Julian Duval, Quail Botanical Garden¹s Executive Director, was recently named by the Cuyamaca College Botanical Society (CCBS) as their Horticulturist of the Year. This determination is based on the lifelong contributions and achievements of a horticulturist living in San Diego County. Duval will be receiving the award at the CCBS Scholarship and Awards Banquet April 22, 2004 at the Cottonwood Golf Pavilion.

"Duval's compassion and concern for the living world has lead to a lifetime dedicated to conservation and education," commented Patricia Neal, CCBS President.

Before taking on his position at Quail Botanical Gardens nine years ago, he was Vice President in charge of zoological and botanical collections at the Indianapolis Zoo. Prior to that, he spent a number of years in Central America working in the Peace Corps in Santo Domingo and as the Administrative General for a zoo in Guatemala. His contributions to the living world are innumerable, added Neal.

Duval's passion for the living world may have begun in early childhood with a gift from his Grandmother of a Hawaiian Ti plant, which he nurtured and propagated for 15 years.

A quote attributed to a Senegalese conservationist and a favorite of Duval's may best describe his philosophy on life:

"People will only conserve that which they love. People will only love that which they know. People will only know what they have been taught."

Contact: Quail Botanical Gardens (760) 436-3036