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Interviewed by Laura Kindsvater, Stewardship & Outreach Intern

About Liede-Marie

How long have you lived in the Bay Area?

I’ve lived here since January 1970, when I moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Walnut Creek, California.

How did you learn about Save Mount Diablo?

I learned about Save Mount Diablo through the Mount Diablo Interpretative Association.

What did you do before you started volunteering for us?

I was active with the Sierra Club in the 1970s with hiking and tabling. In the 1980s, I began to get active with the Audubon Society and Astronomy Club. In the 1990s, I was involved with Mount Diablo Interpretative Association and Save Mount Diablo.

How long have you been volunteering with us?

Since 1991.

What were your reasons for getting involved with Save Mount Diablo?

My entire family and I have always loved Mount Diablo. When returning from other parts of California, we always looked forward to seeing Mount Diablo in the distance as we were home!

About Liede-Marie’s Work

Which SMD programs are you involved in?

Previously I did a lot of tabling; now I do a lot of work in the office.

What does your volunteer work consist of and what do you like about it?

Addressing envelopes and talking to and meeting people who are interested in helping and saving the environment.

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on while volunteering?

Sometimes tabling can be challenging when people just want to take everything off of your table without looking at it, just because it’s “free.”

What is an especially memorable experience you’ve had as an SMD volunteer?

Meeting Mary Bowerman!

Photo: China Wall in Mount Diablo State Park, by Stephen Joseph.