Boardwalk Built By Reform School Kids In 1978

This sign at the entrance of the Helen Carlson sanctuary caught my attention today. Long Lane started in the 1800's as a school set on farmland for troubled girls. In the 1970's it became a high security reform school for boys.

 The boardwalk and nature trail were built by some of those students as seen listed on the sign.I wonder how those former students are doing today, almost 40 years after this project was completed? Did their lives turn around for the better? Maybe some went into the building/construction trade?

  As more land is developed for commercial projects and housing nature preserves become all the more valuable.

This is not some birding hotspot but does provide valuable habitat for a variety of birds throughout the year.

.........including birds like this Eastern Bluebird (older photo)................