Kids
Eagle Scout candidate leads invasive species removal effort on Ramstein
Scouting America, Troop 12
April 30, 2026
Eagle Scout candidate Sawyer Nelsen begins digging out an invasive Japanese knotwood plant on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Dawn Nelsen)
Eagle Scout candidate Sawyer Nelsen, Troop 12, led a volunteer effort on April 18, 2026 to remove Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant species, from multiple locations on Ramstein Air Base in support of the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources Program.
Working alongside Scouts, adult volunteers and family members, the team removed approximately two dozen knotweed plants from sites on the south side of the installation. The effort focused on digging out entire root systems to prevent regrowth and limit the spread of the invasive species.
Members of a volunteer group tackle removing an invasive plant species from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (John Krigbaum)
Japanese knotweed is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread through underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control once established. Left untreated, it can outcompete native vegetation, degrade habitats and create long-term land management challenges.
““This project gave me the opportunity to lead a team while making a real impact on the environment here at Ramstein,”
— Sawyer Nelson
“Because knotweed spreads underground, it takes time and teamwork to remove it correctly, and that required clear communication and coordination across the entire group, said Nelsen.
Clearing Japanese knotweed is difficult, and best done by removing the entire root system. It is known for rapid growth through underground rhizomes. (John Krigbaum)
Due to the separation of work sites and access limitations along perimeter roads, the project required detailed planning and organization. Volunteers were divided into teams and assigned to different locations to maximize efficiency while maintaining safety and accountability.
The project was completed in coordination with the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron, which oversees environmental and natural resource management on Ramstein Air Base.
“Invasive species like Japanese knotweed can spread quickly and are difficult to control once established,” said Felix Schellhaas, 86th CES Natural Resources Program Manager. “Efforts like this directly support our mission by helping protect native ecosystems and reducing the long-term workload required to manage these areas.”
Following removal, volunteers supported basic site restoration efforts, including preparation for native grass regrowth to help stabilize the soil and reduce the likelihood of reinfestation.
“One of the biggest challenges was coordinating multiple teams working in different locations at the same time,” Nelsen said. “It required planning ahead, trusting team leaders, and making sure everyone understood the standard for completing the work.”
Nelsen led multiple teams removing the invasive plant at different locations on Ramstein Air Base. (John Krigbaum)
“Sawyer took on a project that required both physical effort and careful planning,” said Col. Dean Berck, Scoutmaster of Troop 12. “He demonstrated leadership by organizing volunteers, coordinating with the beneficiary, and ensuring the work was done safely and effectively.”
In addition to the physical work, the project includes an educational and outreach component aimed at raising awareness about invasive species and environmental stewardship within the Ramstein community.
Completion of this project represents a significant milestone in Nelsen’s path toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout. However, additional steps, including final approvals and review, remain before the rank can be officially awarded.
The project supports ongoing conservation efforts on the installation and reflects a broader commitment to responsible environmental stewardship by U.S. forces overseas.