When asked to interview for Why I Volunteer, Nancy Thoss chuckled. “Sure, but my story isn’t dramatic. Not like some others I’ve heard.” Perhaps. But the foundation of every volunteer…
SAL AND THE KEMPS, by Sal Scibetta
As long as I can remember, turtles have always been there. I do remember when the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle came into my life: Science Club, Wells Middle School, Houston,…
OPENING MY EYES, by Jim Baker
A sudden gust of wind rocks the camper just as I sit down on the sofa to relax after my morning hike along the trails of Kerrville Schreiner Park. It doesn’t…
MY BACKYARD AND BEYOND, by Haeley Giambalvo
My love for nature started in my backyard. Seven years ago, we traded a downtown Chicago condo for a suburban home in San Antonio. It was my first home with…
WHY I VOLUNTEER – Spotlight on Drake White
In 1999, Drake White moved from the concrete jungle of Queens, New York to an apartment in San Antonio. It was certainly a change of scenery. “One morning,” she says…
WHY I VOLUNTEER – Spotlight on Master Naturalist Jim Baker
Jim Baker, Class 41, is a retired special education teacher who enjoys RV camping in Texas State Parks. He got inspired to become a MN while touring Honey Creek with…
WHY I VOLUNTEER – Spotlight on Master Naturalist Joedy Yglesias
Bringing nature to people, and people to nature. It’s a passion for Joedy Yglesias, and his family planted the seeds when he was a boy. Joedy grew up relatively poor…
WHY I VOLUNTEER – Spotlight on Master Naturalist Suzanne Young
It’s one thing to invite someone to join a movement. It’s quite another to inspire them by our commitment and passion. In 1999, MN Rebecca Yoder invited her friend, Suzanne…
WHY I VOLUNTEER – Spotlight on Master Naturalist Vanessa Velazquez
As a professional photographer, Scout Leader, and Master Naturalist in the Alamo Area Chapter (Class 45), Vanessa Velazquez shares her love for the natural world with everyone she meets. You…
THE HEART OF THE MATTER, by Krin Van Tatenhove
An icy wind strafes the South Texas desert as we grab our backpacks and walking sticks. Our guide, Kelly Timmons, has just briefed us on the steepness of our descent…