JOSEPHINE P. READ
CSPRA Honorary State Park Ranger 1974

From CSPRA "Reporter" April 1974

Profile of an Honorary Member

"We are delighted that Mrs. Read is to be fittingly recognized for her tireless efforts in the fields of conservation and ecology and in furthering programs of the California State Park System." Earl P. Hanson, Chairman Honorary Awards Committee

"Jo Read has demonstrated the kind of involvement and understanding that the California State Park Rangers Association has been calling for from the citizen and certainly her record will effectively demonstrate that her activities have served to enhance the image and the welfare of the California State Park Rangers Association and the California State Park Ranger." Jim Whitehead, Superintendent, District 6

Such were the words of praise spoken of Mrs. Josephine P. Read when she was nominated and selected as this Association's new Honorary Lifetime Member. Even these words seem shallow when spoken to measure Mrs. Read's tireless efforts in the fields of conservation and ecology.

Jo Read, a native Californian, has lived in the Orient and up and down the east and west coast from Seattle to San Diego and from Portland, Maine to Florida. In the course of her lifetime, she has developed a sensitivity and involvement in the Conservation/Environmental field that has been recognized by many organizations.

She is an active member of over thirty, yes 30, different conservation related clubs, foundations, and organizations. Though she holds office in many of these organizations perhaps one of her greatest efforts is Chairman of the Anza-Borrego Committee. A position she has held for the past seven years. This committee has been responsible for the acquisition of more than 1400 acres of scenic and historically valuable inholdings in Anza Borrego. The value of these lands has been estimated at more than $126,000.

Quoting Jim Whitehead directly, "Jo Read has devoted a great deal of her time, together with personal funds, to the ABC program and has sought no recognition except ther personal satisfaction of making this kind of a contribution to the welfare of the people of this State and Nation through the California State Park System." Editor

(Most of the background material for this article was provided to CSPRA by Jim Whitehead)