Jackie Gamache has been a frequent volunteer at the Sutro Native Plant Nursery since Spring. Jackie shares her love of native plants with fellow volunteers, and nursery visitors. She is an eager and valuable contributor to our restoration, conservation and propagation efforts. Read on to find out more about Jackie:
Tell us a little about yourself!
Just another nature lover who can't get enough of California's biodiversity! I was raised in the suburbs and am drawn to city life, but I dream of having a little farm someday.
What is your background and where are you from?
I'm a native Texan, but I've lived in SF for the past 5 years. I've always loved plants and animals, but growing up in such a hot & humid climate I never spent much time outdoors. Now I enjoy being able to hike all day while hardly breaking a sweat!
How did you first hear about Sutro Stewards and what made you want to volunteer?
First I heard about Mt. Sutro from a customer back when I worked at the Fox Plaza Starbucks. He told me I had to check out this oasis in the middle of the city. I only ventured there once until last year, when I moved to the Inner Sunset. That's when I got involved in the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Sutro Stewards came to my attention through a CNPS volunteer, and when I found out my neighbor Maryanne was already involved it was easy to tag along!
What type of projects do you work on as a volunteer?
I help pull weeds, maintain trails, and nurture baby plants in the nursery to help support Sutro's biodiversity.
What inspires or motivates you to come out to volunteer every Wednesday morning?
First of all, my neighbor Maryanne! She's volunteered there for years and encouraged me to come along with her. She and I share a love of birds and digging around in the garden. I also recognize the value in learning to identify and propagate plants.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I've recently studied ecology and sustainability, and in the past have studied biology, psychology and computer science. I'm teaching myself piano right now. Later I plan to take some GIS classes as well as Entomology and Agroecology at City College. This summer I'm focusing on maintaining a household and building connections in a city that still feels pretty new. Also experimenting with local herbs to make my own infused body oil. On the weekends I love exploring new trails with friends, like Sutro's Historic Trail!