By Ann Garvey
Casey Crichton was an active volunteer for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and other organizations over the past eight years. Casey passed away on March 19 after a brief, but brave, struggle with brain cancer. He was 66.
Casey’s love of nature was evident from his enthusiasm for helping to educate, restore habitat and work on citizen science projects for the environment. One of his passions was trees, not only identifying them but realizing all they provide to the animals and to humans.
He was the “bird man” at the Native Plant sales. Along with fellow Virginia Master Naturalist Dori Rhodes, he helped people learn about the native plants that support native birds in our community. In the Audubon at Home program he served as an Ambassador for clients, pulling from his background as a land developer and property manager. For several of our ambassadors he served as an excellent mentor.
He loved to tell the story of being at Allegheny College and having Doug Tallamy, noted entomologist and author of “Bringing Nature Home,” as one of his classmates. Like Tallamy, Casey liked to recommend the white oak as a tree to plant for the animals.
Every August Casey and his wife, Candi, could be found participating in the butterfly count and in December they took part in the Christmas Bird Count. Helping with the Civics program for 7th grade students at Morven was another of his activities. Along with all his days volunteering for Loudoun Wildlife he also was president of the Friends of Banshee Reeks for four years and an active member with the Master Naturalist chapter.
A ready smile on his face, Casey’s frequent greeting was “Hello, sunshine,” which is exactly what he provided for so many people. He will be missed by so many of us and certainly by the animals and habitats he loved working to support.