“Jo was a champion for science, conservation and restoration. Each and every time we talked science she immediately understood why it was important and asked how she could support more of it. She was quick to use science to defend the efforts of MRT and to provide further protections for the Preserve. She was a true eco-warrior.”  – Lee Kats, Biology professor, now Provost at Pepperdine University and MRT Board Member

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of MRT’s long-time dedicated Program Manager and Co-Director, Jo Kitz. She was 86. Jo joined MRT in 1989 and managed oversight of the Cold Creek Canyon Preserve, and other MRT lands. She worked on development of the Cold Creek Conservation Plan with the CA Coastal Conservancy, and MRT’s Commemorative Oaks Program at Malibu Creek State Park where “her” trees are now flourishing and of healthy size. She worked ceaselessly and physically, leading to her nickname, the ‘Intrepid Weed Warrior.’ Jo’s lifelong passion for the environment manifested itself through over 17 years of activism and conservation even before she joined MRT. She worked with the Sierra Club Task Force, became a founding member of the California Invasive Plant Council (CAL-IPC), and in 1994 was named a Fellow of the California Native Plant Society, the highest honor bestowed upon members of CNPS. Jo was also a Board Member for the Santa Monica Trails Council and helped create the annual Santa Monica Mountains Trails Day. The culmination of her tireless dedication to the environment led her to being named State Assembly Member Fran Pavley’s Women of the Year in 2004. Jo was an incredible friend, mentor, and colleague to many of us at MRT and we stand in tribute to this remarkable woman.