| Life is way too short not to have fun! Find the projects that you enjoy so your enthusiasm will create moments that inspire awe, curiosity, and stewardship of our natural world. ― Bryon Clark |
BPTMN: What inspired you to become a Master Naturalist?
My spouse (Margaret Avard) and several of my colleagues suggested that it was important to have post-retirement plans for how I would spend my newfound free time. Margaret had become a Texas Master Naturalist three years before my retirement and was thoroughly enjoying the experience. Given my life-long interest and professional background in wildlife conservation, I thought becoming a Texas Master Naturalist would be a good way to stay engaged, continue learning, and give back to the community.
BPTMN: On what type of projects do you typically spend your service hours, or are they varied?
My service hours are scattered across a broad range of activities including conducting citizen science research that monitors bat and bird populations, writing grants to support environmental education activities, presenting nature-oriented talks to community groups, maintaining and improving wildlife habitats, and providing environmental education programs to youth and adults.
BPTMN: When you were taking the Master Naturalist classes, do you have a favorite lesson that has stuck with you?
I enjoyed all of the initial training classes, but the geology field trip was one of my favorite experiences. After learning about the geology of Texas and Grayson County in the classroom, we visited a local creek bed to look for fossils. Everyone had fun tromping along the creek searching for fossils and watching for snakes. As an added bonus, we were able to keep any of the fossils that could be carried out (some of the ammonites were quite large). This memorable outing continues to serve as a good reminder about the importance of providing fun, hands-on activities in educational programs.
BPTMN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and perhaps what you like to do in your spare time?
Growing up on a small farm in southern Iowa, my earliest memories are associated with outdoor activities such as helping with farm chores, exploring the woods, working in the family garden, or fishing in our ponds. I enjoyed learning about the natural world and ultimately earned a BA, MS, and a PhD in Biology. Each program consisted primarily of field-oriented coursework focused on wildlife management. My research centered on the ecology of small mammals, with an emphasis on endangered and non-game species such as bats, mice, rats, voles, and shrews.
I was then fortunate to become a professor of biological sciences at a small university in Oklahoma, where I engaged and mentored undergraduate students in field-based research. Midway through my 30-year career in higher education, I went to the dark side for some unknown reason and became an administrator. I was serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs in the last year before my anticipated retirement when I was unexpectedly asked to be Interim President. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck. When a permanent president was hired, I knew it was the right time to retire.
Currently, I am enjoying retired life with my wife, Margaret Avard, and our three dogs. Our son, Gerald, is pursuing a Master of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California Santa Barbara. As a family, we share a love for nature and adventure, whether birdwatching, scuba diving, hiking, or traveling together. When at home, we spend time improving our acreage for wildlife and volunteering, especially at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.
BPTMN: Is there one thing that you’d like to tell others who are thinking of becoming a Master Naturalist or perhaps current members who might need a little bit of inspiration?
Volunteers may never see or even know the full impact of their effort, but that does not diminish its value. It is important to remember that sometimes a person’s life can be transformed in a single moment and programs provided by TMN volunteers can serve as the catalyst for this change. Please remember, your volunteer effort does make a difference so strive to do your best and not let opportunities to make a difference pass.
BPTMN: Comments?
Life is way too short not to have fun! Find the projects that you enjoy so your enthusiasm will create moments that inspire awe, curiosity, and stewardship of our natural world.
