Local Eagle Scout Project At Living Free

Keiffer Koch - Eagle Scout

The weekend of October 23 & 24, 2010, Keiffer Koch of Bermuda Dunes led the members of his scout troop #377 in the completion of his Eagle Scout project which benefited Living Free Animal Sanctuary in Mountain Center.  Keiffer, who is a true animal lover, chose Living Free as the nonprofit organization worthy of his planning, development, and leadership skills that will provide him the highest ranking honor in the Boy Scouts – Eagle Scout.  After visiting Living Free and reviewing several Eagle Scout worthy projects, Keiffer decided to take on a project that would directly benefit the dogs rescued from shelter euthanasia who temporarily reside at Living Free as they wait to be adopted into new loving forever homes.   

Keiffer devised several elaborate French Drain systems to divert water from the entrances to kennel play yards during periods of heavy rain or snow into dry wells where it would be absorbed back into the soil. “Living Free is a great organization because it rescues cats and dogs that would otherwise be euthanized,” says Keiffer.  “The French Drain project will help these dogs be more comfortable during the rainy winter season.  I’d like to thank both Lowes Home Improvement of Palm Desert and Howard K. Smith Materials Company of Idyllwild for their generous donations of the necessary materials required to complete this project. ”

During the two day weekend project Keiffer and his troop camped out on the 153 acre campus of Living Free in the San Jacinto Mountains.  “I’m very familiar with the progression and dedication it takes to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and Keiffer accomplished his project with flying colors,” said Steven Carlson, President and Executive Director of Living Free. “We’re also very honored he chose Living Free for his Eagle Scout Project.”  In commemoration of Keiffer’s achievement, Living Free is mounting a plaque on the site of the French Drain project so visitors will know that Keiffer Koch completed his Eagle Scout project on the grounds of Living Free Animal Sanctuary.

Boy Scout Troop #377 - Bermuda Dunes

There are several Eagle rank projects available at Living Free Animal Sanctuary and are posted on their website at www.living-free.org, or you can contact the sanctuary directly at 951-659-4687 for more details.