WATSONVILLE — Plans are underway to build a memorial bench to honor Patricia McQuade, a Watsonville community leader who managed Pinto Lake City Park for decades.
In recent years she spearheaded a campaign, with the help of Friends of Pinto Lake, to restore the health of Pinto Lake. The lake was unhealthy during the warm seasons due to cyanobacteria, toxic algae. McQuade was instrumental in helping find a cure and facilitate a treatment of alum on the sediment.
She was also the creator of “Nature Trading Cards” — a set of educational flash cards featuring the diversity of plants and animals of the wetlands of Watsonville. Most of the cards feature McQuade’s photographs and descriptions for each species. She singlehandedly distributed the cards to thousands of children and teachers, both locally and nationwide.
Organizers are now raising funds to help pay the City of Watsonville for the bench, a plaque and the installation of a bird-friendly commemorative tree in her memory at Pinto Lake City Park.
Friends of Pinto Lake are planning a public memorial service and unveiling of the Pat McQuade Memorial Bench in the summer.
To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/a-bench-tree-to-honor-pat-mcquade.
