The Central Coast State Parks Association is honored to announce the recipients of our first ever awards ceremony, presented at the 2022 Butterfly Ball in San Luis Obispo. Click each recipient’s photo to read their bio.

John Laird Lifetime Achievement Award – presented to Senator John Laird

To honor those who have dedicated their lives and careers to supporting the conservation of the State of California’s natural and cultural resources, parks and open spaces.

We are honored to present this inaugural John Laird Lifetime Achievement Award to California State Senator John Laird. Senator John Laird dedicated much of his career to advocating for policy that addresses his top priorities: climate change, water conservation, access to State Parks, and ocean sustainability.

Metamorphosis Award for Community Action – presented to Marylou Gooden

To honor the outstanding contributions that community members have made to the conservation and outreach efforts in support of the western monarch butterfly. 

We are honored to present this inaugural Metamorphosis Award for Community Action to Marylou Gooden.  As a person who embodies the essence of metamorphosis, Marylou started as one of two docents volunteering for California State Parks at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove in 1979. In 1980, she gave her first guided monarch talk. Although she was a very busy stay at home mom of 4 children, the exposure to teaching and experiencing the joy of enhancing others through education led her to a career of teaching and a beloved principal. Marylou has dedicated countless hours in support of the western monarch and the Central Coast State Parks.

Metamorphosis Award for Community Action – presented to Robert Shanbrom

To honor the outstanding contributions that community members have made to the conservation and outreach efforts in support of the western monarch butterfly.

We are honored to present this inaugural Metamorphosis Award for Community Action to Robert Shanbrom. As someone who both thinks and cares deeply about his community, Robert appreciates art, nature and sustainability in just about every aspect of his life. His energy and support of the western monarch, our organization and arts and culture in our community is transformative.

Metamorphosis Award for Conservation Leadership – presented to Jessica Griffiths

To honor those who have made a significant impact in supporting the conservation, research and preservation efforts of the western monarch butterfly.

We are honored to present this inaugural Metamorphosis Award for Conservation Leadership to Jessica Griffiths. Jessica has studied monarch butterflies on the Central Coast for over 20 years, organizes the Xerces Society’s Thanksgiving count and provides training to hundreds of volunteers. Jessica’s dedication to monarch research and conservation is inspiring!