About Don

As a storyteller, a landscape architect, and an artist, Don loves the creative challenges of writing.

How did you become a writer?

For the first 17 years of her life, I created a book every year for my daughter, commencing with simple picture rhymes and moving on to chapter books and cartoons. It was one way to present her with a keepsake gift that no one else has. Later, in my professional career as a landscape architect, I had the opportunity to write numerous articles for Landscape Architecture Magazine which sharpened my compositional and editing skills. I find that writing provides me with a necessary creative outlet and an occasion to entertain others.

Besides writing, what else brings you joy?

Many, many things bring me joy as life is so magnificent. The adventures provided by traveling and exploring our wonderful globe and its various cultures have always been a source of inspiration and a means to recharge my creative batteries. I attempt to arranges my calendar to allow Kathy and I the freedom to explore the jungles of Belize, Costa Rica and Guatemala, the rivers of Idaho and Russia, the mountains of Morocco, California and Austria, the plazas of New Orleans and Venice, the gardens of China, and (most importantly) the wineries of Washington and Italy.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what books would you need to have with you?

I’d need an entire library! The favorites include anything by Jess Walter, Christopher Moore, Barbara Kingsolver, David Sedaris, Kim Barnes, Sherman Alexie and Ivan Doig. I’ve read everything by John Steinbeck, but it wouldn’t be a burden to re-read his works.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Kathy and I reside in a Mediterranean-style villa which I designed that overlooks the Snake River. The exterior place is what we call ‘The Jungle’ and is where we were married. We love to plant and nurture our desirable flora and to rip out with a vengeance the not-so-desired plants. This quasi-wild habitat attracts the wild fauna which entertain us: raccoons, turkeys, doves, quail, pheasants, mule deer, hummingbirds, songbirds and acrobatic squirrels.

You are involved with a number of philanthropic pursuits, can you expand?

I’ve always believed in giving back to the community – a practice that was instilled in me by my parents. Some of my current civic contributions include:

Founding member and Board of Directors of Modie Conservancy Park, a unique wildlife park in Lewiston, ID where habitat is created to provide a welcoming environment for animals and where humans are the visitors.
Founding member and President of Save the Bollinger Performing Center – a successful effort to save a grand old 120-year-old stone landmark from the wrecking ball and discover a new purpose for the building.
Board member of the Lewiston Rotary Club since 1988 – a feel-good group of friends who distribute coats to the needy, support clean water projects in South America, prepare dinners for the homeless, give GED scholarships and are developing Rotary Peace Park overlooking the Snake River.

Some of my previous civic contributions include:

Board member, Lewiston Library Foundation
Founding member and Ambassador, Dogwood Festival of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley
Board member, St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation
National Vice-President of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Idaho-Montana Chapter President of the ASLA
Board member, Asotin County Library

What did you do before this latest chapter in your life?

I spent my formative years in Meridian, then migrated north to obtain a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Idaho. In 1980, I opened my design firm in Lewiston and for decades I enjoyed creating parks and landscapes to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the northwest. I was also fortunate to be an adjunct faculty member at the University of Idaho where I took pleasure in warping and educating the enthusiastic minds of my students for 38 years.

Check out his spotlight in the Lewiston Tribune!

Recognition

Governor’s Smart Growth Award for the Shorelines Master Program for Southeast Washington State

Distinguished Trustee Award, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Foundation

2007 Governor’s Smart Growth Award for the Wind Turbine Planning Project for Garfield County, Washington State

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Merit Award for Interpretive Panels Along the River, Idaho-Montana Chapter of ASLA

Article of the Year from The Western Planner

Inducted as Fellow of American Society of Landscape Architects

Ted Wirth Leadership & Service Award

Honor Award for Asotin County Web Page Communications, Idaho-Montana Chapter of ASLA

Growth Management Award for Planning, Washington State

Architectural Award from Walla Walla 2020 for Garrison Middle School, Walla Walla, Washington

Merit Award for Camelot Courtyard, Idaho-Montana Chapter of ASLA

Rotarian of the Year