Bioswale Service Project at Conference House Park

When and Where

When: February 25, 2024
Timeline: 9:15 am — 2:30 pm

Location: Conference House Park, Staten Island, New York

The Director of Conference House Park, Mr. Kulcullin, is offering us the opportunity to provide critical conservation service. I am confident that T23 is up to the challenge. 

When: This is one of two sessions. The second date has yet to be determined.

MEETING LOCATION: OLA PARKING LOT, NOT AT THE CONFERENCE HOUSE 
MEETING TIME: 9:15 AM 
WE MUST LEAVE NO LATER THAN 9:30 AM TO ARRIVE AT THE SITE ON TIME 
WE SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH TRANSPORTATION IF WE ALL CHIP IN. WE HAVE A LARGE GROUP. 
BRING PERMISSION FORM AND HYDRATION

Time: 10 AM to 12 PM is the time of the active service.

Why: Your assistance is needed for us to maximize our impact on the community and environment, and work on the below listed MB and other requirements or award. Also, this is also packed with STEM - invasive species, bioswale, filtration, etc. 

Who: Scouts, Scouters, Parents, etc. Just like the project conducted on MLK Day of Service

Transportation: Drivers are needed to help with transportation. Please contact Mr. Wong. 

Conference House Park is a great destination for both park and history buffs. Located at the southernmost point of New York State, this park houses four historic buildings that trace the history of the borough over the course of three centuries. The Conference House, the Biddle House, the Ward House and Rutan-Beckett House all tell of a New York and an America of the past.

Service Part

From Mr. Kucullin: "Not far from the CHP pavilion, on the left hand side of main path leading down to it and the water is a new bioswale. This bioswale was installed during the restoration of the pavilion and surrounding area. This is a stormwater management feature in the park. Stormwater from Hylan Blvd is channeled in the park down a ‘streambed’ to this newly expanded bioswale. Its designed to hold the water and allow it to slowly percolate down in the soil reducing excess containments from entering the Bay. Unfortunately as with many engineered natural systems, unwanted infill and invasives take hold along with the natives we are looking to have establish. In photo #4, wineberry, European blackberry species quickly establishes and take over and crowds/shades out native wetland grasses and sedges. This area needs to have this and other infiltrating trees removed to keep the bioswale open. Winter is the perfect time to do this work. It can be a multi day project. And also I can tie in a beach/nature walk for the Troop and leaders like I did last time. Ill even treat for pizza!" .

In addition to providing service to our community, we will also be able to complete or work on the following. As a scout in his youth and nature expert, he is qualified to help us with these. 

a) Camping Merit Badge Requirement 9c, which is a challenging requirement to complete: Perform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency. This can be done alone or with others.
b) The Conservation Good Turn Award for entire Troop 23
c) First Class 5a: Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants found in your local area or campsite location. You may show evidence by identifying fallen leaves or fallen fruit that you find in the field, or as part of a collection you have made, or by photographs you have taken.

Attire: If you have work gloves, bring them. Pay attention to the weather and dress appropriately!

The parking/meeting location is on the map: Visitor Center Parking lot the same where we met last time.

Pizza part

Following our meaningful service project near the CHP pavilion, we'll conclude our adventure with a well-deserved treat. Just a short distance from our project site, Villa Monte Pizzeria awaits us, offering a cozy spot to relax and reflect on the day's achievements. This local favorite is renowned for its warm atmosphere and delicious, handcrafted pizzas, making it the perfect place.

As we settle into Villa Monte Pizzeria, we'll have the opportunity to bond over slices of pizza, celebrating the hard work and dedication that everyone has shown. 

Historian's notes