I met Carol when she became a fellow commissioner on the Sacramento History Commission and she recruited me and Lou Heinrich to join the ARNHA board of directors.
When I later served as ARNHA’s president she provided wise advice and administrative support.
She is rightfully honored for her many outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of the Parkway, and is surely a community treasure who has done so much for our natural jewel.
Longtime nature center volunteer to be honored
By Ed Fletcher - efletcher@sacbee.com
Published 6:16 am PDT Tuesday, April 22, 2008
As one of the founding members of the American River Natural History Association, Carol Doersch helped save and sustain Sacramento County's environmental education program during lean budget years.
Over the last 26 years, officials estimate, she given 9,000 hours -- a full year of her life -- supporting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.
This morning, Doersch is one of 20 individuals and organizations being honored for their volunteer efforts. The ceremony at the 700 H St. board chambers starts at 9:40 a.m.
"Whenever we needed someone to speak for us she was there," said Marilee Flannery, director of the nature center. "We are just so grateful for her."
The American River Natural History Association was formed in 1981 when the county threatened to shut down the environmental education program. The group raised money to keep the center open. Doersch played a leading role. Since then the county has taken back much of the load.
While her work with the organization has slowed in recent years, she's still an inspiration and served as its institutional memory, said Lou Heinrich, an association member.
Without the association and Doersch, the Nature Center wouldn't be the same, Heinrich said. "It was a grassroots movement saying we really want this from the local government," he said.
