A Celebration of Sanctuary Stewards

By Joanne Mohr
Published: July 2006

Kerri and Sally Sorenson, Shannon Lyday . Photos: Larry Lynch

Sanctuary Volunteers were honored on June 30th, at the Aquarium of the Bay, who generously hosted the event. This year, over 100 volunteers helped out at OceanFest, 40 people participated at the SF Ocean Film Festival www.oceanfilmfest.org, while dozens of volunteers monitored water quality at First Flush and Snapshot Day, all making these events vibrant and successful. Beach Watch and SEALS volunteers collected data monthly that assisted the Sanctuary in management decisions and created long-term data resources. We cannot thank these committed individuals enough for all they have done and continue to do.

This year Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary superintendent Maria Brown honored Richard Charter with the Environmental Hero Award for his dedication and effort to marine issues over many decades. His intrepid stewardship in protecting our coastline from threats of offshore oil drilling has been strong and fierce over the many years, and most of all, constant and consistent.  Richard recently wrote an article on the current onslaught of political pressure to open our coasts to offshore oil drilling, CLICK HERE to read his article.

Also honored were extraordinarily dedicated volunteers who have served the sanctuary for ten years as Beach Watch volunteers. They include; Dru Devlin, Connie Diernisse, Bob Dinneen, Molly Dinneen, Jamie Hall, Lou Helmuth, Brad Schleder, Marjorie Siegel.  Their longevity is a strong testament to marine conservation and community involvement.

Five year volunteers who were honored: Sally Henrikson, Cindy Marconi, Joan McCune, Carrie Miller, Joanne Mohr, Suzy Romanowicz, and Dianne Sheridan.

Special awards acknowledged volunteers Rick Whitney, Allan Schreiber, Dominique Richard, Ashley Conrad Saydah, and Peter Winch for being remarkably dedicated to their particular programs.

The Association and the Sanctuary staff once again thank those who have contributed their efforts and time. We are eager about the prospects of new programs and meeting new volunteers who will help continue efforts of spreading the word about the amazing ocean wilderness off our shore. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Joanne Mohr at (415) 561-6625 x307 or jmohr@farallones.org.

"I'd pay to do this!," said SEALS Volunteer Rick Whitney.

Ten Year Volunteers Are Honored

"It was very inspiring to be able to meet the volunteers who have dedicated so many hours over the years to a program as respected as FMSA's Beach Watch Program," said FMSA Intern and Volunteer, Joanne Connery.

Five Year Volunteers Are Honored

Thanks Aquarium of The Bay!