Between the lack of rain and the record-breaking heat, plants everywhere in western Washington are particularly thirsty this August. New trees and shrubs in Mercer Island open space areas, planted last fall, are no exception – they are especially susceptible to drought stress.

Enter Boy Scout Troop 624 who rallied scouts from Troop 647 and Cub Scout Pack 624 to join them in giving the plants a drink. Using the Parks Department’s water trailer, the scouts filled buckets and delivered between five and six gallons to each small plant in the south section of Mercerdale Hillside. Over the course of three days, the volunteers watered over 200 trees and shrubs.

Alaine Sommargren, natural resources specialist for Mercer Island Parks Department, quickly mobilized the water trailer to the site and provided guidance to the scouts. The success of the project hinged on her cheerful support. Plants watered were in desperate condition and were no doubt helped by a deep soaking, as the Mercer Island Boy and Cub Scouts stood ready to help the community when needed.