Lady of the woods

Jeff Benson

Volunteer guide Judy Gielow apparently can’t walk two feet at the

Environmental Nature Center without grasping for the rough bark of a

cottonwood tree, tasting a coastal sage “lemonadeberry” shrub or

somehow spotting the barely-visible evidence of a four-legged

creature.

A treasure trove of botanical knowledge and someone you wouldn’t

mind having around when you’re lost in the woods, she can point out

the common and technical names -- and even the watering patterns --

for nearly every plant in the center. She knows the species of bugs

that feed on them and even how they were used in Native American

tribal medicine.

But that’s what a lifelong thirst for nature will do for you.

Gielow, a docent at the 3.5-acre center, epitomizes the volunteer

nature of the Newport-based nonprofit organization. For 28 years, the

Newport Beach resident has taken kids and various groups through 14

native California habitats, past the cactus garden, around the

hackberry trees, near the waterfall and grotto and through the

redwood canopy.

“Most teachers have around 30 kids,” she said. “At the nature

center, we have the potential to reach many more. We bring through

12,000 kids each year.”

Gielow’s base of knowledge even astounds those she works with.

Program Director Lori Whalen, who also assists in giving tours to

underprivileged children throughout Orange County, said she’s always

learning something new.

“Just having her tell me all those things is really inspiring, to

have somebody give herself for so long,” Whalen said. “It would be

lovely if there were more people like her.”

Gielow said she turned to the outdoors as a child, when her

fascination with nature surpassed her parents’ abilities to provide

her with information. She used to concoct her husband’s medication

straight from plant roots and said her husband modestly admitted her

methods worked.

Gielow said she’s done nothing but volunteer ever since she came

to Newport Beach from Maine nearly 30 years ago.

She’s also served as co-president of the League of Women Voters of

Orange County, is active in the Interfaith Coalition at St. Mark

Presbyterian Church, been on the Fairview Park Citizens Advisory

Committee and still teaches environmental and botany classes at

Newport Harbor High School.

“This is the best classroom you can ask for,” she said, holding

her hands up in the air. “I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

I’m working in a natural aspect of life with kids, and for a

purpose.”

Whalen said Gielow is an incredibly valuable resource for the

center, because there are few who can answer most children’s bizarre

questions, such as the life cycle of fig beetles or the detailed

history behind wooden benches donated to the center 16 years ago.

“We have volunteer naturalists like Judy because Judy can’t do

everything herself,” Whalen said. “We’re fortunate to have found

someone with her creativity and genuine love for it.”