Jean Colvin and Bharat Rawal

Jean Colvin and Bharat Rawal

Jean Colvin and Bharat Rawal, residents of San Francisco and members of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for over 15 years, have long valued the parklands as a respite from the world’s ills: a serene and peaceful environment, a space to exercise and recreate, a walker’s paradise, a place for discovery, a diverse landscape, and a wonderful spot for birding.

Jean started volunteering with the Presidio Habitat Stewards in 2006 as she was looking for a service activity close to home. Landscape stewardship was right up her alley, seamlessly combining her interest in working with plants, the accessible location in the Presidio, the outdoor setting, and the flexibility of engagement.

Bharat, perhaps a little envious of Jean’s enjoyment of the work, soon opted to volunteer as well. He began his service at the Presidio Native Plant Nursery. He then migrated to the Alcatraz Historic Gardens, where he supports the composting program adjacent to the rose garden. Along with other volunteers, he helped build the greenhouse, and the foundation has their names scratched into it. Jean and Bharat joke they are more dedicated to the landscapes of the Golden Gate national parks than they are to their own San Francisco garden!

The couple say they “both have a keen interest in our volunteer sites,” and Jean adds that they have “respect for the staff who work so hard to care for the Presidio habitat.” It became obvious to them that their estate plan was another impactful way to give back to the parks and the volunteer community that have brought so much fulfillment to their lives. Their bequest gift to the Parks Conservancy will be shared equally in support of the Alcatraz Historic Gardens volunteer program and the National Park Service native habitat restoration volunteer program.

We are grateful to Jean and Bharat for all the ways they contribute to the health of our landscapes and our volunteer community.