Secure Descanso Gardens: Fund Griffin's Eagle Scout Project

Overview

Hi! My name is Griffin McLemore, and I’m a Life Scout in Troop 5, currently working toward earning my Eagle Scout rank. For my Eagle Project, I’m partnering with Descanso Gardens to help protect a vital part of their newly restored irrigation system. A few months ago, the fires burned Nuccio’s Nurseries, home to one of the most important camellia collections in the world—including rare varieties found nowhere else. While many of the plants survived the fire, they were very stressed and dying as there was no water sources. Many of these irreplaceable plants were urgently donated to Descanso Gardens. Thanks to that effort, they have survived the fire—but they’re still not safe.

To deliver water to these newly planted camellias, Descanso has installed new automated water control valves across the garden. Unfortunately, local wildlife—particularly squirrels—have started damaging the valves, attracted to the electrical current in the wires. Without protection, the system is vulnerable, and garden staff are losing time constantly making repairs. My project is to design, build, and install 50 custom protective covers to shield these valves from further damage. Each unit is made from durable 6-inch PVC pipe, capped at the top and custom-fitted to each site.

Why I’m Raising Funds:

My goal is to is to make and install at least 50 valve protectors—enough to secure the most critical areas.

Here’s where the money will go:

If we raise more than the goal, all extra funds will go directly toward making even more covers and then presenting any excess funds directly to Descanso. There’s a total of up to 90 valves that could eventually be protected if resources allow.

This project supports conservation, sustainability, and the long-term health of a beloved garden.

Thank you so much for your support!