Eastside cities benefit from the drive and generosity of local scouts

The cities of Issaquah and Sammamish are lucky to have a number of very active Scouts groups in the area, a number of which regularly contribute to volunteer works and service projects.

By Jake Lynch • November 5, 2009 2:05 pm

The cities of Issaquah and Sammamish are lucky to have a number of very active Scouts groups in the area, a number of which regularly contribute to volunteer works and service projects.

The work of these young men and women is of great value to the community.

Toward the end of summer, two Scouts, David Byrne and Alex Bahm, completed trail restoration work at the heavily used Timberlake Park in Issaquah.

Both boys identified the need for trail maintenance and repair as part of a project to earn their Eagle Scout rank.

One of the projects consisted of re-routing a 350 foot long trail, that used to be a straight steep path through the woods, creating a gentle meandering graveled walkway.

The other involved restoring and building 1,250 feet of trail in the park, and closing some sections of the trail that were damaging native vegetation.

Both boys recruited large teams of volunteers to help them out, totaling more than 200 hours of volunteer labor effort – an amazing effort from the two determined Eagle Scouts. The Scouts also worked with local businesses to have products donated for the project.

This month, Nathan Hill is undertaking an Eagle Scout project, and has launched a campaign to support the Seattle Humane Society.

“Each month, the Seattle Humane Society feeds over 1,200 pets,” Nathan said. “Approximately 4 to 5 tons of cat food is given to elderly couples, or people with disabilities that have low incomes. Many of these individuals are not able to afford food for their cats. The Humane Society is also experiencing more people surrendering their cats to the Humane Society and other animal shelters.”

Last week, outside Issaquah Petco, Nathan collected more than 1,000 pounds of cat food, which he will donate to the Human Society, well exceeding his goal of 500. Not content with his successes, Nathan now aims to collect more than 2,000 pounds of cat food.

This Saturday, Nov. 7, Nathan and his volunteer helpers will be outside the Factoria Petco, 4080 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, and Issaquah Petco, 975 NW Gilman Blvd., from 12 – 4 p.m.