooked challenge along the Nocatee Preserve Trail.
What started as a minor inconvenience during a bike ride through the preserve quickly became an opportunity for Jack to make a meaningful difference.
While riding the trail with his father, Jack came across a flooded section that left him unsure of how much further the trail extended. Rather than simply dismissing the issue, Jack took it as a chance to improve the trail for everyone.
“I first started planning the project in June of 2021, and our final workday was in February of 2022,” Jack recalls. “Most of that time was spent filing paperwork and gathering all the materials. We had one workday for engraving and coating all of the markers, and another workday for actually installing them on the trail. Troop 23 and my fellow scouts were very helpful and supportive throughout the process, and I appreciate all of their hard work and donations to help fundraise the materials."
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Jack not only built benches and picnic tables to provide bikers and hikers with a place to rest, but he also installed new mile markers to offer clearer directions and improve the trail’s structure.
This simple yet thoughtful addition has had a lasting impact. Having completed the project while still in high school, Jack now takes pride in seeing the results every time he returns home from college and rides through the preserve. It serves as a reminder that small acts of service can lead to big, lasting changes in a community.
“Whenever you contribute to an outdoor space, you really learn to appreciate it more, and you can feel good about your impact,” Jack reflects.
Throughout the process, Jack worked closely with the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, which was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Jack’s Eagle Scout project is an example of how anyone in the community can positively affect local parks and recreational areas. The Nocatee Preserve Trail markers, for example, serve as a reminder to us all that if we're looking for direction, we should start by thinking of others, and even small improvements can create lasting memories and positive changes for future generations.
The St. Johns County Parks Foundation is proud to acknowledge residents and groups like Jack for enhancing our recreational experience through volunteering with the St. Johns County Park & Recreation Department.
For those unfamiliar with the Eagle Scout process, it is the final step towards achieving the highest rank in Scouting. The Eagle Project is a Scout-led initiative, with the troop offering guidance and support during the planning and execution stages. It is a meaningful, hands-on way for young people to give back to their communities while developing leadership skills. Learn More.
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