A natural leader

The Chico Creek Nature Center has appointed a new executive director to replace interim director Don Krysakowski of the Work Training Center.

Laura Beck—a Chico State graduate with 24 years of experience at the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks—was introduced as the new director on Dec. 6 at the nature center’s annual members meeting, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record. She and her husband, Larry Beck, returned to Chico six months ago, and her daughter is enrolled at Butte Community College.

Beck (pictured) said her main priorities will be creating educational programs for all ages and scheduling drop-in events for park visitors on weekends.