For Boy Scout Drew Niederluecke, state government proved the biggest challenge in his Eagle Scout project.
‘I had to fill out paperwork, show them the plan, wait for them to approve it, then fill out a lot more paperwork,? said Niederluecke.
He signed up his project, constructing a new entrance for O.A.T.S. of Brandon Township, for Michigan’s Adopt-A-Landscape program.
‘This is the first one in Oakland County, so they wanted to make sure it was just right,? he said.
He led a crew of about 20 volunteers, clearing brush, installing two reinforced planter boxes and landscaping around the main entrance to the Offering Alternative Therapies with Smiles center on M-15 between Oak Hill and Seymour Lake roads.
Younger volunteers assembled smaller wood pieces and moved mulch, while older scouts worked on larger pieces and landscaping, including driving six-foot pieces of rebar into the ground with a sledgehammer.
‘It was tough work,? Drew said.
The project took months of planning and a full day of work, he said.
‘My brother (Matt Niederluecke) used to ride here,? Drew said. ‘They helped him out here, so I wanted to give something back.?
The project makes the entrance much more noticeable, he said.
‘A man said he drove by it for nine years and never noticed it before ? we hope it draws more attention,? he said.
All materials and plants were donated by Bordine’s, Kerton Lumber of Holly, Country Oaks Landscaping, Lowrie’s Landscape, Lowe’s, and other local businesses.
For the larger donations, Drew met with business owners and managers, presented his plan, and asked for help.
‘They thought it was a nice way to help,? he said.
‘They were extremely generous, especially in this economy,? said Denise Niederluecke, Drew’s mother.
A senior at Clarkston High School, Drew has been in scouting since first grade, with Cub Scout Pack 126 and Boy Scout Troop 199 at St. Dan’s since sixth grade.
‘All the activities, hiking, sailing Key West for a week ? opportunities I’d never have had if not for Boy Scouts,? Drew said.
His father, Scott Niederluecke, passed away when Drew was 2 years old, and the scouts taught him ‘guy stuff,? Denise said.
‘It’s a nice group of guys,? she said. ‘It’s a good influence. They provide good direction in life.?
Drew is planning his Eagle Scout ceremony in the spring, and has been accepted to Grand Valley State University next fall, where he will consider medicine, dentistry, special education, and other fields.
‘I’ll stay involved in scouting as a mentor and scout leader later ? that would be fun,? he said.