Meet Lucia Herndon – Class of 2020

Lucia grew up in Montana and graduated from Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana. Her love for nature and “digging in the dirt” can be attributed to time spent with her dad who taught her respect, work ethic, fishing, gardening, giving back, the importance of education and constantly learning new things. From a very young age she would be seen with her dad planting flowers and vegetable gardens. Last year she lost her dad three days before his 102nd birthday. Her Master Gardener presentation was on tomatoes in loving memory of him.

The Navy brought Lucia to Norfolk. She currently works at Portsmouth Naval Hospital where she is a case manager. Next year she plans to retire after 31 years which includes active duty, reserve and civil service. She considers her upcoming retirement “bittersweet,” but is looking forward to learning more and volunteering with the Master Gardener projects.

To complete her fifty volunteer hours she participated at the Weyanoke Sanctuary, the Butterfly House at Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Eco Garden at the Ernie Morgan Center, Lafayette Wetlands Partnership and the Square Foot Garden at the Fred Heutte Center. 

  When Lucia is not working or volunteering with the Master Gardeners, she likes crafts, exercising, reading and getting together with friends. 

  Lucia believes the classes were a great learning experience for her and she wishes to thank everyone who made it possible for the Class of 2020 to be successful, especially with the restrictions that were in place.

When you see Lucia please be sure to welcome her to the Norfolk Master Gardeners!