Our dear friend Don Mayall passed away on June 28, 2017 at the age of 85. Don was a Chapter leader, friend, and mentor to many of us. Don quickly became a leader in our Chapter after becoming a CNPS member in the 1980s, and held many positions in the Santa Clara Valley Chapter over the years, including President and Rare Plant Chair. He was also active at the state level and was honored as a CNPS Fellow in 2011. Along with his wife, Carolyn Curtis, he participated in the campaign to make Edgewood Park a natural preserve, and went on to advocate successfully for preservation status for Coyote Ridge in San Jose, another rare plant hotspot.

Those of us in CNPS who worked with Don over the years know that a mere list of his activities doesn’t capture the whole story – he inspired and encouraged all of us to advocate fearlessly for the protection of native plants. We will miss him greatly!

You may visit this memorial website that was assembled by Don’s family. It includes many wonderful photos and memories of Don. You are invited to post your memories there.