This month, the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS), features Laura Camp, current board member and past president of OCCNPS.

Laura grew up in Pittsburgh and went to Penn State University. Shortly after graduation, she and her new husband Bob packed up their Plymouth Horizon and crossed the country to California. They have made California their home for almost 44 years.

It took time for Laura to adjust to the look and feel of California. She was more familiar with the four seasons of the East Coast. But after four years and a move to Orange County from Los Angeles….California, with its open shrub lands, beaches and mountains, finally felt like home.

Laura considered becoming a horticulture major in college but played it safe and majored in accounting. She became a CPA and worked for several companies through the years.

In 1996, she began working for Tree of Life Nursery, and was able to combine her interest in plants (that began in childhood) with her professional expertise.

“Laura Camp has been a Tree of Lifer for 25 years and has contributed immeasurably to the success of the company. Laura’s stakeholder attitude epitomizes successful business management. She is always pressing on to push Tree of Life Nursery to the next level, and at the same time, solving any real problems that occur.”

–Mike Evans, co-owner of Tree of Life Nursery

After many productive years at Tree of Life Nursery, Laura Camp recently retired in August 2023.

Always a joiner, Laura showed up at an OCCNPS board meeting in 2002 with the idea that Tree of Life Nursery and OCCNPS should have closer ties and coordination. She served as president of OCCNPS, OCCNPS chapter council representative, and eventually as president of the board of the statewide California Native Plant Society (CNPS).

During Laura’s time at the state organization, CNPS took steps toward becoming a more impactful, larger part of the environmental community, thanks in part to some generous donors that facilitated staff and program growth.

Laura has coordinated many activities between Tree of Life Nursery and OCCNPS over the years and is currently focusing on membership, horticulture, and outreach.

“Experiences with OCCNPS are always so fun and rewarding. Whether it’s at a planning meeting, a field trip, or a state conference, it’s amazing to spend time with talented plant lovers who care about nature. My colleagues at OCCNPS and at Tree of Life Nursery are fantastic and dedicated people who have made my life richer.”

–Laura Camp

In semi-retirement, Laura and Bob plan to travel the West, visit their grandchild in Denver, and maybe even visit the many relatives back east. Laura’s passion for hiking and photography will continue. Both of their children have lovely partners and are thriving, and what could be better?

Laura’s role at OCCNPS is evolving, and she is still serving on the chapter board after approximately 20 years. Laura heartily recommends OCCNPS as a great place to get involved and make a difference.