Monty McDivitt

President

“I grew up on a farm in the Midwest and I missed the simpler times working outside.  Volunteering reminds me of the seasons farmers live by… my farm roots gives me the background to plan months and years ahead, keeping your eye on the long term goals. The Preserve is a work in progress, and I am glad to be part of the team guiding it into the future.”

Monty was named 2017 Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year.

Pam Lawrence

Vice President

The Niguel Botanical Preserve is a very special place in a community filled with many beautiful parks and open spaces.  I have lived in Laguna Niguel since 1987 and it has been such a pleasure to watch the Preserve grow and thrive.  I grew up in Southern California and really appreciate a place that provides such a great example of plant materials that flourish in our climate. The gardens offer a place of serenity and tranquility and demonstrate the beauty of our natural environment.

I served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Laguna Niguel for 27 years and was proud to oversee the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.  The Niguel Botanical Preserve is truly the “hidden gem” of the City’s park system.  It would not exist without the hard work of a very dedicated group of volunteers.  After my retirement, I wanted to become involved in some meaningful volunteer work.  I was excited to become part of the team that continues to nurture this incredible gem of the community and to plan for its future.

Diana Schlesinger

Treasurer

“I was looking to get involved in a worthwhile charity. The joy of gardening and the beauty and variety of plants is of special interest. The Preserve is a work in progress, and offers a place of tranquility right in the middle of our city.”

Diana and her husband, Don, moved to Laguna Niguel in 1988 from L.A.’s South Bay. They retired after selling their financial services business.

John Ulrich

Secretary/Communications Director

When I came upon Niguel Botanical Preserve one day, the best kept secret and hidden Gem with our city, I became interested in the workings of the organization. Even more so as I got to know the committed board members and volunteers that make the Preserve so special. Given the chance to contribute to the success of the Preserve, I took it and look forward to the future as we make Niguel Botanical Preserve the best it can be for years to come.

In 2018 John was named Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year.

Peter Evans

Director

“It seems that I’m always taking a class, seminar or workshop in something plant related. There is so much to. know about the natural world and new research is always revealing more.”

Peter is the Director of Horticulture at California Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA. He holds a contractor’s license in landscape design, has a Horticulture degree from Cal Poly Pomona and studied Landscape Architecture at UCI. He designed, installed and maintained the California Native Garden within the preserve.

Donice “Donnie” Walton

Director

“Working in the earth with my hands and heart has been a wonderful, and simple world that I have been part of my entire life. I hope that I can add to the peaceful beauty of The Preserve.”

A retired Rancher/Farmer, Donnie recently moved to our city. She immediately found that The Preserve was a place for her to call home. Her passion is the Greenhouse and it’s possibilities.

Donna Mulvaney

Director

Donna has been a resident of Laguna Niguel since 1973 and named Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year in 1998.  She has worked with local Girls Scouts at the Preserve for over 30 years.

Linda Purrington

Director

I have always loved the outdoors. Growing up in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, the forest was my backyard and playground. I remember towering pine trees, wildflowers, ferns, sedges, berries, and lichen. Later in life, I lived in a picturesque desert community in Arizona with grand Saguaros, Prickly Pears, Paloverdes trees, and Manzanitas. For the past 45 years, Laguna Niguel has been my home and I have enjoyed the great diversity of plants that thrive in our Southern California coastal community. Discovering the Niguel Botanical Preserve (NBP) was wonderful. I have watched the Preserve grow and evolve over time since 1981 to include the diverse geographical regions, gardens, installations, and trails we enjoy today. My husband and I enjoyed participating in LNP volunteer activities over the years and have appreciated the significant efforts and accomplishments of the NBP Board and the wonderful grounds crew. I am honored to now serve as a board member and look forward to being a part of the NBP future.

Kathy Westling

Director

While I have lived in Laguna Niguel since 1982, I really got to know about the Niguel Botanical Preserve when I was employed at Aliso Viejo Middle School. In my role as an academic advisor, I worked with students that participated in the Falcon Service Award program and encouraged them to volunteer in our community by participating in the monthly NBP Second Saturday events.  When I retired, I became a Preserve member and started to help editing and maintaining the information on the NBP website. Since then, I have truly enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of the Preserve and love learning about the amazing plants and foliage that thrive in our climate. I look forward to continuing to work with this wonderful group of volunteers.

Jeff Kirby

Advisor

The City of Laguna Niguel provides a liaison to the Niguel Botanical Preserve. Jeff Kirby, Recreation Supervisor serves in this position and can be reached at jkirby@cityoflagunaniguel.org or at 949-425-5100.

Pierre Charles-Alernini

Advisor

A graduate of St. Germain-en-Laye west, in Paris with a TBA in Landscape Design and Architecture. He came to America in 1973, and holds General Contracting licenses A, B and C-27. As a former Board member, he provides a wealth of technical consulting.

What People Say

“During my years being actively involved with the Preserve I have seen it grow literally and figuratively. Thousands of plants were planted, pathways constructed and Boy Scout and Girl Scout areas were developed. The Preserve is a real treasure in Laguna Niguel. I would like to acknowledge the City of Laguna Niguel for its generous support over the years and the many volunteers who made it all possible.”

Jerry McCloskey
Former Mayor of Laguna Niguel

Sponsors

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