Kate Clark is a 17-year Laguna resident who has lived in Ann Arbor and in Irvine, where she was a planning commissioner. From her double majors(biology and English) at Stephens College, the University of Nebraska, and UCI, and beyond her 2009 retirement from Irvine Valley College, Professor Emerita Clark has pursued twin interests in ecology and education. She is a 10-year weekly volunteer at the Nix Nature Center; consults with community colleges on accreditation, curriculum, and governance; and serves on civic and philanthropic boards, supporting education and nature studies. Kate endured a knee replacement to hike once again with friends and family around the world.
Giovanni Di Franco is the Digital Media Coordinator at Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Loyola Marymount University. During his undergraduate career, he interned for the Friends of Ballona Wetlands & The Bay Foundation. There, he found his love for ecology leading him to enroll in the Masters in Conservation & Restoration Science program at the University of California, Irvine. He hopes to incorporate his creative marketing skills in his future endeavors as a restoration practitioner.
Mary Fegraus is the founding Executive Director at Laguna Canyon Foundation. She managed grant projects from foundations and state agencies including the State Coastal Conservancy Prop 12 grants of more than $10 million to benefit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
John Foley is an Electrical Engineer and IT Professional with over 35 years in technology. John retired as a member of the executive management team for a technology solutions and professional services company and relocated to the area in 2015. As an avid hiker, photographer, and Naturalist, he immediately gained an appreciation and passion for the beauty of the coastal wilderness. John volunteers with Laguna Canyon Foundation leading public hikes, assisting the restoration team, and performing wildlife camera monitoring in Aliso and Wood Canyons and Laguna Coast Wilderness Parks. John also provides support to Crystal Cove State Park in the backcountry as a volunteer Trail Assistant. He is dedicated to protecting the South Coast Wilderness through research, open-space stewardship, conservation, and public education.
Norm Grossman became involved with environmental issues soon after moving to Laguna Beach in 1978. He joined the Greenbelt board in 1984 and served on the Laguna Beach Planning Commission nearly continuously from 1988 to 2015. Norm has played a role in multiple environmental and land use initiatives, including two on preserving Laguna Beach open space (1998 and 2012), four on the redevelopment of El Toro Air Station (1994-2000), and one on growth management in Orange County (1988). He was one of the negotiators involved in purchasing Laguna Canyon in 1990. His professional background is in digital engineering, with experience in the aerospace industry and academia.
Ann Larson grew up in the Inland Empire where her family settled after her father was transferred from New Hampshire to March AFB and then Norton AFB. Ann earned a dual major in Environmental Studies and Geography with a Certificate in Urban Planning from CSUSB. In 1983, Ann began her career in urban planning in San Bernardino. In 1990 she was hired as a Senior Planner by the City of Laguna Beach. She retired as the Assistant Director of Community Development after 26 years of service. Upon retiring, she began volunteering for Laguna Greenbelt to work on the Wildlife Corridor Camera Study. Ann is active in many outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, swimming and biking. She recently became a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America.
Lance Vallery holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and has been designing innovative built and natural spaces for over 20 years. He sits on two not-for-public open space boards and is interested in preserving and enhancing natural open spaces and how Southern California can enhance wildlife movement throughout the region.
Terrell (Terry) Watt is an expert land use planner focused on projects that deliver climate-resilient solutions in the areas of housing and community development, renewable energy and conservation. She is a skilled facilitator and works closely with clients to bring workable, transformative approaches to pressing challenges. Professional memberships include Lambda Alpha International, the American Planning Association, and the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Gabriela Worrel is the Director of Media at Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Westmont College and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from UC Irvine. She enjoys learning more about habitats, wildlife and Native people in California.
The Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor 