DOCENT OF THE QUARTER

KAREN LARSEN GORDON

A graduate of the docent class of 2009, Karen Larsen Gordon contributes her abundant talents to the Conservancy in many different capacities. In addition to leading walks on a regular basis, Karen assisted with the spring Nature Discovery Camp where she entertained the campers with the fascinating world of tracks and scat.

Karen has provided feedback on outreach, serves on the education program evaluation committee, and volunteered at the Birds of a Feather Gala. Somehow, she manages to squeeze this all in when not traveling, a great passion of hers.

Karen and husband Steve moved from Rancho Bernardo to Solana Beach shortly after the Witch Creek fires of 2007. “We had been thinking about downsizing, but our decision to move was precipitated by our neighbors’ home burning to the ground. They were in need of a place to live while they rebuilt,” recalls Karen. “Having moved from the chaparral, I was looking forward to learning about coastal communities and the docent program seemed a good fit.”

The collective experiences Karen brings to the Conservancy are impressive. In addition to earning a certificate from UCSD in Natural Resource Management, Karen is a founder of Friends of Goodan Ranch & Sycamore Canyon Open Spaces, served as Executive Director of the San Diego Tracking Team, volunteered as a docent at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve for nearly a decade, and regularly attends the San Diego Partners for Biodiversity monthly meetings.

“I have really enjoyed becoming familiar with the Conservancy and getting to know the other docents in the program,” notes Karen. "I also appreciate the variety of programs the Conservancy offers to both kids and adults.”

We are fortunate that Karen’s curiosity of coastal communities led her to the Conservancy; she is a wonderful addition to our Education Program.