From mentoring PhD students to inspiring children learning about the canyon’s owls and imperiled habitats, Sandy’s 30 years of commitment to Starr Ranch and passion for conservation left an incredible legacy of impact. It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Dr. Sandy DeSimone, our Director of Research, Education, and Land Management at Starr Ranch Sanctuary, recently passed away. Our deepest sympathies go to her husband and Starr Ranch Manager, Pete DeSimone, during this difficult time.   Sandy’s 30 years of commitment to the sanctuary and passion for conservation has left an incredible legacy of impact. After conducting her thesis and dissertation research on coastal sage scrub at Starr Ranch, our 4,000-acre Audubon Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, she took on the role of Director in 1997.…