TRUCKEE, Calif. — Wulfe Ropke Retzlaff, a 14-year-old Truckee High School freshman, completed his Eagle Scout Service Project with Truckee Boy Scout Troop 267.

Wulfe organized, designed and constructed a bench, cleared a trail, and created signs along the 3/4-mile dog walking trail at the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe.

To complete an Eagle Project, the Scout needs to plan out step by step every detail of the project and send his proposal in to be approved by the BSA Nevada Area Council.

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To guide Wulfe along, John Andrews, Eagle Mentor, and step-dad Dave Huggins, Troop 267 Scoutmaster, Sonya Retzlaff-Huggins, Wulfe’s mother, mentored Wulfe on figuring out his project designs and paperwork.

Erin Ellis, HSTT volunteer programs manager; Alex Heyman, HSTT volunteer; and Dan Olsen, town of Truckee Animal Services manager also guided Wulfe on bench location, signs, and the layout of the trail. Wulfe’s Eagle Project was completed on Nov. 10, 2013.

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Wulfe took of the Animal Shelter while it was being constructed last August. HSTT Executive Director Stephanie Nistler said the dogs needed to exercise, so Wulfe asked to help create a dog walking trail. It took several walk throughs to get the project detailed.

“I have always had an inspiration to help animals, I just wanted to help out and make the lives better for all the adoptable animals,” said Wulfe.

Wulfe’s Eagle Project was completed at the Humane Society Animal Shelter, 10961 Stevens Lane off of Stockrest Springs Road near the Forest Service Station.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, volunteers totaled 114 man hours: Boy Scouts with 65 hours; Boy Scout parents with 38 hours; and community volunteers with 11 hours.

Wulfe received generous donations from Truckee Tahoe Lumber, Mountain Hardware, and Lowes in Reno, Nev.

Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co. supplied all the lumber and metal attachments. Mountain Hardware donated stain, paint brushes, and nails. Lowes donated screws and paint. Mr. Driscoll from Truckee High School helped Wulfe engrave the bench and the signs. Wulfe was very grateful for these donations and support these local companies provided.

HSTT is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of homeless animals through humane education, community spay/neuter services and adoptions.

“We have a small dedicated staff, but are primarily made up of hard-working volunteers. Working alongside Wufle to complete this much needed trail was very rewarding and inspiring. He worked very hard to make the new volunteer dog walking trail prefect for our volunteers and adoptable dogs,” said Ellis. The new trail offers volunteers of HSTT a safe and fun place to walk dogs awaiting adoption.

The Boy Scouts is a group of kids from ages 11 to 17. Many Troop activities include camping, learning survival skills, hiking, climbing, biking, white water rafting, kayaking, and snow sports. Boy Scout Troop 267 develops citizenship in its members and helps with community service projects.

Find information about Boy Scout Troop 267 at http://truckee267.mytroop.us, or contact Scoutmaster Dave Huggins at scoutmaster@truckee267.mytroop.us.