Grace was born and raised on a farm in central Minnesota, where water sources were scarce and farmhouses had cisterns to preserve every drop of water from rain and snow (used for bathing, laundry, dishes). Where wells were deep (100 feet) and far apart from farm to farm. At that time, well water was used only for drinking, cooking and for the animals. Crops were rotated to preserve and enrich the soil and animal manure used to fertilize the fields. Rain was the only source of moisture for the crops. She learned from birth to never waste and to reuse everything, that water is precious and to treat it with respect and always preserve it.
Grace’s profession for 42+ years was in nursing, the majority spent in community public health, mental health, and as a school nurse. She is now retired. She and her husband migrated to Canada in 1972 and she became a citizen in 1968. Together, they raised their family in Vernon, British Columbia. She is grateful to live on the stolen, unceded territory of the Syilx people. Their home borders a small park alongside Vernon Creek and they volunteer their time with Adopt-a-Stream to keep it clean. Hidden Park is now frequented by many visitors
Recognizing the changes in Vernon Creek, Grace became very concerned with the health of her watershed. She joined Code Blue BC, which connected her to Taryn Skalbania of the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance; Casey Como with Help Our Watershed; and Eveline Wolterson with Silver Hills Watershed Watch. By working together, they helped found IWTF in 2023. The group continues to focus on watershed protection, drought, the preservation of intact and old-growth forests, habitat conservation and forestry reform.
