Changing leaves and falling temperatures create exciting opportunities for outdoor educational experiences. That is why Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting a special educational event for Boy Scouts at the Hazel Willis Woods just south of Mifflin.

All area Boy Scouts are invited to attend a free educational and volunteer program at Hazel Willis Woods on October 26, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. This will include two hours of community service cleaning up the hiking trails, a half hour of soil education and two hours of education towards the Boy Scout Forestry merit badge.

“We want Scouts to have fun, gain an appreciation for Hazel Willis Woods and what it has to offer to the community, and work towards earning their Forestry Merit Badge requirements,” said Maxine Swaisgood, Administrative Assistant at Ashland SWCD. “Ashland SWCD is hoping this is the beginning of a long partnership with the scouting community in Ashland County.”

Hazel Willis Woods is a 40-acre woodlot that was gifted to Ashland SWCD in 1980 by Walter Willis in memory of his wife, Hazel. The woods includes hiking trails, a spring, a cabin, a pavilion, rustic restrooms and a hand pump water well. Many conservation practices are used at the woods including water bars, diversions and a spring development.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided, but bringing a field lunch is suggested. An RSVP for the troop and number of scouts attending must be received by Oct. 18 at 4:00 p.m. For more information on the Scouting and Forestry program and to RSVP, call Swaisgood with Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645.