What inspired you to become a Master Naturalist?
I’ve been wanting to become a Texas Master Naturalist for several years because of my love for nature and desire to learn more about the local environment. I also felt it would be a good avenue to make a difference as a volunteer. I’ve been volunteering with youth for Girl Scouts for 23 years, and applying for the class was a great opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna so that I could pass along that education to others.
On what type of projects do you typically spend your service hours, or are they varied?
My projects vary, but I serve primarily in three areas: volunteering in animal care at Holifield, joining team mates in BPTMN public education outreach at local events, and serving on the BPTMN Eco Explorer team to educate our Girl Scout youth.
When you were taking the Master Naturalist classes, do you have a favorite lesson that has stuck with you?
I was pleased with the stellar program the BPTMN chapter has developed. The guest speakers and course curricula were engaging and very informative. It’s difficult to choose any particular one that has stuck with me because I learned so much in each class. In addition, the field trips were very educational and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in several of the pods’ iNat outings! It was a great way to learn about the local flora and fauna by learning the app.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and perhaps what you like to do in your spare time?
I am a native Texan from the Rio Grande Valley but grew up overseas, which shaped my life considerably. My first love was biology, but life took me a different direction and I received a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M which brought me to the Dallas area where I worked for Texas Instruments. I have volunteered for the local Girl Scout council for 23+ years, leading my daughter’s troop for 13 of those years. I continue to believe in the overall Girl Scout mission, but my focus has been getting the girls outside and learning about the natural world that surrounds us. In my spare time I enjoy walking, watching birds, nature journaling, cooking, playing Mahjong, sewing, and paper crafting.
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?
Don’t delay. I wish I had done this years ago. I know I have been able to have an impact, especially on our youth, through volunteering with the BPTMN. I have found my niche educating the Girl Scout youth via the Eco Explorer club, which has more than doubled in interested girls since its inaugural year last fall. It’s been a very rewarding experience and I continue to learn so much from my fellow naturalists and the programs that continue to be offered through the TMN and Agrilife Extension Center, and locally, the BPTMN.
