Helen Lusi

Helen Lusi found joy in wildflowers, woodlands, birds, mushrooms, and the quiet beauty of Rhode Island’s landscapes. She loved introducing others to those discoveries, whether exploring a woodland trail, encouraging a child’s curiosity, or simply spending time with fellow nature enthusiasts. Her warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for the living world enriched the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society from its very first year and continued for nearly four decades.

Helen joined RIWPS in 1987, the year the Society was founded, and immediately became a dedicated volunteer. She served on the Society’s first Board of Directors from 1987 to 1990, including two years as Vice President. While she contributed in many ways over the years, education was always at the heart of her service.

As co-chair of RIWPS’s first Education Committee, Helen helped establish Rhode Island Wild Plant Week, launched the Society’s participation in the Rhode Island State Science Fair, developed educational partnerships with schools and youth organizations, helped create a Conservation Education Fund that enabled schoolchildren to participate in environmental education programs, and played a leading role in developing resources that introduced countless young people to Rhode Island’s native plants and habitats.

Helen’s service extended throughout the Society. She served on the Membership, Nominating, and Program Committees, coordinated office operations during RIWPS’s early years, chaired the Sunshine Committee, contributed plants for educational exhibits, and even delighted members with the newsletter’s What’s Cooking with Wild Plants column, beginning with her recipe for violet syrup. Long after her early leadership roles, she remained an active volunteer, generous supporter, and faithful friend of RIWPS.

Beyond RIWPS, Helen also had a long and valued association with the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. Her dedication to advancing natural history education, conservation, and scientific understanding in Rhode Island was recognized in 2022 when she received the Survey’s Founders’ Award for Exceptional Service.

Helen lived a life rooted in learning, music, family, and the natural world. A lifelong educator, she earned degrees in music and education and never lost her curiosity or sense of adventure. She treasured New England’s forests and fields, and her many walks with fellow naturalists brought her not only opportunities to explore the landscape but also the camaraderie, laughter, conversation, and enduring friendships that enriched her years. She found happiness in encouraging others to notice and appreciate the remarkable world around them. The woodland home she and her husband, Gus, created in Johnston became a welcoming gathering place where conversations about the outdoors were often accompanied by music, laughter, and friendship.

When Helen received RIWPS’s Lifetime Service Award in 2018, Society founder Lisa Gould reflected on the qualities that made Helen so special. She described Helen’s “infectious enthusiasm,” her generosity in sharing her knowledge of native plants, and her thoughtful kindness toward others.

“I can’t imagine RIWPS without Helen, whose presence in the Society for 30+ years has warmed us and kept us laughing and loving being with her.” — Lisa Gould

As our members walk woodland trails, admire spring wildflowers, or pause to appreciate the diversity of our habitats, they are also walking a path that Helen helped create. We remember her with gratitude, affection, and the enduring inspiration of a life so generously shared.

Obituary

Harvey Buford

Harvey Buford brought a practical spirit, an easy-going openness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world to the RIWPS volunteers he worked alongside. His warm smile, curiosity, and thoughtful manner made people feel welcome, whether he was sharing stories, exchanging ideas, or simply enjoying time outdoors.

Harvey became part of the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society through his wife, Dyane, who first volunteered with Seed Starters West. Harvey later joined her with a willingness to help wherever he could. He had a knack for recognizing what needed attention and quietly figuring out how to help. Whether sharing his own knowledge or learning something new, he approached each task with curiosity and care.

At Seed Starters West, Harvey enjoyed the hands-on work of caring for native plants. Whether sowing seed in trays, potting up seedlings, watering, organizing and labeling plants for sales, or helping keep supplies in order, he contributed to wherever task arose. Harvesting seeds at ReSeeding Rhode Island’s foundation plot at Brandon Family Farm was especially of interest to him, reflecting his appreciation for how these small beginnings help restore native plant communities. Working alongside fellow volunteers, Harvey enjoyed learning together, sharing knowledge, and discovering connections through people’s interest and experiences.

Harvey’s work with RIWPS reflected a lifelong commitment to conservation. For nearly twenty-five years as Chair of the Hopkinton Conservation Commission, he worked to protect forests and open space, helped establish the Hopkinton Land Trust, and later continued his conservation efforts with the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council.

Although Harvey was part of RIWPS for only a portion of his long conservation journey, our Seed Starters West volunteers are grateful to have shared that time with him. We are thankful for the contributions he made to our organization and for the thoughtful, practical spirit he brought to our volunteer community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dyane and their family.

Obituary