“Accounting is the most important aspect of any business.”

Ray Kroc (former CEO of McDonald’s)

This month, the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS), is pleased to feature Lewis Marchand, board member and treasurer of OCCNPS.

Lewis was introduced to our local chapter—and CNPS as a whole—by Brad Jenkins, former president and long-time board member of OCCNPS. Brad was an old friend, and when Lewis began planning his retirement in 2020, he asked Brad about any local volunteer opportunities.

At that time OCCNPS was looking for someone who could take over Laura Camp’s work as treasurer for the chapter, as she had served in that capacity for quite some time (along with her many other CNPS roles over that last 20 years.)

With Lewis’ extensive business background, Brad suggested that Lewis would be a good fit. Lewis agreed and has been using his financial talents on behalf of OCCNPS ever since.  

Members might not realize all of the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to keep a chapter running efficiently and in compliance with the laws governing non-profits in California—there are monthly financial reports to our OCCNPS board as well as reports throughout the year to the CNPS state office in Sacramento, including quarterly sales tax reporting and year-end financial reporting. All of this work is vital to make sure the chapter’s activities are integrated into the overall CNPS/State financial reporting, and OCCNPS is grateful for Lewis’ expert help.

Additionally, in the last year, Lewis was instrumental in getting OCCNPS plant sales reporting back on line with the latest technology from Square, a retail sales (and sales tax) software program for businesses.

Now Lewis is using his Square expertise to train other OCCNPS members so they can track sales at events such as the South Coast Plaza Spring Garden show, where Lewis volunteered for two full days (plus two mornings) helping chapter members get familiar with the Square plant sales platform. 

Want to buy plants at an in-person monthly chapter meeting? Chances are you will find Lewis there, staffing the sales table (or being available nearby in case there are any Square issues).

Along with attending OCCNPS meetings (both in person and via Zoom), Lewis is part of the chapter team that works with OCCNPS board member Elizabeth Wallace at Vera’s Sanctuary.

“It is there that I have learned the most about native plants,” Lewis says, and, inspired by the success of the native plant restoration at Vera’s Sanctuary, he has begun planting natives in his own back yard, starting with sage and buckwheat. Now thoroughly “hooked” on native plants, Lewis plans to continue a transition to California native plants in his yard.

Lewis not only appreciates native plants in a home landscape, but as an active hiker, he has hiked many of the regional and wilderness parks in Orange County over the last year and counts himself fortunate to have witnessed the beautiful spring bloom in so many parks this year.

With a retirement already enriched by native plants, Lewis looks forward to more personal and OCCNPS chapter growth as he continues to “learn from a great group of board members who have broad knowledge of native plants.”