"My wife and I talked about how very few people can
do something like this. It has been a real pleasure to come
out and volunteer on this project. Everyone should have
the opportunity to volunteer out here. There are certain
milestone in your life like getting married and having a
child and then doing something really special like this."
-- Pat Heard
"This has been quite an experience for me. I planted
my first tree yesterday!! This is really special, something
I will always remember. We don't always do as much as we
should as a family. Planting this family tree is just something
and we want to come back year after year to see it grow.
This has been a lot of fun. I would recommend this to anyone.
Teenagers, parent, just come on out. It's quite an adventure."
-- Susan Welch
"The food has been delicious. After work you are
just so hungry, you can eat as much as you want and everything
is gourmet. The cook is doing a really good job. We are
proud of him for feeding us so well."
-- Joshua Gray
"Its been a great outing and wonderfully organized.
You people have it down and treat us so well. Its really
casual. You obviously like people, all of you and the crew.
And the food is great! Its been fun to be around everyone."
-- Nanette Panizzon
"This is great. You can't put words to this kind
of experience because you feel like you're doing something
much bigger than you. Everyone should have the opportunity
to do this at least once. I am hoping to do it again."
-- Tim Cooper
"My daughter and I wanted to come out here to plant
some trees and to spend some time together. I have also
enjoyed spending time with the employees and their families
and have gotten to know them better. We have really enjoyed
ourselves. Its been a fun experience."
"There is something to do for everyone. I couldn't
climb up and down the hill so I found a job cutting wire
and preparing the chain link fence to protect the oak seedlings
from grazing deer and elk. I have lots of blisters and its
hard work, but its not e veryday that you get to be a part
of helping nature. Its a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is our vacation this year for the two of us. Its been
wonderful. I think it is great that Chevron made this possible
for us."
--Chris Heard
"Its been a great time planting these trees with
a lot of other Chevron employees. I never spend time with
these people outside of work. Its great getting together
and doing something worthwhile, something that will last
and something that is good for the environment. Its been
fun having my wife and son here with me and seeing them
taking part in this important project."
-- David Welch
"Its been a lot of hard work and sweat ... and very
worthwhile. Its been great working with the employees and
getting to know them better. This me ans a lot to me, to
be out here doing something for the next generation. I appreciate
the opportunity to work with The Nature Corps and that Chevron
has made it possible for me to come out here and be a part
of this project. Its been a time that has been very meaningful
for my son and I."
"The people of California are extremely
fortunate to benefit from your excellent work. You can be
proud in knowing that your efforts have improved the quality
of life for all Californians."
--Pete Wilson
Governor of California
"Take Pride
in California " Award, 1992
"After reviewing The Nature Corps's accomplishments,
it appears that your program is having a tremendous impact
in shaping the future volunteer program within the national
parks. I wish you the greatest success in obtaining volunteers
and hope that the priv ate and business sectors will rally
in support of this most valuable program."
--Manuel
Lujan, Jr. Former Secretary of the Interior
"The Nature Corps has demonstrated enormous contributions
that volunteers make in helping the Park Service. Their
unique program for Americans from all walks of life has
channeled their abilities and love for the outdoors into
undertaking many impor tant conservation projects."
--L.W. "Bill"
Lane, Jr., Ambassador to Australia (1985-89);
President's Commission of the Centennial of National Parks;
Former Publisher of Sunset Magazine
"Without the dedication of The Nature Corps...irreversible
damage would continue to occur around this National Treasure
[the General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism on
earth]."
--MikeTollefson
Superintendent, Sequoia National Park
"Your volunteers are wonderfully devoted to the preservation
of Yosemite and it is a pleasure to work with them. They
are always enthusiastic, energetic and very successful in
accomplishing their goals. The Nature Corps' mission, goals
and achievements sho uld be commended."
--Michael Finley
Former Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
"Our week in Yosemite was an incredible experience.
The adults, as well as the students will always remember
this Yosemite retreat as one of the most gratifying, rewarding,
fun experiences of our lives. Each of us came away with
lots of memories and good feelings about ourselves and others."