In Memory of Connie Berto

Marin Stables & Trails mourns the August 8, 2020 passing of our beloved President CONNIE BERTO and celebrates her memory with these few words about her amazing life as a Marin County horse and outdoor enthusiast, open space docent and passionate protector.

She began volunteering for Marin County Parks over 40 years ago. She rode her horse on Marin Open Space District trails assessing conditions, such as downed trees, fences that needed repairs, landslides, and cows out of their fields. When she met trail users with off-leash dogs, she handed out leashes and talked about wildlife protections. She greeted trail users and gave information about trail lengths, and names of wildflowers and trees.

When Connie first moved to Marin with husband, she felt she was in paradise. “When I found out that I could combine my love of the outdoors with volunteering, I couldn’t sign up fast enough,” she said. “I want trail users to enjoy our beautiful Marin open space and nature in a peaceful and safe way.”

Connie served as the equestrian representative on the Trails Committee of the Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Commission from 1976 to 2003, and is a charter member of the County Mounties, formed in 1980. Additionally, in 1991 she and her companions rode their horses 750 miles in 15 days along the original Pony Express trail from Salt Lake City to Carson City, Nevada.

She will be sorely missed. Her trusty horse and trail companion “Dusty”, a 27 year old Morgan gelding who still rides and drives, will go live in Oregon with her daughter in law, Dianne Berto.