Eagle Scout Thomas Milner from Clearwater District Troop 107 out of Eau Claire recently completed his service project with Landmark Conservancy. Thomas organized volunteers to help construct 15 benches to be placed on nature preserves. The project cost nearly $800 in materials and took over 98 hours of time.
Thomas designed the project to provide people with a place to rest during their outdoor adventures. He chose a bench design that is part of Wisconsin’s conservation history – a Leopold style bench. Conservationist Aldo Leopold often recorded his thoughts and observations while sitting on benches he built, like the one outside his famous shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This style of bench has become popular worldwide for its practical and simple design. Thanks to Thomas, people visiting Landmark properties now have more places to not only rest, but also to observe the natural world around them.
Thomas Milner and his father at Mary E. Fitz Memorial Park.
Aldo Leopold sitting on a bench. Credit Aldo Leopold Foundation.
Volunteers Building Benches
Laying out wood
Volunteers gathered around a work bench
Bench being assembled
Thomas and friend on completed bench
“Landmark is grateful for Thomas’ leadership for this project. He even went the extra mile to customize a metal brand of Landmark’s logo that is burned into the backrests. His efforts will positively affect visitor experience at our preserves for many years to come. Thank you, Thomas and volunteers!”
Branding the Benches
Preparing coals for brand
Putting brand on backrest
Landmark brand completed
Thomas at drop off
These benches will be placed at preserves across Landmark’s 20-county service area including the Mary E. Fitz Memorial Park (Eau Claire) and Tyler Forks Community Forest (Mellen).
Thank you for doing this important work.
I wish I could thank Thomas Milner personally, as well as all the other volunteers! One question – I tried to find out who Mary E. Fitz is, but am unable. Is she related to the awesome Dr. Tom Fitz? (Dr. Fitz was the trip leader for several field trips my husband and I were on.) Also – these photos are awesome, so glad you include them! They put the viewer right there to see the process to final products, as well as the wonderful folks who built them!
Thanks!
Hello Kathleen!
Thank you for valuing the hard work of Thomas Milner and the other volunteers, we are certainly grateful for the wonderful benches they made! As for Mary E. Fitz, she is not related to Dr. Tom Fitz, but is a woman from the Eau Claire area. Before passing away, she placed her property and assets in a Trust, and Landmark was later appointed Trustee and charged with fulfilling her charitable vision.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and we hope you get outside and maybe even have a chance to enjoy the new benches!
Landmark Conservancy Staff