Transitions
Transitions come in many forms. Some like sunrises and sunsets, and the cycle of the change of seasons are familiar and comforting. Others, like a growth cycle, come with unexpected surprises and opportunities.
This fall, the Volcan Mountain Foundation finds itself in an unexpected and surprising part of its growth cycle, and also, sadly, the sunset of a beloved VMF volunteer.
In 2011, VMF experienced an earlier part of our growth cycle, in hiring Kathleen Beck as Education Coordinator--VMF's first staff member for environmental education--and the program has blossomed and grown! This past month she moved on in a new vocational direction, and stepped down from her position.
Kathleen leaves behind an impressive outdoor education infrastructure that supports VMF's efforts to inspire connection with nature and increase ecoliteracy. Kathleen led the efforts in creating not only our new watershed relief map, but also in coordinating the development of Sky Island Trail and the view scope at the top of the trail. She and, board member, Sharyl Massey put together all the interpretive displays that transformed the former Grand family cabin into a multi-purpose education and outreach building for VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, as well as the Watershed and Nature Trails, the Native Plant Nursery, Outdoor Classroom, and a corps of outdoor education volunteers. So many opportunities and ways to be inspired!
We are grateful to all that Kathleen has contributed to connecting visitors of all ages with the wonders of Volcan Mountain, and that she will still have an occasional volunteer connection with Volcan Mountain--thank you, Kathleen, and GOOD LUCK!
VMF board members, Kris & Liz Jacobsen are also departing the board and moving on to other opportunities. Kris was the chair of the Resource Management Committee which is now evolving into the Conservation Management Committee and be chaired by longtime board member and naturalist, Sharyl Massey.
VMF's Executive Committee just welcomed, board member, Eric Jones as new Co-Vice President and Development Committee Chair. Eric brings a wealth of experience in developing creative and thoughtful connections and ways to engage people with opportunities--like protecting and caring for Volcan Mountain! Founding Vice President, Peter Bergstrom is stepping down from his role as Development Chair, but still shares his tremendous experience and wisdom serving on VMF's Board of Directors.
Sadly, we have seen the passing of beloved Julian community volunteer and history aficionado, Ed Huffman. After decades of distinguished service with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Ed, and his wife Pat, moved to Julian in 2000, and built a retirement home in Wynola Estates. Soon Ed signed onto the Parks Patrol for the Mountain-Borrego Preserves of San Diego County Parks & Recreation. He also joined the Julian Historical Society and quickly became one of the foremost experts in Julian-area history--including that of Volcan Mountain.
He happily contributed his research and insights to our body of knowledge about the mission-era and pioneer history of Volcan Mountain. In 2007, he started sharing his time and knowledge with VMF's Education-Outreach program, speaking to students in the classrooms of Spencer Valley School and Julian Elementary and taking them up on to Volcan Mountain. Some of the last gifts that he gave to the Volcan Mountain Foundation were giving his entertaining history presentations at VMF's 25th Anniversary Founder's Day Celebration and at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center.
Ed lost his extended battle with cancer at the end of September. He is, and will continue to be, greatly missed…but always loved and appreciated.
