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How Lady Bird’s Legacy won me over
Inheriting the Lady Bird’s Legacy wildflower project was like receiving an unexpected bequest.
Two angels, Janet Wilson and Retta Kelley — now known as Retta Van Auken — launched the American-Statesman campaign. It has raised more than $100,000 to spread wildflower seeds around Central Texas.
Beginning in 2008, the veteran reporter and the community developer marshalled explanatory articles, printed appeals, donor events and large-scale pledges.
I meekly volunteered to represent the newsroom in the ongoing Legacy effort, scheduled to continue through December 2012. After all, I like nature and the out of doors. I’m fond of Texas and road trips. I am drawn to people and their stories. I admire and respect the Johnson family.
Quickly, I became acquainted with astute professionals at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center and the Texas Department of Transportation. Even more satisfying were conversations with families who had donated significant sums to honor loved ones.
One afternoon, I learned that the Bohls brood traced their time in Central Texas to the early 19th Century. Through e-mail exchanges, I discovered the Kuhl family’s matriarch closely resembled Lady Bird Johnson, and was often mistaken for her. Over coffee, I discovered that the entrepreneurial Boone family was eager to offer their Hangtown Grill or Mr. Gatti’s restaurants for campaign events.
The donation forms offered more social clues. Cheryl B. Schneider gave $25 so seeds would go to fourth-grade teacher Johnna Dennis at Jacob Well Elementary School in Wimberley. Mary and Ted Eubanks made a $100 donation in honor of two of our children and their spouses, with whom: “We have many shared memories of Texas wildflowers in full bloom and want future generations to know the same joy.”
And then there was Tracy Minchich, who spoke the following words during the “celebration of life” service for her father Jim Marshall on Dec. 12.
“A few years ago, Dad and I spent a special day together on a drive in the Hill Country,” she said.”During this drive we discussed the beautiful wildflowers and how peaceful and serene the Hill Country can be. As Dad’s days drew to a close, we discussed the Lady Bird’s Legacy wildflower fund, and as I explained contributions to this fund would enable us to name a one-mile stretch of highway in his memory, he got a big smile on his face. So in the spring and fall when the wildflowers bloom their fairest, we can all smile as we pass by knowing how much Dad enjoyed the beautiful Texas Hill Country.”
The family passed out packets of wildflower seeds and donation information for Lady Bird’s Legacy campaign. To date, more than $1,000 has been donated in Marshall’s name.
In closing, Minchich said, at the ceremony: “If Dad were here today, he’d advise you to ‘live simply, be happy — and most importantly, take time to enjoy the wildflowers.’”
For more information on the project and to view a complete list of donors — or to donate online — visit statesman.com/wildflowers.
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