Daniel Singleton, a senior at William Floyd High School, has recently earned the prestigious title of Eagle, the highest rank in scouting. This significant accomplishment marks the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, demonstrating Daniel’s commitment to both scouting and community service.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Daniel designed and constructed a Pollinator Hotel at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. This project is particularly important in light of the growing environmental concerns about declining bee populations. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, bee populations have been significantly impacted by habitat loss, intensive farming practices, climate change, and the overuse of pesticides. The decline of these pollinators poses a threat to plant life, which is essential to human well-being.
Daniel’s Pollinator Hotel provides a safe space for native solitary pollinators like leaf-cutter bees, mason bees, and carpenter bees, which are crucial for pollinating plants and controlling pest populations. These pollinators do not build or defend hives, making them nonaggressive, and they seek out pre-existing tunnels, such as old beetle holes or hollow plant stems, for nesting. By supporting these pollinators, Daniel’s project helps foster a healthier ecosystem at the wildlife refuge, improving air quality, stabilizing soils, and protecting wildlife.
East Moriches Scout Troop 29 played a key role in the project, collaborating with Daniel to design, build, and donate the pollinator hotel to the refuge. His commitment to both scouting and environmental stewardship serves as an inspiration to younger scouts and the community, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of both his troop and the local wildlife ecosystem.
Daniel has long been an active member of his troop, volunteering his time to guide and mentor younger scouts as they work towards earning their own awards. His leadership has made him a respected figure within the troop, and he continues to lead weekly meetings, setting a positive example for his peers.
“Daniel is a remarkable young man who’s a proven leader with a great concern for the environment and his community,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. The Eagle Scout was also presented with an American flag by Congressman Andrew Garbarino that flew over the U.S. Capitol. He also received acknowledgements from County Executive Ed Romaine, Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Town Board Member Karen Dunne-Kesnig, and the William Floyd Board of Education.