By Misty DUPLESSIS

When Life Scout Nico Pappas began to think of his Eagle Service Project for Boy Scout Troop 317, he envisioned creating a lasting impression for Glendale residents.

He came up with a plan and this Saturday and Sunday, the ninth grade student will be working on transforming a bare lot owned by the CVWD into a more pleasing place for residents.

“My project is planting native plants, installing a drip irrigation system, and landscaping the Pennsylvania Avenue off-ramp area. Currently on the property there is only a ‘Welcome to La Crescenta’ sign and a small tree,” said Pappas.

With permission and guidance from the CVWD, Pappas set out to find drought resistant plants that were native to the area as well as aesthetically pleasing and practical.

Pappas got the idea for this project from a Scout councilmember who mentioned that someone had always wanted to have that area enhanced. The Scout visited the CVWD and attended town council meetings for inspiration.

Pappas’ interest in landscaping has flourished throughout this project. He found that drawing out the plans for the project takes him through a thought process similar to laying out a blueprint when designing buildings.

Members of the community, as well as the CV Town Council and friends and family of Pappas, have lent support and plan to work alongside Pappas on the first weekend of January.

Donations of mulch, gravel, and tubing supplies for the drip irrigation system have been received from several neighboring businesses and Pappas welcomes the help of anyone who wants to volunteer their time for the project.

Former CV Town Councilmember Todd Thornbury expressed his support for the project on the Facebook site created by Pappas.

“Nico, I am very excited about your efforts to beautify this corner for your Eagle Project! This is really a big undertaking and when it is done you will have spearheaded one the biggest Eagle projects the Crescenta Valley has ever had! Great job,” Thornbury wrote.

To get more information on how to help with the beautification process, visit Facebook site Troop 317 Nico’s Eagle Service Project or email npeagleproject@gmail.com.

  MISTY DUPLESSIS