
The project removes the grass barrier to the thirsty Apple Tree Heritage Grove’s access to water
Scout Harris Royer chose his Eagle Scout project to meet a need in Parker’s Landing Historical Park. His project would remove the grass barrier to the thirsty Apple Tree Heritage Grove’s access to water. He would enlarge the bark ring that surrounded the trees by two feet and add the bricks needed for a finished look. Harris also chose to include an encouragement to park volunteers by refinishing the garden shed that houses hoses and nozzles for summer watering and tools for general park gardening needs and beautification.
Harris and his father, Jeffrey, attended the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port (PAC) at the monthly April meeting to get feedback on the project. Harris responded to questions and suggestions and came back on his own to have the project signed off as approved by PAC President Bruce Fuerstenberg at the June meeting.
As part of the project, Harris needed to collect donations and other scouts as a work crew. The PAC donated $100 to help him get started. He secured other donations that included a gift card to Home Depot. The donations would pay for bark, bricks, and wood stain.
Harris decided to go beyond his Eagle Scout commitment by also contributing to the summer tree and park watering project on the days he was working on his projects.
He and his crew finished his Eagle Scout project by working on Fridays and Saturdays in July. Harris plans to do interior shed improvements with PAC member Jeff Carlson, but the inside cleaning and outside staining are done.
The park needs more volunteers for summer watering. The PAC organizes these volunteers to preserve the park trees and keep the grass green for the public who enjoy picnics and other gatherings in the park.

The park has three sections. Section A is the parking lot. Section B is an archeological site without a sprinkler system. Section C has sprinklers and provides a circular walk and tribute to Camas and Washougal veterans who lost their lives serving their country.
Since June, weekly deep watering has been done by the Rotary Club and Realty One Group Prestige and by Journey Church volunteer Elena Marchand, Scout Troop 562, and PAC members. The Garden Club of Camas-Washougal and Lions Club plan to help in September and October if the heat persists. The summers have been getting warmer consistently for the past eight years, a threat to the park trees, according to arborist Richard Kemmerley of Cascade Tree Works.
Susan Tripp, volunteer organizer of the park watering effort, asks the public who visit the park to consider helping by watering when they are there. To learn how you might help, email her at SusanLTripp@gmail.com or text her at (562) 805-5189.
For more information, email ParkersvilleHeritageFoundation@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark
Also read:
- Opinion: In-n-Out Burger is so much more than fast food for so many of usPaul Valencia shares why In-n-Out Burger means more than just fast food for countless fans as Ridgefield nears its grand opening and Vancouver’s location begins construction.
- Obituary: Stephen Lloyd Randol, 1945-2025Stephen Randol, a Clark County resident for over 80 years, passed away on June 15. A celebration of life is scheduled for July 26 at Northcrest Community Church in Vancouver.
- Opinion: Washington’s June 2025 budget revisions – revenue up spending up moreMark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques the state’s latest budget revisions, warning that new taxes—not organic growth—are driving revenue. He calls for fiscal restraint and long-term reform.
- Washougal fourth graders take flight with hands-on birdhouse projectFourth-grade students in Washougal connected science, math, and hands-on skills through a district-wide birdhouse building project supported by high school mentors and community volunteers.
- Opinion: Pedestrian control signalsDoug Dahl explains Washington state law regarding crosswalks and pedestrian signals, offering safety insights and common misunderstandings about traffic control at intersection
- Letter: ‘How can five part-time legislators without research support or reliable access to information serve as an effective check on six full-time elected executives’Bob Zak expresses agreement with recent opinions on the Clark County Charter’s imbalance and endorses John Ley’s transit preference while questioning light rail costs and Council effectiveness.
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia River Mental Health Services announce Letter of Intent to protect behavioral health servicesThe Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia River Mental Health Services signed a letter of intent to transition behavioral health services under the Tribe’s care, ensuring service continuity across Southwest Washington.