Grassy Waters Preserve Non-Profit, a 501 C (3) non-profit corporation, is partnering with Grant Kazi’s ambitious Eagle Scout project. Grant’s goal is to provide more accessible interpretive signs along the nearly two miles of our meandering boardwalk. The boardwalk gives vistors breathtaking views of one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful wetland preserves and the signs provide important environmental information. The signs are in fixed positions and are often difficult for small children and physically challenged visitors to read.
Grassy Waters Preserve is a 20-square mile wetland area, owned by the City of West Palm Beach’s and serves as the fresh water supply to West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and South Palm Beach. Not only is the preserve a source of water for residents, it is also home to hundreds of species of wildlife and scores of native Florida plant life.
Grassy Waters Preserve is a refuge for one of the most endangered species of birds in the entire world, the Everglades Snail Kite. This beautiful hawk-like bird is magnificent in flight, but its numbers are small and by some accounts less than a thousand still exist in the world. Of those remaining, hundreds make their way to Grassy Waters Preserve because of the abundant supply of their primary food source, Apple Snails.
More than 30,000 visitors a year walk our boardwalks, hike our trails, paddle on our guided canoe excursions and participate in our education and recreation programs. Thousands of school children participate in our water awareness programs and our senior volunteers help mentor the young visitors along their learning path to understanding why environmental preservation, especially water conservation is so important. Accessibility is paramount to good customer service. That is the reason this Eagle Scout project is so vital to Grassy Waters Preserve.
Grant will be modifying our existing boardwalk signs, with a design that allows them to be raised and lowered to any height. This gives all visitors’ equal access to informative facts and information about the Preserve. The design will include a frame, which allows necessary changes to the interpretive signs as needed. The new design provides us with greater flexibility for our exhibits.
The preserve is donating all of the wood Grant will need but there are additional materials needed to complete this important Eagle Scout Project.
The Grassy Waters Preserve Non-Profit Organization is asking you to support Grant Kazi’s project, as he works to make Grassy Waters more accessible to our visitors and make interaction with nature a much easier and enjoyable experience.
Anyone who donates or contributes to this effort will be able to realize tax deductions as allowed by law by listing as a contribution or donation to Grassy Waters Preserve Non-profit. Donors should consult with their tax advisors to find out how contributions and donations to 501 C (3) not-for-profit corporations affect their individual deductions.
For more information or to contribute to this Eagle Scout Project, Grassy Waters Preserve Non-profit by email at grassykg1@aol.com or call the preserve at 561-804-4985.