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 A Beloved Friend
Donna O'Neill
Donna O'Neill's association with Audubon began over thirty years ago when the 4,000-acre Starr Ranch became an Audubon Sanctuary, but her love for wildlife and natural places did not begin there. Donna simply liked getting out on foot or horseback to enjoy birds and botany, or just to explore. Donna's favorite place for those activities was the expansive Rancho Mission Viejo in southeast Orange County, California.
The magnificent O'Neill ranch has been part of her husband Richard's family since 1882, where cattle ranching, farming, habitat preservation and some development has occurred for decades. She also championed wildlife research on the Rancho. Working with Richard, she opened the Ranch to raptor population studies – at least a dozen breeding species – as well as a host of other projects. Her willingness to let others learn from the Rancho increased our understanding of unique wildlife habitats such as coastal sage scrub, which is found in only southern and Baja California.
Donna loved all things natural and she loved the land. She lived in a modest home overlooking Rancho Mission Viejo surrounded by beautiful cactus gardens and a small pond. Native vegetation formed the nearby perimeter. Birds were always abundant. Donna frequently had California Quail feeding just outside her door.
Donna and Richard enjoyed having visitors at their home. It was a relaxed setting where the conversation invariably turned to politics, while watching the badgers and the Burrowing Owls in the field behind the ranch house. Donna was a loyal friend and consistent supporter of the activities at Audubon's Starr Ranch Sanctuary, which now involve wildlife research, habitat restoration and education. Her legacy continues through our fond memories, and through an extremely generous bequest to Audubon that will allow Starr Ranch Sanctuary to maintain and expand its programs. Her vision was acute. Her friendship was steadfast. And her generosity unparalleled. |
