For Heather, San Damiano quickly became more than just a beautiful place to walk Ruby, her dog — it became part of Heather and her husband’s story as well.
With so many options for getting outside with Ruby, San Damiano stands out as their favorite by far. “It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place for Ruby and me to relax. We go there as often as we can.” Ruby loves greeting visitors, exploring the wooded areas, and especially romping through the snow in winter. For Heather, the experience begins the moment they step onto the property. “The minute we walk onto the property, I feel decompressed and relaxed.” Each season brings something special — snowy quiet in winter, vibrant growth in spring, warm gatherings in summer, and breathtaking sunsets over Lake Monona year-round. The view, Heather says, is simply the best.
From their very first visit, Heather and her husband felt connected to San Damiano. “We were just in awe of the beauty and the views. ”The walks with Ruby became treasured memories. When family and friends visit from out of town, San Damiano is always on the itinerary, often with coffee enjoyed on the overhang by the water. It’s also become a place of connection. Conversations with fellow visitors, shared appreciation for the property, and the welcoming spirit of the space have all deepened their attachment. “It’s a very special place, and we feel so grateful to spend time there.”
That gratitude eventually inspired action. “I wanted to give back to the property that has given us so much.” Heather values that San Damiano is open to the public — a place where all are welcome to experience beauty, nature, and peace. Volunteering felt like a natural way to help protect and support that mission.
One of the things Heather looks forward to most is seeing the continued development of the property. The dedication of the Friends of San Damiano is evident. “Over time, all the hours they’ve put in really show.” Each year brings new landscaping touches after volunteer cleanups. Events continue to expand, drawing the community together in meaningful ways. She has especially loved the spring cleanup, watching the property transform from winter into spring; seeing the shoreline turned into an elegant celebration space; and the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival in 2024. “To see blocks of wood transformed into pieces of art was unbelievable.”
Beyond the work itself, volunteering has created something equally meaningful: connection. “It’s such a great way to meet really interesting and wonderful people. We all share a love for this special property.”
Outside of volunteering, Heather works as a nurse practitioner at UW in the pre-anesthesia clinic, helping medically optimize patients before surgery. At home, life includes Ruby and their newly adopted kitty, Morty. Heather loves music, sports, and live events — and has a fun personal quirk: “I’m very seasonal. I love decorating for each season, and I even have certain foods and drinks I only enjoy during specific times of year. And I love organizing spaces!”
San Damiano is special for many reasons, but Heather’s story is a reminder that it’s not just the views or the events that matter. It’s the way this place weaves itself into people’s lives, offering peace, connection, and purpose.
