Following is the text of my speech in honor of Colin Morrell and his Eagle Scout project which focused on drought- and native-plant installation to conserve water while enhancing the aesthetic beauty of the public space in Lake Forest:
"Our nonprofit association maintains common area facilities and 250 acres of open space. Over the past seven years we have been installing native trees and shrubs to reduce our water use and to plan for drought. Last spring, when Colin Morrell came to our board with his Eagle Scout proposal, it was like a breath of fresh air. Here was a young man proposing to replace high water-use plants in our pool area with drought-tolerant trees and shrubs.
Colin's thorough research helped him select plants that are not only hardy enough for a heavily-used public space, but also are beautiful and water-wise. He lead his team of volunteers on planting day with a calm and steady hand. Colin's artistic eye and his mastery of detail resulted in a contemporary improvement to our pool area that reduces our overall water use. He also installed plant identification markers so our homeowners can take information with them to use in their own landscapes.
And finally, Colin's Eagle Scout project continues to lead by example: it is a living and growing beacon that proves how functional and beautiful a water-conserving landscape can be. On behalf of the HOA and the residents of Portola Hills, we say thank you."
