Celebrating Lila Keller: A Gold Award Girl Scout Championing Bat Conservation
In the heart of Union County, one Gold Award Girl Scout has taken a stand for wildlife conservation, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have on their community and the environment. Lila Keller, a dedicated Girl Scout for 12 years, has exemplified what it means to be a leader and a changemaker through her Gold Award project, "Bring Back the Bats."
Lila's initiative aimed to address the sharp decline of little brown bats in her local area, a concern that hits close to home for many environmentalists and residents alike. By custom building and installing four colony-size bat houses in local parks, Lila not only provided a sanctuary for these crucial nocturnal creatures but also laid the groundwork for a brighter future for bat populations in Union County.
Understanding the importance of community engagement and education in conservation efforts, Lila hosted a public workshop at the Trailside Nature Center. Here, she shared her knowledge on bats' ecological roles, the threats they face, including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, and how each of us can play a part in their preservation. This educational outreach had an immediate impact, significantly boosting the local understanding and appreciation of bats.
Lila's passion for wildlife conservation and animal advocacy has been a driving force in her Girl Scout journey. "When I noticed the threat to bats in my area around the time I became eligible for the Gold Award, I knew I could channel my skills to make a change in this way," Lila shares. Her project not only reflects her dedication to environmental stewardship but also her growth as a leader within the Girl Scouts community.
Being part of the Girl Scouts is about more than just earning badges and selling cookies; it's about growing into a strong and independent changemaker, supported by a network of reliable peers. Lila's story is a testament to the empowering community that Girl Scouts provides, fostering leadership and advocacy skills from a young age.
The sustainability of Lila's project is ensured through the bat houses she has erected at Watchung Reservation and Lenape Park, which will continue to benefit bat populations for years to come. Further extending her project's reach, Lila has also filmed, edited, and produced an instructional video on the bat house construction process, available on the Trailside Nature Center's website, allowing her work to inspire and educate far beyond her local community.
Lila Keller's Gold Award project, "Bring Back the Bats," stands as a shining example of how Girl Scouts can make a significant difference in their communities and the world. Her initiative not only addresses an urgent environmental issue but also empowers others to take action, embodying the true spirit of the Girl Scout Gold Award.
February 16, 2024
