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 accomplishments in Newport Beach. They spent their entire adult lives 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 plaque and a tree planted in their honor.

Robinson Award recipients:

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