Under the SUN:
Joanna Kemper, Conservationist of the Year
Tell me about the award you just received, Joanna.
I was named “Conservationist of the Year”, an award given jointly by Sonoma Rotary Club and the City of Sonoma. I feel very honored; previous recipients include the likes of John Donnelly, Maggie Hayward and Karen Collins.
And did they mention why it is they picked you?
Well, my activity on behalf of the Overlook Trail; I’m the Chair of the Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards. You know the trail is entirely volunteer maintained, raises funds for upkeep and provides an educational component for 4th and 5th graders. I’m also a docent at Quarryhill Botanical Garden and part of the local Master Gardener program.
The Overlook Trail has become quite popular, I gather?
Indeed it has. We did a head count over a Friday and Saturday, twelve hours each day. Over 140 people hiked the trail on Friday and 250 on Saturday. And this was a wide-ranging population, too. I later found out we missed counting the people who run the trail a 6 AM!
Tell me about Quarryhill and the Master Garden program.
At Quarryhill I concentrate my time on children’s education. I love seeing their sense of awe; when kids “get it” it’s terrific, when they begin noticing nature. The Master Gardener’s Program is part of a statewide effort managed by UC Davis; every county in the state has Master Gardeners. To be certified as a Master Gardener, people have to enroll in a 12-week training, going one day per week. The program also encompasses 4-H, Cal Ag., City Arborists, and pest management. In Sonoma there are at least 300 members who volunteer hours and commit to continuing education. Our Master Gardeners offer scientifically-based information for home gardeners.
What’s your background?
I’ve been teaching my entire adult life. I’m now retired, but began as a school teacher on the East Coast, where my family had relocated from England. My then husband and I moved to California, but I ended up single in San Francisco. I used my teaching experience to begin instruction and training programs in business and industry, and eventually moved that to Wells Fargo Bank where I taught management skills training and finally systems education for software engineers and technical personnel.
And when did you move to Sonoma?
My present husband Dan and I had been renting a house here for a year or two, but then ten years ago bought a house. We’ve got a walnut orchard and lots of space for me to garden. Our four grandchildren are nearby; three in Santa Rosa and one in Sacramento.
You’re a member of Impact 100, correct?
Yes, one of 282 women who contribute time and $1,000 each per year. That’s how we are able to offer community grants of $282,000 this year. It’s a wonderful group of women; very collaborative and not at all hierarchical. It’s difficult to articulate the experience of meeting with women only, I can only say, it’s different.
You obviously like it here.
You mean paradise? I love being here. I feel so lucky. The landscape, the quality of light…all of it. When I feel grumpy about traffic on 5th Street West I remind myself to “get a grip!” I appreciate our area’s diversity, it’s what makes a town a town, and I hope more affordable housing get built. And oh yes, we have an honest-to-God good bookstore!
Interview by Larry Barnett
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