Publication:Orange County Register; Aliso Viejo News; Date:May 31, 2007; Section:News; Page Number:2
PROFILE
Sowing seeds of service
Robert Lawson received White House recognition for his work with Laguna Canyon Foundation.
By CHRISTA WOODALL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PROFILE
Sowing seeds of service
Robert Lawson received White House recognition for his work with Laguna Canyon Foundation.
By CHRISTA WOODALL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Robert Lawson makes his green thumb count. Lawson has dedicated more than 4,000 hours – or two years – to volunteer service for the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. With his wife, Nanci, Lawson established a nursery in Willow Canyon to grow native seedlings for planting in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. He was recognized for his service with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in a surprise ceremony March 28.
Q: What was it like to receive the Volunteer Service Award?
A: I was flattered that Ranger Barbara (Norton) submitted my name. Barbara, and the whole park staff, have been supportive and fun to work with. Laguna Greenbelt has also been a key supporter and allowed the nursery to be an integral part of its volunteer program.
Q: How do you balance volunteering with career and family?
A: The family side is easier as my wife, Nanci, is the first nursery volunteer and still volunteers. I work at Soka University, and we have had biology and ecology classes come work and learn at the nursery.
Q: How did you start the nursery at Willow Canyon?
A: I had mentioned the idea of a nursery with Ranger Barbara and she said, “You should start a nursery here.” I had met various Laguna Greenbelt members, notably Mary Fegrus and Elizabeth Brown, through volunteer work with The Nature Conservancy, and knew Laguna Greenbelt was an effective and friendly group to work with. Mary introduced me to Scott Thomas from Laguna Greenbelt, and we worked with the Rangers for a viable location and plan. This all took about a year, back in 2002. The following year, Laguna Greenbelt accepted the nursery as part of its volunteer program.
Q: What sparked your lifelong love of plants?
A: I’ve enjoyed hiking all of my life, and that exposes you to the environment, especially plants.
Q: What is your favorite flower or plant?
A: Of my many favorites, I certainly enjoy Monkey Flower and Datura.
Robert Lawson Age: 54 Reside: Aliso Viejo Family: Wife, Nanci, and four adult children Education: Bachelors in business, Cal State Fullerton Profession: Database administrator for Soka University
CONTACT THE WRITER: cwoodall@ocregister.com or 949-454-739 1
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