THOUSAND OAKS : Boy Scouts to Plant Trees in Burn Areas

A team of local Boy Scouts will hike into the recently burned area of Deer Creek Ridge in Newbury Park today to plant oak trees as part of a re-vegetation project.

Steve Vlasic, a 17-year-old senior at Thousand Oaks High School, needed to devise a community service project to become an Eagle Scout.

Seeing the vast charred acres near Newbury Park last fall, Vlasic knew what his project would be.

“The fire had totally destroyed some areas of Newbury Park and I didn’t think Mother Nature could get everything back the way it used to be,” Vlasic said.

“So I figured I’d do something about it. I figured it would be a great Eagle project.”

Vlasic said he started working on his re-vegetation plan in January.

His project is being funded by the Rotary Club’s Westlake Sunrise Chapter.

“A Scout has to come up with a project that benefits the community,” troop leader Patrick Bird said. “It was just something he wanted to do. He saw a need because of the fires. He felt very strongly about restoring the natural habitat.”

Vlasic said he and 10 to 15 fellow Scouts will plant 40 coast live oaks in random areas where vegetation is needed around Deer Creek Ridge.

Vlasic hopes to plant each tree near where an oak burned last fall.

A ranger from the Conejo Recreation and Park District will help the Scouts determine what areas need re-vegetation.

The Scouts will return to Deer Creek Ridge on April 2 to water and inspect the trees.