Pleasanton Eagle Scout Builds Walnut Tree Benches

A Foothill High School senior crafted five benches from a historic local walnut tree.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Local Services

Gouache-painted illustration of five wooden benches resting in a quiet, sun-dappled park, evoking a local community heritage project. — Foothill High School senior Prithvi Sukamar has repurposed a historic 1890s walnut tree into five new community benches in Pleasanton. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Foothill High School senior Prithvi Sukamar has honored local history by building five benches from a walnut tree planted in the late 1890s. The project, conducted as part of his requirements for the Eagle Scout rank, preserves wood from a tree that once stood on Martin Avenue.

Why it matters

The benches serve as a permanent tribute to the legacy of Henry P. Mohr, who planted the original tree over a century ago. By repurposing the wood, the project ensures the historical significance of the tree lives on within the Pleasanton community.

Prithvi Sukamar constructed 5 benches from the wood of a single tree originally planted in the late 1890s. This project helped him reach the Eagle Scout rank, a milestone achieved by only 4%-6% of eligible scouts each year.

The players

Prithvi Sukamar

He is a senior at Foothill High School and a member of Scouts BSA Troop 941 who completed the bench project.

Henry P. Mohr

He was a historical local figure who served as a bank president for 20 years and planted the walnut tree.

Donna McMillon

She is the great-granddaughter of Henry P. Mohr and initiated the effort to preserve the tree's wood.

The details

The tree was removed from Martin Avenue in 2025 at the request of Donna McMillon, who sought to preserve the heritage of her great-grandfather, Henry P. Mohr. Assisted by Scouts BSA Troop 941, Sukamar designed the benches and secured city permits before using woodworking tools to process the salvaged logs.

The walnut tree was planted in the late 1890s.
Henry P. Mohr served on the local school board during the 1920s.
Prithvi Sukamar relocated to Pleasanton in 2019.
The historic walnut tree was cut down in 2025.
Prithvi Sukamar celebrated his 18th birthday in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This project follows the pattern set by the Eagle Scout service project requirement, which mandates that candidates demonstrate leadership through community benefit. By repurposing legacy materials, the effort reflects a growing societal interest in historical preservation.

Residents can expect to see five new wooden benches available for public use within Pleasanton. The benches provide a functional gathering space while serving as a tangible connection to the city's 19th-century history.

The takeaway

Preserving historic local materials can transform a simple removal project into a lasting community legacy. Residents looking to undertake similar commemorative efforts should coordinate with municipal authorities to ensure compliance with local zoning and permitting regulations.