By Gianna Patchen, Santa Lucia Chapter Organizer
The Santa Lucia Chapter is honoring Chuck Tribbey with the Chapter’s highest award: the Kathleen Goddard Jones Award, in recognition of his environmental stewardship and long time leadership at the Chapter..
The Kathleen Goddard Jones Award was established by the Santa Lucia Chapter to honor the legacy of Kathleen Goddard Jones, founder of our chapter and an outstanding activist. Known as “The Lady of the Dunes,” she exemplified environmental action with her fierce love and protection of the Nipomo Dunes. The award is given to particularly outstanding chapter volunteers whose contributions reflect her values and who embody the commitment to exploring, enjoying and protecting the Central Coast of California. Chuck Tribbey certainly fits this description.
Chuck was presented the award at our first annual volunteer recognition BBQ on August 29, when he and his wife Kathryn video-called from their new home in the Bay Area. This celebration was a chance to thank and honor Chuck’s decades of commitment to being a steward of the environment and bringing people together to explore nature.
Thank you Chuck for over 25 years of service to the Santa Lucia Chapter and over 30 years as a Sierra Club member. Chuck has held so many roles at the Santa Lucia Chapter, including Chapter Chair, ExCom member, Outing Committee Chair, Political Committee Chair, Outing leader, Chapter treasurer, and more!
Chuck’s work has been instrumental in turning the Chapter into what we are today. This is so clearly demonstrated in his involvement with literally every facet of this Chapter’s work, from making sure the Chapter and our committees run smoothly to vetting political candidates to even leading hikes and training new hike leaders. Chuck’s connection to the Sierra Club is deeply personal. Chuck and his wife Kathryn met each other on a Sierra Club outing and later were married in the garden at the Chapter’s former office. The joy and passion he brings to this work is so evident. Chuck Tribbey is a clear example of the legacy Kathleen Goddard Jones would be proud to see for the Sierra Club.