Roots & Wings Online

Being ecologically responsible and mindful of how we use the earth's natural resources, such as water, matters a great deal to teenage Ladera Ranch resident, Olivia Freeman.

Encouraging her peers to be conscientious global citizens who are mindful of how our decisions and actions impact our earth and environment is more than a core value for Olivia, it's something that motivated her to take action. As an aspiring Eagle Scout, fifteen year-old Olivia used her creativity and tenacity to take on an ambitious undertaking for her Eagle Scout Service Project.

In May 2022 Olivia approached Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) with her vision to create an outdoor space that residents could enjoy relaxing in nature. The space would include a sitting area with drought tolerant plants in planter boxes that would inspire and encourage residents to consider how to embrace sustainable outdoor spaces like gardens, yards and landscaping. 

Stephanie Jebbia, LARMAC's Assistant General Manager enlisted the participation of Michael Healy, Director of Operations to review Olivia's plan. Both were impressed with the level of planning and detail that Olivia included in her Eagle Scout Service Project (plan), which included plants selected from the LARMAC Drought Tolerant Plant Palette.

Olivia said, "My project is the creation of a 'demonstration garden' in my community. The purpose of the garden is for children, families, and individuals to learn about the benefits of planting water-wise, California-native plants in their own gardens through the beauty of nature. Not only is the garden pleasing to look at, but it promotes the conservation of water; it also helps create healthy soil, and sequester carbon to help combat climate change."

When asked about the importance of her project, Olivia replied, "The project will be helpful to the community since it is a place where children can learn how to be ecologically-friendly around their own homes.

As a reminder, LARMAC recently reintroduced the Ladera Landscape Awards, a program designed to show appreciation and to recognize those residents who demonstrate an excellent effort in maintaining their property, and who, as a result, positively contribute to the overall appearance of the community.