I was just thinking about Bart Tendick and couldn’t help but smile. I can still see him—not much taller than his students—enthusiastically leading tours through the Preserve. It is also moving to remember his 60+-year marriage to his beautiful wife, Kathy.
Starting in the 1980s, Bart and Kathy were instrumental in raising awareness about the biological and historical importance of the Madrona Marsh Preserve. As educators—Bart taught Biology and Chemistry at San Pedro High School, while Kathy was a Chemistry professor at Harbor Community College—they shared a profound attachment to the Preserve’s wildlife. I’ll never forget him calmly picking up a gopher snake during a tour to show the children. The kids were enthralled, and many later wrote that it was an experience they would remember forever. That was Bart: the consummate teacher and a deeply engaging naturalist. He also led the Senior Stroll for many years, often finding a quiet, shady place to sit and talk. He was never in a hurry, and through that warmth, he recruited many of our volunteers and board members.
Bart eventually expanded his expertise into Native American history, geology, and plant ecology, even assisting with the original text for our exhibit hall panels. He truly recognized how rare and incredible it was to have such a place in an urban area. Long after retiring, he would visit my office to share stories from his three terms as Friends president. His passion never faded; he always cared deeply about Madrona and the people working to make the Marsh such a special place.
