Sierra Madre Eagle Scout Project Benefits Hikers

Diego Martinez is a senior at La Salle High School and has recently earned his Eagle Scout with a project that has benefitted our local hikers at Bailey Canyon and Mount Wilson trails in Sierra Madre. He has been in scouts since the 1st grade and is an active scout with Troop 27 located at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena.

He was inspired to do this project when our community recently lost a resident in our local mountains at Jone's Peak. Diego felt that if hikers and visitors signed in at the trailheads, Search and Rescue would have an easier time locating missing hikers. With our mountains being at risk for fires, poor cell reception, and hikers who often travel alone, this idea was warmly welcomed by our community.

Diego had to go through many steps to make this project come to fruition. He first had to pitch his idea to the city at a Town Hall Meeting. He had to meet with Mr. Cimino at City Hall who became his project advisor and mentor. Next he had to raise enough money in order to make his project become a reality. This project was expected to cost approximately $2,000.00. The owner of The Only Place in Town hosted a fundraiser night for Diego's project, The Rotary Club also supported this cause with generous contributions, as well as family and friends financially supporting his project. He designed the sign in stations to be long lasting and able to withstand all weather conditions. The sign in stations are built of stainless steel and are an attractive addition to our trailheads.

With the assistance of adult troop leaders and Troop 27 members, they were able do install both hiker sign in stations in 1 day. These sign in stations can be found at Bailey Canyon and Mount Wilson Trail Head in Sierra Madre.

With the support of our wonderful community in Sierra Madre, this Eagle Project is a true testament and reminder of why we are so lucky to live here.