Many Victorians might recognize him as the big-bearded man keeping careful track of Cooper hawks and herons and reporting out nesting sites to the media each summer.
Behind the scenes, Fred Hook did much more as Victoria’s environmental technician.
“(He) should take a lot of the credit for making Beacon Hill Park that special place,” City of Victoria parks director Kate Friars said.
Hook retired two weeks ago after 28 years with the city.
“He went without any fanfare whatsoever,” Friars said. “It was his choice. He will be very sorely missed.”
As environmental technician, Hook managed invasive species and the naturalization of areas in the park.
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