Heroes

SPON HEROES – RECIPIENTS OF THE FRANK AND FRANCES ROBINSON AWARD

Frank and Frances Robinson are considered the mother and father of the most notable environmental accomplishment in Newport Beach.  They spent their adult lifetime saving and protecting, for perpetuity, the Upper Bay as an Ecological Reserve for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.  This habitat is also extremely beneficial for wildlife, a vital stopping off place for migratory birds, and a nursery for aquatic life.  They inspired and taught many of us the patience and fortitude it takes to achieve these important environmental successes.

The Robinson Award is given to those who have achieved stature and success in protecting Newport’s special environmental heritage as well as a way for us to continue honoring the Robinsons.

Each recipient is presented with a tree and plaque planted in their honor.

    1997 GARY LOVELL, A COAST LIVE OAK IN CLIFF DRIVE PARK
    1998 DR. JAN VANDERSLOOT, A LIVE OAK AT CASTAWAYS
    1999 JEAN WATT, A CANYON LIVE OAK AT CASTAWAYS
    2000 NANCY AND JACK SKINNER, A LIVE OAK AT CASTAWAYS
    2001 SUSAN AND BOB CAUSTIN, A VALLEY OAK AT CASTAWAYS
    2002 VIRGINIA HERBERTS, MEDALLION TREE AT PENINSULA PARK
    2003 FERN PIRKLE, A FLAXLEAF PAPERBARK AT BONITA CANYON
    2004 DR. GENE ATHERTON, A CAMPHOR TREE AT BAYVIEW PARK
    2005 ELAINE LINHOFF, A FLAXLEAF PAPERBARK AT BONITA CANYON
    2009 ELIZABETH STEELE, LIVE OAK AT THE ENC