Pilgrim High School student Will Sanders is looking for volunteers to aid him in his Eagle Scout project, which will take place this weekend at Ninigret State Park in Charleston. Sanders, 16, is a member of Troop 49 Lakewood.

He said he’s looking for volunteers to help plant bushes to benefit wildlife in the area.

“The goal of this project is to restore the old airstrip in Ninigret Park into a feasibly successful habitat that provides shade and food for local wildlife like the cottontail rabbit and deer,” Sanders said in an email interview with the Beacon. “I decided to do my project because I am very interested in environmental studies as a career.”

Volunteers will meet at Lakewood Baptist Church, 255 Atlantic Avenue, Warwick, on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m. The project is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sanders said he would also need volunteers for a return trip on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to finish the project.

“Volunteering for one day or a few hours is beneficial,” he said, adding volunteers should bring a water bottle, gloves if they have them (gloves will also be provided), and wear long pants and a sweatshirt. “Lunch and water will be provided.”

Sanders said he’s enjoyed working with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services for the project, and has had great support so far.

“Setting up this project was actually quite easy in the fact that the Fish & Wildlife Service were great in facilitating my success and the overall success of the project,” he said. “So far I have really enjoyed all of the help and support family and friends have given in regards to my project.”

Sanders said the hardest part of the project has been coordination of people to meet one particular goal.

“I anticipate the most difficult challenge will be to complete the project in the timeline given,” he said.

Sanders said he has learned a lot along the way.

“So far in this Eagle Scout process I have learned how to lead people, network, fill out massive amounts of paperwork, and become the person I want to be,” he said. “To me being an Eagle Scout means to uphold the Scout oath and law in my everyday life and to be generally a beneficial presence in my community.”

Sanders had some words of encouragement for others thinking about becoming an Eagle Scout.

“For others who want to become an Eagle, I would advise them to start early and really find a project that plays to your interests,” he said.

Email Will Sanders with any questions or to let him know you are interested in volunteering at willsanders49@yahoo.com.