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Remembering Frank Cruzen by Alta Tura Frank Cruzen, co-founder and first president of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council, passed away on August 29, 2006. Frank accomplished many things before he took on the challenge of advocating for creeks in Sacramento County. After he and his wife Marie raised their family, he retired from Pacific Bell and could have chosen leisurely golden years. Instead he chose to earn a college degree in biology and then put his newly acquired book-learning to practical use. Almost 20 years have passed, but Jo Smith clearly remembers Frank asking her the question, "What are we going to do about Sacramento's creeks?" She didn't have an answer. Frank had some ideas, Jo made some calls, and a meeting was arranged. The Sacramento Urban Creeks Council was born with Frank at the helm. Frank understood the problems of our creeks because he had walked most of them. He saw the garbage in the creeks. He observed the decline in fish and other aquatic animals. He saw how homes and businesses were built right up to the creek banks. He recognized the invasive plants that had escaped from yards and were taking over habitat from the plants. He took others to the creeks or showed people his photographs to point out the decline. Creek maps and documents were examined. He and Jo interviewed experts and concerned citizens who studied and pondered how to reverse the mistreatment and neglect of our local waterways. An initial solution proposed by Frank was to clean the garbage out of the creeks. Our new organization had its first project. On a spring Saturday in 1987, a small group of adult and youth volunteers plunged into a clean-up of Arcade Creek near American River College. Frank saw to it that the clean-up became an annual effort that expanded yearly. He involved the creek maintenance groups of the City and County of Sacramento, recruited leaders for the growing number of clean-up sites and volunteers, and formed a committee to plan the process as it grew into a major event. After a few years, he left the leadership of the committee in the capable hands of Jane Steele, who became the second president of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council. Frank saw the need for a curriculum that aided teachers in using creeks as outdoor classrooms. Dipping Into Creeks was the result. He suggested special recognition for schools that studied and performed service projects on creeks. The Creek Steward Award gives that recognition annually at the Creek Week Splash Off attended by sponsors and dignitaries. Frank established ties with American River College that, among other things, enlisted the help of students with the clean-ups. Frank worked and studied hard, planned well, found partners, nurtured new recruits and was a strong leader. When he decided it was time to retire from his volunteer work, he made sure successors were in place. If you didn't know Frank, imagine somebody unassuming, kind, good, thoughtful and considerate " with steady determination, showing you his creek pictures and urging you to help him answer the question, "What are we going to do about Sacramento's creeks?" You can be proud to be part of his answer. Others remember Frank: by Bruce Swinehart: Years ago on the first day of one of my classes, I asked each student to explain why they were taking my Natural History class. I always did that as an ice breaker. It seemed to be a normal make-up of the class except for one very bright-eyed fellow who looked almost as old as I did, unlike most of my students. He said he was retired and was always interested in nature and wanted to do something of value with his time. Many people just sit down in front of the TV set and take it easy. Frank was definitely not that type. I would often come in to the classroom early and find Frank there. During the class students could come in and study the specimens on their own time any time the class room wasn't in use. He was so interested that I invited him to come with my group on the Sacramento Christmas Bird Count. He came for several years until his back caused him too much trouble. Through the Bird Count we became friends. Frank enjoyed college and did so well that he decided to get his degree. He graduated from American River College and then attended California State University, Sacramento, where he was awarded his BA degree. I was very impressed with his desire and energy to go back to college and start a new career. Needless to say, he did well and became very active in conservation in our area. I was always very proud that I played a role in Frank's success and was doubly pleased when he and Jo Smith got the UCC started on such a great foundation. I miss Frank very much as a friend and as an outstanding environmentalist in our area. I hope The Urban Creeks Council and membership will remember that the organization didn't just happen. It took people with vision and ability to make it happen. I really admire Frank and Jo for what they accomplished. by Benjamin Etgen: Frank was also the president of the American River College Alumni Association. He was both an excellent leader and a friend. He brought new life to the association. All of its members will fondly recall his term as president. The association hosted a dessert and play event. Like always, he was highlighting the efforts of others, desserts from the culinary department and a play from the theater department. He personally welcomed everyone and was sincerely interested in how they were and what they were doing.
Sacramento Urban Creeks Council |
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UCCS Founder