Mountainside Scout Builds Three Bat Boxes Near Echo Lake

Grant Matejek's Eagle Scout project started with a simple observation during a hike with his father in Toms River: bat boxes hanging on a property. The 17-year-old from Mountainside's Troop 177 had an idea. He would build three of them for the Mountainside Elks property near Echo Lake, creating habitat for local bats struggling to survive amid development and urban noise.

THE INSPIRATION

Grant noticed how common the big brown bat is in Mountainside—about 4 to 5 inches long, active mostly at night. But as development spreads, bats are losing their habitat. Route 22's noise also disrupts the ecosystem. Grant saw an opportunity to make a difference.

"They're losing their habitat," Grant said. "I was thinking that could be a good tool to help these bats take away the insects."

WHY BATS MATTER

Bats consume at least half their own body weight in insects each night—double that when pregnant or nursing. They eat mosquitoes, ticks and other insects that plague people and spread disease. For Grant, the mission was personal.

"Getting bit by a mosquito was like the worst," Grant said. "I want to make sure it doesn't happen to the young kids."

New Jersey is home to nine bat species. The little brown bat was upgraded to endangered status in January 2025. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, has killed tens of thousands of bats across New Jersey since arriving in North America in 2006.

Union County Life covers youth leadership and Scout achievements across all 21 Union County municipalities.

THE EAGLE SCOUT PROCESS

An Eagle Scout project is no simple task. Scoutmaster Joshua Zawislak explained the scope. "An Eagle Scout service project intentionally challenges a Scout," he said. "The Scout must find a way to benefit the community. The Scout must work with an organization that will receive the project. The Scout must also lead others through its completion."

Grant developed a proposal, worked with the Elks as the project beneficiary, gathered signatures and secured approval through his troop and the Patriots' Path Council. The planning and paperwork alone took roughly a year and a half.

CONSTRUCTION & COMMUNITY

In early May 2026, Grant and his volunteers gathered at the Elks property. They built the boxes entirely on site from raw materials—Grant cut, stained and assembled the wood, then hung the boxes around the property. Younger Scouts joined in the construction. Fellow Scouts, family members and other supporters pitched in.

"When I was younger, I helped other people with their Eagle projects," Grant said. "I know it meant a lot to them. It means a lot to me that they came and showed up to help me."

FAMILY LEGACY

Grant's father, Steven Matejek, is a Cub Master and Den Leader who was himself a Scout in Mountainside's Troop 177 as a child. Steven served as Grant's Den Leader but did not earn the Eagle rank.

"This is the culmination of many years," Steven said. "He's taller than me, and now he's going to outrank me, and I'm very proud of him."

Steven said the project taught Grant lessons about the local ecosystem and the role bats play in keeping it balanced. For Grant, the project was a lesson in project management, leadership by example, mentorship and good communication.

WHAT'S NEXT

Grant has submitted his project report and is preparing for his Eagle board of review. An Eagle Court of Honor to celebrate his achievement is tentatively planned for late fall or early winter. No date has been set yet.

Steven said bat boxes take time to attract residents. "Bats are already in the area, and the boxes offer them an ideal home. It's just a matter of time."

THE SCOUTING JOURNEY

Grant started in Cub Scouts at about 5 years old. He has earned merit badges and balances Scouting with football, winter and spring track, and troop activities. He plans trips for younger members of the troop.

"I can't really remember a time when I wasn't in Cub or Boy Scouts," Grant said, emphasizing the time and commitment involved.

Asked about other families, Grant encouraged parents to support their children's interests. "There's a lot of reward along the way and a big honor in the end," he said. "I think the parents should support their interest, because it will be a lifetime memory."

FAQ

What is an Eagle Scout project?
An Eagle Scout project is a service project that intentionally challenges a Scout to benefit the community. The Scout must develop a proposal, work with an organization that will receive the project, gather approvals, and lead others through its completion. It is a significant milestone on the path to earning the Eagle Scout rank.

What did Grant Matejek build for his Eagle Scout project?
Grant built three bat boxes for the Mountainside Elks property near Echo Lake. He designed them to provide habitat for local bats struggling to find homes as development spreads throughout Mountainside.

Why did Grant choose to build bat boxes?
Grant noticed bat boxes during a hike with his father in Toms River and realized they could help local bats. He knew bats eat insects like mosquitoes and ticks, and that many local bats were losing their habitat due to development and noise from Route 22.

How long did Grant's project take?
The planning, proposal development, signature gathering and approval process took approximately 1.5 years. Construction happened in early May 2026.

How did Grant build the bat boxes?
Grant and his volunteers built the boxes entirely on site from raw materials. Grant cut, stained and assembled the wood, then hung the boxes around the Elks property. Younger Scouts and community supporters helped with the construction.

Why are bat boxes important for Mountainside?
Bats provide natural pest control, eating mosquitoes, ticks and other insects that spread disease and make outdoor time unpleasant. Bats consume at least half their body weight in insects each night. As development spreads, they need help finding suitable habitat.

What bat species live in Mountainside?
The most common local bat is the big brown bat, about 4-5 inches long and active mostly at night. New Jersey is home to nine bat species total.

Are bats endangered in New Jersey?
Yes, the little brown bat was upgraded to endangered status in New Jersey in January 2025. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, has killed tens of thousands of bats across New Jersey since arriving in North America in 2006.

Has Grant's project been approved?
Yes. Grant submitted his project report and is now preparing for his Eagle board of review. An Eagle Court of Honor to celebrate his achievement is tentatively planned for late fall or early winter 2026.

Are bats living in the boxes yet?
Grant's father said it can take time for bats to discover new boxes, but that bats are already in the area and the boxes offer them an ideal home. It is just a matter of time.

How long has Grant been in Scouting?
Grant started in Cub Scouts at about 5 years old, meaning he has been involved for approximately 12 years. He has earned merit badges and balances Scouting with football, track and other activities.