Jim Crowley has been named 2016 Volunteer of the Year by the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates.

Crowley was honored Saturday by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and county parks staff at the 2016 Docent & Volunteer Recognition ceremony held at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

Also recognized from Placerita Satrurday were Evelyne Vandersande, who received her 30-year docent badge; Will and Heidi Gray Webber, 20-year docent badges; and Charitha Eragoda, 5-year docent badge.

A graduate of the 2010 docent class, Crowley developed an appreciation for Placerita State Park 40 years ago and got involved after careers with Sears Roebuck and Lockheed Martin.

According to PCNCA board President Ron Kraus, Crowley has helped with docent training and encouraging the new docents for many years. He has recruited new board members and is in charge of the voting process.

Said Crowley: “Teaching and learning about nature from kids and docents is the greatest reward.”

From left: Parks Director John Wicker; NCA President Jack Levenberg; Kim Bosell, Natural Areas Administrator; Will Webber and Heidi Gray Webber; Charitha Eragoda; Evelyne Vandersande; Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich; Russell Kimura, Placerita Canyon Natural Area Superintendent. Not pictured: Teresa Jacobs, NCA Vice President; Nikki Dail, Treasurer; Lanita Lee Algeyer, Corresponding Secretary; Fred Seeley, Placerita Canyon Nature Center Representative. Photo: Ron Kraus.