Beverly Carpenter, A Master Naturalist, Animal Lover and Plant Enthusiast

by

Deborah Canterbury, Class of 2014 and Member Emeritus

Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum
Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum Photo by Deborah Canterbury

Beverly Carpenter passed away on July 6, 2024. Beverly was a member of class 2013. She was on the Executive Board board serving as Secretary from 2017-2018. Beverly canoed and camped in the pacific northwest and loved the beauty of the Big Bend Area.

Beverly’s passion for lifelong learning and her dedication to environmental stewardship shine through her involvement with the Blackland Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program. Even when she was in isolation fighting for her life, she found ways to recertify as a Master Naturalist. As a member of the Class of 2013, she volunteered at various locations, including the Holifield Science Learning Center, Heritage Farmstead expanding the native plant area, and the Junior Naturalist Program at Wilson Middle School.

Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum Photo by Deborah Canterbury
Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum Photo by Deborah Canterbury
Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum Photo by Deborah Canterbury
Beverly Carpenter working on Fossils at the Heard Museum Photo by Deborah Canterbury

Beverly participated in a Saturday lab training session at the Heard Fossil lab, where she assisted in prepping the Mosasaur fossil and contributed to its exhibit installation. Her fascination with fossil prepping led her to continue working on projects related to Stylemys nebrascensis and Green River fish fossils.

Beverly Carpenter at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center was building a raptor enclosure. Photo by Deborah Canterbury
Beverly Carpenter on the left at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center was building a raptor enclosure. Photo by Deborah Canterbury

In 2016, Beverly expanded her knowledge by volunteering with the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. This experience deepened her understanding of caring for different raptor species, from injuries to various life stages. Picking up injury calls and helping with educational fundraising events. Even working in the highly coveted “Mouse House”. Baby season presented both challenges and rewards, and releasing rehabilitated raptors became a spiritual and exhilarating experience—a new beginning for these magnificent creatures.

Beverly’s contributions extended beyond fieldwork. She shared her wildlife adventures through the “Shaking of the Trees” newsletters, providing plant sightings and a dove nest location. Her dedication to nature and education leaves a lasting legacy.

She played mahjong, bunko, many other games,  participated in book clubs and actively fought against injustices toward women. She loved all things OSU cowpokes, NCAA womens basketball and the WNBA.

Beverly truly lived life to its fullest and cared about everyone she met.
So, I am asking you to look up into the universe tonight and say thank you Beverly. Well done. 🌿🦉🌻

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