NATIONAL TREASURE VETERAN PARK RANGER HONORED FOR SERVICE.

Byline: Paul O'Donoghue Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS - During her 17 years with the National Park Service, CQuvator Gatson has introduced thousands of people to the wonders of nature, but it's enlightening the children that brings her the most joy.

``I love the third- and fourth-graders, especially, because you can mold their little minds and they're so grateful,'' said Gatson, who is stationed at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area office on Hillcrest Drive. ``Anything you show or teach them, they chew it up.''

To recognize Gatson's years of dedication, Gatson - known as ``Q'' to her friends - was honored this month with the Superior Service Award, presented annually to one Park Service ranger by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

``Q is quite an example because of her contributions to the educational program we have here,'' said Charles Taylor, acting superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

``Not only has she been doing that, but she's brought the park to people who would not necessarily come to the park, and she's a very tall figure in the community-based organizations.''

In 1998, for example, Gatson was honored by the Girl Scouts' Tres Condados Council for being a role model and helping interest girls in the outdoors and nature.

``One of the things that was so outstanding was when she accepted the award, the words she said were beautiful: `It's my job to shine the flashlight high,' said Kristin Frascella, a leader with the 10,000-girl council. ``She really sees herself as a leader in nature and the outdoors. She's great. It was such a humbling experience.''

Gatson said her own frail childhood - she was born with sickle cell anemia - gives her an empathy with youngsters, especially those who don't fit in.

It also provided insight when she helped write ``Teaching for America,'' a 20-page how-to guide for Park Service staff nationwide, aimed at increasing the number and diversity of children attracted to national parks.

Gatson was born in Riverside, then reared by her grandparents in Shreveport, La. She was named CQuvator - pronounced kew-VA-tor, a derivation of French meaning ``seeking greater heights'' - for an esteemed family friend. She returned to California, where she earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, then toiled at various jobs. She stocked fish for the state Department of Fish and Game, worked as a dispatcher for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office and eventually went to work for the Park Service, working her way up to ranger.

``I finally settled on the National Park Service because it allowed me to combine my three loves: animals, nature and teaching people about animals and nature,'' she said. ``It's a decision that's lasted 17 years.''

Because of her sickle cell anemia, a hereditary blood disorder that can cause multiple medication complications, doctors predicted that Gatson would not live beyond age 2. But she defied the odds and now, at 49, leads a full life, with hobbies that include reading and singing.

At work, she specializes in preparing interpretive materials, from brochures to audio-visual exhibits, that explain natural and historical features. She also helps train other rangers. Because of the disease, she works at home on her computer four days a week and spends one day at headquarters.

``I've made it this far,'' she said with characteristic cheerfulness.

``My personal goal is to make it to 50. I'm 49 now, if I make it to 50 that'll be good. And I'd like to make it farther. But if I don't, so be it.''

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Photo: (color) Park Service Ranger CQuvator Gatson has been honored by the U.S. Department of the Interior with the Superior Service Award.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News