by June Portnoy
If you think you see turtles “sunbathing” on the Washington Crossing Historic Park’s pond, it’s not your imagination!
It’s the result of an Eagle Scout project completed by Luke Rogers, 17, a junior at Conwell Egan Catholic High School, and a Life Scout with BSA Troop 316, Levittown, Fairless Hills.
Luke Rogers, 17, has always been an animal lover who enjoys spending time at his Langhorne home with his two dogs.
So, over a year ago, when he read that the Washington Crossing Historic Park was looking for someone to create turtle basking platforms for the park’s pond, he knew this was exactly what he wanted to do for his Eagle Scout project.
He reached out to the park ranger to get the details about this project.
“They wanted someone to build and install six turtle basking platforms in their pond because up till that time, they had none,” explained Luke. “Turtles are cold-blooded, requiring an external heat source to regulate their body temperature, so they use basking platforms to help to absorb the sunlight and warm up.”
Mary Rogers, Luke’s mother and Assistant Scout Master for BSA Troop 316 thought her son’s idea was a “perfect fit for him since he is such an animal lover and wanted to complete a project that would benefit animals. Plus, this project not only improves the park’s habitat for their turtles, but also creates something everyone will enjoy seeing. After all, who wouldn’t love watching turtles basking in the sun on platforms designed just for them.”
After meeting with the park ranger, Luke successfully pitched his project idea to his troop leaders.
Then it was time to get to work and research how to create a turtle basking platform.
Luke was grateful that Contemporary Corvette in Bristol offered to sponsor this entire project.
This past March, Luke oversaw the construction of the six platforms during which time approximately 20 to 25 youth and adults lent their hands to putting these platforms together.
Luke finally saw his idea come to life this past April when he and many volunteers kayaked the platforms into the Washington Crossing Historic Park’s pond, installing them in different locations.
When asked how he felt seeing his project come to fruition, Luke said, “I feel very accomplished. It was challenging planning this entire project from its inception through its execution, and I think this experience will make me a better leader in wherever my future takes me.”
Luke is currently completing his final Eagle Scout paperwork and anticipates receiving the distinguished Eagle Scout award sometime this summer.
Also, this summer, Luke looks forward to returning to the Washington Crossing Historic Park’s pond to watch turtles bask in the sun on their new basking platforms.
PHOTO CAP: Luke Rogers poses with his completed turtle basking platforms.