Northborough Boy Scout Troop 101 Eagle Scout candidates and Algonquin Regional High School juniors Mark Cayer and Cameron Kane recently completed their individual projects, which replaced a total of four bridges along the Stirrup Brook Trail.
Many people discovered and utilized the different trails in Northborough during the pandemic. Improvements to the Stirrup Brook Trail, which is located near Algonquin Regional High School, were needed. The idea of replacing the bridges was suggested by Cayer’s father, Jeff, and the Northborough Trails Committee Chair Bob Mihalik.
“They were in poor condition and falling apart,” said Kane.
The Eagle Scout process is involved starting with a proposal explaining to the Boy Scout Council why the project is needed. Once approved, the work can begin.
Both Cayer and Kane faced similar challenges and delays during the process. They learned that a building permit was needed from the town.
Conservation Agent Mia McDonald was instrumental in obtaining that permit, Town Engineer Fred Litchfield assisted in the design of the bridge in his personal time and Building Inspector Bob Frederico gave guidance along the way.
The new bridges are wider and stronger than the original ones.
“They should be able to handle the weight of a police ATV if they need to access the trails in an emergency,” said Cayer.
Kane said ramps on the end of the bridges are yet to be installed, which will be accessible for mountain bicycles.
“They did a beautiful job on the construction and installation,” said Mihalik.
Volunteers were key in the success of both projects.
“I thought it would be hard to get volunteers,” said Cayer. “Friends, scouts, and adults all stepped up.”
Cayer said he had 10 people working on his project; Kane had 34 volunteers.
The dilemma of how to transport large beams from Cayer’s house to the woods was easily solved when Davidian’s Farm responded to a social media post for help and showed up with a box truck.
The projects were privately funded.
There are still some final steps for the boys to take to meet all their Eagle Scout requirements, including a few more merit badges and the final interview with the Boy Scout Council. They are, however, relieved that the projects are completed.
“It was fun to do the work and see the final results,” said Kane.
Kane highly suggests scouts to those who may be considering joining.
“You really get involved with the Troop on trips, and create memories that you will remember forever,” he said.
The Northborough Trails Committee is always looking for volunteers to maintain and improve the trails.
Mihalik said the floating bridge on the Cold Harbor Trail near the intersection of West Street and Cherry Street is one area needing attention in the future.
“The state put in a beaver deceiver to stop the beavers from damming up the brook, but now the water is so low that the floating bridge is stuck in mud and functioning less than optimal,” he said.
Stay updated on the trails by following Northborough Trail Travelers on Facebook.
Boy Scout Mark Cayer working with volunteers on new bridge. 
Volunteers for the project were important. 
Volunteers hard at work. 
The new bridge is shaping up 
Boy Scout Mark Cayer 
The old bridges were not in good shape. 
Boy Scout Cameron Kane and volunteers standing on completed new bridge. 
One of the old bridges that Boy Scout Cameron Kane replaced. 
Boy Scout Cameron Kane standing on the new version of the bridge at completion. 
Boy Scout Troop 101 and volunteers working on the new bridge at Stirrup Brook.
Written by Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer