Local Boy Scout Making a Big Impact at Mountain Way Common
It’s no secret that Boy Scouts love the outdoors, but Matthew Keagle (Eagle Scout – Troop 370) has taken that to a whole new level. On Saturday, March 9 Matthew led a group of 28 volunteers as they planted 100 native trees and shrubs at Mountain Way Common. This is just the latest in a series of volunteer workdays that Matthew has organized at the community park. In fact, his projects have amassed over 1,100 volunteer hours and filled six dumpsters with invasive species and debris.
We wanted to know more about Matthew’s dedication to Mountain Way Common, so we asked him a few questions about what drew him to the park and what he would tell other young people who want to make a difference. Read on and be inspired!
What drew you to Mountain Way Common as a site for volunteer projects?
I grew up right by the park and started working at Mountain Way Common when I was eight. When I first volunteered at Mountain Way Common it was largely overgrown and filled with invasive species and trash, but as work continued, the land was transformed into an open, usable park. Inspired by the incredible changes in the park, I decided to pursue my Eagle Project in the park.
What volunteer projects have you done at MWC?
The first major project was my Eagle Project, which I started in 2016. It took 556 combined volunteer hours to clear a section of the park from overgrowth and install a trail system, birdhouses, and benches. Once I finished the Eagle Project, I realized that I was committed to making bigger, positive changes in the park’s environment.
I am currently working on three Boy Scout projects at Mountain Way Common. These projects will go towards the Hornaday Award, the highest environmental conservation award in Scouting. For my Hornaday Projects, I am clearing additional invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, and monitoring the water quality of Little Nancy Creek, which runs through Mountain Way Common. Invasive species are non-native organisms that were artificially introduced into the environment and which can cause harm. Examples of these in the park include privet, English ivy, and kudzu. I have worked to pull privet and clear English ivy from the park, as these species limit native growth and spread rapidly. By planting native trees in partnership with Trees Atlanta and through a National Environmental Education Foundation Grant, Mountain Way Common will be reforested with native species that will limit soil erosion and beautify the park.
Finally, I have monitored the water quality of Little Nancy Creek for close to a year with Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, and have posted the data and additional educational information on the Mountain Way Common website. I’m also speaking to local groups about things that I learned during the testing, and common sense ways that we can all make a positive impact on the environment.
What do you enjoy about volunteerism?
I enjoy seeing and using the final product of all of the hard work most of all. When you volunteer with a local park, you are positively benefiting the environment and creating a tangible change that lasts. When I think about the transformation of the park or walk on trails that I built, it makes the efforts worth it.
What do you enjoy about the outdoors?
I have always enjoyed being outdoors because no matter what I do outside, I am relaxed and energized. I especially like physical activity outdoors, which motivates me to go to the park often to volunteer or walk around.
What would you tell young kids who want to help have a positive impact like you have?
I would definitely tell young kids to dream big because dreams really do come true. Back in 8th Grade, I could barely access the back of the park when I was planning the trail system for my Eagle Project. The progress that the park has made since then is beyond incredible to me, and I never would have pictured such a change coming from my projects. I had a dream that I could help transform the park into a sustainable green space. After a lot of hard work, the park is a little closer to that reality. Finally, I would tell younger kids that pursuing a positive impact is worth it because you will not only help bring about positive change, but you will be changed in the process and become a better person.
Mountain Way Common is one of the most unique and progressive greenspaces in Metro Atlanta. Partially located under a monumental highway overpass and along the Nancy Creek, Mountain Way Common is transforming forgotten Department of Transportation bridge overpass lands into a livable greenspace. Mountain Way Common reconnects a neighborhood divided by the construction of the GA 400 Highway by transforming 9-acres of underutilized and antagonizing land in the most under-parked community in the City of Atlanta into a usable greenspace and amenities for area residents.
