Janet Hardie Harvey, Former Irvine Nature Center Administrator and Johnston Square Advocate, Passes Away

Janet Hardie Harvey, a former Irvine Nature Center administrator and advocate for the Johnston Square neighborhood, died of cervical cancer on Saturday at her home.

Janet Harvey, 66, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends.

Harvey was a lifelong resident of Irvine, California, and a graduate of the University of California, Irvine. She began her career as an environmental educator at the Irvine Nature Center, where she worked for over 20 years. During her time at the Nature Center, Harvey developed and implemented educational programs for children and adults, focusing on the importance of environmental stewardship.

In the early 2000s, Harvey became involved in the Johnston Square neighborhood, which was facing a number of challenges, including crime, blight, and poverty. Harvey worked with residents to organize neighborhood clean-ups, create community gardens, and establish a farmers market. She also helped to secure funding for a new park and community center in the neighborhood.

Harvey's work in Johnston Square made a lasting impact on the community. She was instrumental in transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant and thriving place to live. Her legacy will continue to inspire others to work for positive change in their communities.

Harvey is survived by her husband, two children, and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Irvine Nature Center.