City of Davis

Leadership, Skill and Service:
Eagle Scout Project Replants Area Damaged by Arson Fires

More than two dozen boy scouts, parents and other volunteers, turned out early Saturday morning, February 17, for a planting project sponsored by the Parks & Community Services Department. The reason? To replant several areas in dire need of renovation due to vandalism by arson fires in October 2006. The fires raised serious concerns when they blackened nearly a quarter acre of the greenbelt adjacent to the West Davis Pond.

The renovation project was organized by Mitch Danforth to satisfy one of the requirements necessary to achieve the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in scouting. Mitch, a senior at Da Vinci High School, organized and directed members of Davis Boy Scout Troop 139 and other volunteers to carry out this project. Neighbors and scouts worked together to plant Valley Oaks, California Buckeye, Western Redbud, Toyon, Flannelbush and other selections. In total, 132 new plants were added along with over 100 cubic yards of wood chip mulch.

"The City of Davis saved considerable money by having volunteers complete this project", said community projects specialist Sandy Dietrich. "Mitch did a great job keeping the project on track and seeing it through to completion". This public area has been restored in a way that makes it safer and more beautiful for nature lovers and for the creatures that make their homes here. The West Area Drainage Pond, which captures storm water runoff, is home to ducks, geese and many other types of wildlife.

Hundreds of volunteers give thousands of hours annually in support of parks, recreation, and social service programs. Groups or individuals who are interested in volunteering in the future are invited to call the Parks & Community Services Department at (530) 757-5626 for further information.